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, which clarify criteria for adjusting tax levies. The bill mandates that county budget commissions hold public hearings before reducing any tax levies, promoting transparency and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, it specifies that school districts must levy at least twenty mills for current operating expenses unless they are levying less due to certain reductions in collections, and it requires county budget commission approval for levies exceeding the ten-mill limitation in their first year.

Moreover, the bill introduces provisions for the apportionment of the county public library fund and the management of 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 If an alternative method is repealed, the fund will revert to the standard apportionment method.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 establishes that public libraries receiving construction funds must remain accessible to county residents and mandates public access to financial records of library trustees. Additionally, it defines "qualifying fixed-sum levy" and outlines the responsibilities of the tax commissioner and county auditors in adjusting tax rates to ensure specified revenue amounts are generated annually, while repealing existing sections related to these provisions to streamline the legal framework.

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