Bill > HB627

This bill amends Ohio law to give county commissioners the power to disapprove scenic river designations within their jurisdiction. Specifically, the bill allows county commissioners to adopt a resolution to block the designation of a scenic river within 45 days of the initial public notice. If a county board of commissioners adopts such a resolution and notifies the Director of Natural Resources in writing within 60 days of the initial notice, the Director is prohibited from designating that watercourse as a scenic river. The bill also includes a retroactive provision that allows county commissioners to review and potentially disapprove scenic river designations made on or after November 1, 2024, within 90 days of the bill's effective date. The legislation requires public notice of any meeting discussing such a resolution, mandating at least one publication in a county newspaper 30 days prior to the meeting. This change gives local government more control over river designations while maintaining the existing process for proposing and establishing wild, scenic, and recreational rivers managed by the state's Department of Natural Resources.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb627