The bill seeks to amend the Revised Code to limit local governments' authority over short-term rental properties while extending local lodging taxes to encompass these rentals. It mandates that short-term rental platforms collect lodging taxes, thereby enhancing compliance and revenue for local governments. Key changes include the insertion of definitions for "short-term rental property" and the inclusion of these properties in the context of excise taxes on lodging transactions. The bill also deletes the term "hotel" in certain contexts, replacing it with "hotel" and "short-term rental property," reflecting the expanded scope of the legislation. Additionally, it introduces a new section outlining the requirements for issuing real estate licenses electronically, streamlining the licensing process.

Moreover, the bill establishes regulations that prohibit local governments from enacting certain restrictions on short-term rentals, such as outright prohibitions or limits on the number of properties an individual can operate. While local governments can still require registration or licensing, any associated fees cannot exceed twenty dollars per year and must be used solely for enforcement purposes. The legislation aims to clarify the regulatory landscape for short-term rentals, ensuring that local governments have limited authority to impose restrictions while enhancing local tax collection mechanisms. Overall, the bill modernizes regulations surrounding short-term rentals and promotes local tourism and economic development through targeted tax measures.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 351.01, 351.021, 353.06, 4735.11, 5739.01, 5739.08, 5739.09, 5739.091, 5741.01