The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to enhance regulations surrounding lead testing, certification, and tax credits related to lead abatement. Key updates include the introduction of new definitions such as "pre-cleaning," which refers to cleaning techniques aimed at eliminating lead contaminants before testing, and the establishment of a certification process for software used in lead abatement and testing. It mandates that counties, townships, or municipal corporations must issue or deny lead hazard certifications for rental properties within thirty days of application, providing specific reasons for any denial. The definition of "lead abatement costs" is expanded to include expenses for lead risk assessments, clearance examinations, and relocation costs during abatement. The bill also clarifies that "eligible dwellings" for tax credits include residential units constructed before 1978 and specifies that lead abatement specialists must hold valid licenses.

Additionally, the bill introduces a refundable lead abatement tax credit, allowing taxpayers or entities that incur lead abatement costs on eligible dwellings to apply for a tax credit certificate. It allows applicants to assign their right to apply for this credit to a lead abatement specialist in exchange for a discount on abatement costs. The bill sets a cap on the total amount of lead abatement tax credit certificates issued in a fiscal year and clarifies that the assignment of the right to apply for a credit is considered a consumer transaction. Furthermore, it outlines procedures for local government fund payments, including adjustments related to traffic camera fines, and establishes a new "Ohio highway and transportation safety fund." The bill also introduces changes to the method of apportioning funds from the undivided local government fund, allowing for alternative methods of apportionment and streamlining the tax credit process to improve efficiency and compliance.

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