The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to strengthen regulations on lead testing, certification, and tax credits related to lead abatement. It introduces new definitions, such as "pre-cleaning," and establishes a certification process for software used in lead abatement. Counties, townships, or municipal corporations are required to issue or deny certifications for properties deemed safe from lead hazards within thirty days of application, with provisions for resubmission if denied. 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, aiming to streamline lead safety processes while providing tax incentives for abatement efforts.

Additionally, the bill introduces a refundable lead abatement tax credit, allowing taxpayers or entities to apply for a tax credit certificate from the director of health for incurred lead abatement costs. It allows applicants to assign their right to apply for the credit to lead abatement specialists in exchange for discounts on abatement costs. The bill sets a cap on the total amount of tax credit certificates issued annually and clarifies that the assignment of the right to apply for the credit is a consumer transaction. Furthermore, it outlines the responsibilities of the tax commissioner regarding local government fund distributions and traffic camera fines, establishing a new "Ohio highway and transportation safety fund" to enhance public safety. The bill also introduces adjustments to the allocation of the undivided local government fund, ensuring transparency and responsiveness to local needs while streamlining the tax credit process.

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