The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code concerning unpaid municipal utility services, specifically addressing the collection of charges for water and sewer services. It introduces new provisions that prevent municipal corporations from certifying unpaid sewerage or water charges to the county auditor for placement on the tax list if the charges arose from service contracts with tenants or if the property is not occupied by the owner. Additionally, it establishes that municipal corporations cannot refuse or discontinue utility services to landlords or current tenants based on nonpayment by a former tenant, ensuring that service continuity is maintained regardless of past tenant debts.

Furthermore, the bill allows municipal corporations to withdraw and use security deposits collected from tenants to cover unpaid utility services. It also clarifies that contracts between municipal corporations and landlords cannot waive the protections established in the new sections. The existing sections of the Revised Code that are being amended and repealed include 729.49, 735.29, and 743.04, reflecting a significant shift in how municipal utility services are managed and collected, particularly in relation to tenant and landlord responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 321.261, 701.10, 729.49, 735.29, 743.04, 743.06
As Reported By House Committee: 729.49, 735.29, 743.04
As Passed By House: 729.49, 735.29, 743.04