03/24/2023

ACEC Ohio Legislative Update--March 24, 2023

Transportation Budget Bill goes to Conference Committee

House Bill 23, the $13.5 billion Transportation Budget bill passed the Ohio Senate yesterday in a unanimous vote and the House refused to concur in Senate amendments 16-79, setting it up for a conference committee.

Senate President Matt Huffman said the major sticking points between the two chambers are a House-inserted $1 billion fund aimed solely at rural highway projects and so-called "force account limits," which are the thresholds at which local governments are required to bid out transportation projects.

Other House provisions that were removed include language on Department of Transportation pavement selection analysis, mandatory limited access entrance and exit ramps, and reduced fees on plug-in hybrid vehicles. Click here for HB 23 Senate Changes

Senate conferees are expected to be Senators Kunze, McColley and Antonio. The House has yet to name their conferees.

Source: Gongwer News Service