The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to enhance regulations surrounding temporary greenhouses and building codes, establish the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative Pilot Program, and clarify property tax requirements for agricultural land. It introduces a definition for "temporary greenhouse," which is characterized as a structure covered with transparent or translucent materials for agricultural use, requiring minimal ground preparation and lacking a foundation. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "land devoted exclusively to agricultural use" to include non-contiguous tracts as long as they are part of a single operation within the same county, thereby providing greater flexibility for landowners. It also ensures that agritourism activities do not affect the tax valuation of agricultural land.

The Urban Farmer Youth Initiative Pilot Program aims to provide agricultural education and support to urban youth aged six to eighteen, to be established by the Chancellor of Higher Education in partnership with local universities. The program will operate in two to four counties during fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with up to fifteen percent of the appropriated funds allocated for development. The bill also includes provisions for land qualifying for agricultural use in relation to nature water projects funded by the H2Ohio fund, and it designates $1 million for the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative across two fiscal years. The Director of Budget and Management is responsible for managing these appropriations and ensuring compliance with the main operating appropriations act.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3781.06, 3781.061, 5713.30