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No. 13 May 20, 2005 PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS BULLETIN TO YOUR COUNCIL, DEPARTMENT HEADS & STAFF Senate Nears Decision on Substitute Budget Bill. The Ohio Senate wrapped up most testimony on the House-passed version of the state budget (HB 66) this week. It is expected that a Senate substitute version of the budget will be unveiled sometime within the next week. Now is the time to make one last call or visit to your member(s) of the Senate to talk about the importance of the local government funds, estate tax and other issues of importance in the budget. PERS Bill Introduced. Late Thursday, legislation (HB 272) supported by the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) was introduced into the Ohio House. Because of the length and complexity of the bill, we will have a detailed review of all the changes proposed by the bill next week. However, one provision of the bill does change the “earnable salary” schedule needed for full credit in the system. Currently, an official, eligible for PERS, must make $250 a month to receive a full month’s credit in the system. After December 31, 2006, that monthly minimum will rise to $450 a month. After 2007, the monthly minimum will be $450 a month, plus an amount determined each new year by a federal wage index. We will keep you informed on this matter beginning with a review of the entire bill next week. In this case we have some time as quick action on this bill is not expected and most of the changes proposed by the legislation do not occur until 2006 or 2007. HB 56, Red Light Bill, Passes House. The Ohio House passed, by a 73-24 margin, a bill that would effectively ban the use of red light cameras by all political subdivisions. The only amendment adopted on the floor was one designed to prohibit making the time for yellow lights shorter than allowed by the ODOT Manuel. No amendments on green lights were offered. The bill now goes onto the Senate. League Opposes HB 126; Asks for ReviewThe League opposed HB 126, a bill that would make further revisions to Ohio’s towing laws. Through a letter to the House Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee pointed to several concerns with the bill. The League asked the Committee to convene a working group of all interested parties to review this bill, as well as all parts of the Revised Code that deals with towed vehicles, abandoned vehicles, tow trucks and salvage regulation. The full text of the League’s comments will be posted on our Website, www.omunileague.org, by 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 20. Working Group Reviewing Open Records Bill. The Chair of the House Civil and Commercial Law Committee, Representative Bill Seitz, has initiated efforts on the part of a working group of interested parties to review and make recommendations for changes to HB 9, the Open Records bill. That group began its work this week and the league is participating in that effort. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 23, 2005 TUESDAY, MAY 24 House Commerce and Labor, (Chr. Schaffer, 466-8100), Taft Rm. (formerly 122), 1:30 p.m. HB 148 HOME CONTRACTORS (Trakas) To adopt the Home Improvement Contractor Law, establish the Home Improvement Contractor Registration Board in the Department of Commerce, establish civil and criminal penalties for violation of the law, and grant the attorney general enforcement powers. (3rd Hearing-Proponent, opponent & interested party) WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 House Economic Development & Environment, (Chr. Collier, 466-1431), Rm. 017, 3 p.m. HJR 2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BONDS (Martin) Proposing to amend the Constitution of the State of Ohio to foster job creation, economic development and commercialization of science and technology-based research and development in this state. (2nd Hearing-Proponent, opponent & interested party) Senate State & Local Government & Veterans Affairs, (Chr. Coughlin, 466-4823), South Hearing Rm., 4 p.m. SB 143 GOVERNMENT CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS (Jacobson) To impose contract, record-keeping, auditing, and other requirements on persons that receive money from governmental entities for the provision of certain services, to provide civil remedies for the misuse of that and other public money, and to create the Government Contracting Advisory Council. (2nd Hearing - Proponent)
THURSDAY, MAY 26 House State Government, (Chr. Buehrer, 644-5091), Rm. 122, 9:30 a.m. HB 84 RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT (Flowers) To prohibit political subdivisions from imposing residency requirements on certain employees. (1st Hearing-Sponsor)
House Local & Municipal Government & Urban Revitalization, (Chr. Wolpert, 466-9690), Rm. 018, 11 a.m. HB 187 CIVIL SERVICE REVIEW (Buehrer) To implement recommendations of the Civil Service Review Commission. (2nd Hearing-Proponent)
SCHEDULE FOR HEARINGS ON HB 66, BIENNIAL BUDGET BILL SENATE FINANCE AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS COMMITTEE (Chr. Carey, 466-8156), Finance Hearing Rm. HB 66 BIENNIAL BUDGET (Calvert) To make operating appropriations for the biennium beginning July 1, 2005 and ending June 30, 2007, and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of state programs. TUESDAY, MAY 24 9:30 a.m. (INTRODUCTION OF SUB. BILL/ PUBLIC TESTIMONY) & 2 p.m. or after session, PUBLIC TESTIMONY WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 9:30 a.m. (PUBLIC TESTIMONY) & 1:30 p.m., PUBLIC TESTIMONY (IF NEEDED) THURSDAY, MAY 26 9:30 a.m., (PUBLIC TESTIMONY) 1:30 p.m., PUBLIC TESTIMONY FRIDAY, MAY 27 9:30 a.m., (PUBLIC TESTIMONY/AMENDMENTS DUE BY 4:30 p.m.) 1:30 p.m., PUBLIC TESTIMONY |
