The bill, introduced by Senators Blessing and Smith, seeks to amend various sections of the Ohio Revised Code concerning property, income, sales and use, severance, and lodging taxes. Key provisions include the establishment of free breakfast and lunch programs for public and chartered nonpublic school students, an increase in the Local Government Fund, and modifications to the Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Trust Fund. Notably, the bill introduces section 5747.87, which allows for tax exemptions on computer data center equipment used at eligible centers, contingent on meeting specific investment and employment criteria. The legislation also includes provisions to streamline tax administration, enhance fiscal management, and incentivize investment in technology infrastructure.

Significant changes in the bill involve the deletion of outdated tax provisions and the introduction of new definitions and calculations related to surplus revenue, tax assessments, and property tax reductions for specific groups, including disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill clarifies the responsibilities of county auditors and treasurers regarding tax settlements and introduces new excise taxes on lodging transactions, particularly for short-term rental properties. Additionally, it establishes a framework for tax credits and deductions aimed at providing relief to various taxpayers, including educators and those affected by disasters. Overall, the bill aims to enhance economic development, support local governments, and improve tax compliance and transparency in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 122.175, 131.44, 131.51, 319.30, 319.301, 319.54, 321.24, 321.26, 323.08, 323.152, 323.155, 323.158, 351.01, 351.021, 353.06, 718.83, 1509.01, 1509.02, 1509.11, 1509.34, 1513.08, 1513.182, 3301.91, 3313.819, 3354.24, 3354.25, 4503.06, 4503.065, 5703.021, 5703.052, 5703.19, 5703.80, 5709.92, 5709.93, 5715.19, 5715.30, 5739.01, 5739.02, 5739.03, 5739.05, 5739.08, 5739.09, 5739.091, 5741.01, 5747.01, 5747.02, 5747.03, 5747.031, 5747.08, 5747.10, 5747.38, 5747.41, 5747.71, 5747.98, 5749.01, 5749.02, 5749.04, 5749.06, 5749.07, 5749.08, 5749.10, 5749.11, 5749.12, 5749.13, 5749.14, 5749.15, 5751.01, 5751.20, 319.302, 1509.50, 5739.41, 5751.40, 259.30, H.B, 5747.87