The bill introduced by Representative Pizzulli seeks to amend various sections of the Revised Code to regulate short-term rental properties and enhance local tax revenue. It defines "short-term rental property" and "short-term rental platform," aligning them with existing hotel definitions, and allows local governments to levy an excise tax of up to three percent on lodging transactions involving both hotels and short-term rentals. The bill mandates that short-term rental platforms collect these taxes, ensuring compliance and revenue generation for local authorities. Additionally, it streamlines the licensing process for real estate professionals by requiring electronic issuance of real estate licenses.

Key provisions of the bill include prohibiting local governments from imposing overly restrictive regulations on short-term rentals, such as outright bans or limits on the number of properties an individual can operate. Local registration or licensing fees for these properties are capped at twenty dollars per year and must be used solely for enforcement purposes. The bill also allows counties to increase tax rates for lodging transactions, with specific allocations for tourism-related expenses, and emphasizes that all tax revenues must be used to promote tourism and support local development projects. Overall, the legislation aims to create a uniform regulatory framework for short-term rentals while enhancing local revenue streams.

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