The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code concerning county budget commissions and property taxation, specifically sections 3317.01, 5705.31, 5705.32, and 5705.321, while enacting a new section, 5705.60. Key changes include the introduction of definitions for "unnecessary collections" and "excessive collections" in section 5705.32 to clarify criteria for adjusting tax levies. It also mandates that county budget commissions provide taxing authorities the opportunity to present information at public hearings before any tax levy adjustments. Additionally, school districts are required to levy at least twenty mills for current operating expenses unless they are levying less due to specific reductions in collections, and the county budget commission must approve levies exceeding the ten-mill limitation in their first year unless they are renewals or a lower rate is requested.

The bill further introduces provisions for the apportionment of the county public library fund and the management of qualifying fixed-sum levies. It allows the county budget commission to adopt alternative apportionment methods for the public library fund, subject to approval by local governmental units. If an alternative method is repealed, the fund will revert to the standard apportionment method. The bill also defines "qualifying fixed-sum levy" and outlines the responsibilities of the tax commissioner and county auditors in adjusting tax rates to meet revenue targets. Existing sections of the Revised Code related to these matters are repealed, streamlining the legal framework for library funding and tax levies, while enhancing transparency and accountability in public fund allocation.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3317.01, 5705.01, 5705.03, 5705.13, 5705.27, 5705.28, 5705.29, 5705.31, 5705.32, 5705.321, 5705.35, 5705.36, 5705.37, 5747.51, 5747.53
As Reported By House Committee: 3317.01, 5705.31, 5705.32, 5705.321
As Passed By House: 3317.01, 5705.31, 5705.32, 5705.321
As Reported By Senate Committee: 3317.01, 5705.31, 5705.32, 5705.321
As Passed By Senate: 3317.01, 5705.31, 5705.32, 5705.321
As Enrolled: 3317.01, 5705.31, 5705.32, 5705.321