The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to strengthen regulations surrounding lead testing, certification, and tax credits related to lead abatement. Key provisions include the introduction of new definitions, such as "pre-cleaning," and the establishment of a certification process for software used in lead abatement. It requires local governments to issue or deny certifications for properties free from lead hazards within thirty days and allows for resubmission of denied applications. The definition of "lead abatement costs" is expanded to include expenses for lead risk assessments, clearance examinations, and relocation costs for occupants of eligible dwellings, which are defined as residential units built before 1978. The bill also mandates that lead abatement specialists must hold valid licenses and introduces a lead abatement tax credit, allowing taxpayers to apply for a credit certificate for incurred costs.

Additionally, the bill modifies the tax code by changing the lead abatement tax credit from nonrefundable to refundable, enabling taxpayers to receive refunds for excess credits. It clarifies that pass-through entities can issue credits to their investors and allows taxpayers to authorize tax preparers to communicate with the Department of Taxation. The bill also outlines the distribution of local government funds, introduces adjustments based on traffic camera fines, and establishes a new "Ohio highway and transportation safety fund." Furthermore, it allows for alternative methods of apportionment of the undivided local government fund, ensuring flexibility in fund distribution while maintaining accountability. The bill deletes the nonrefundable lead abatement credit and reintroduces it as a refundable credit, streamlining the tax credit process for taxpayers.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3742.01, 3742.03, 3742.39, 3742.50, 5747.08, 5747.26, 5747.50, 5747.502, 5747.51, 5747.53, 5747.98