State Legislative Conference
This year’s State Legislative Conference is March 19 at the Sheraton Columbus at Capitol Square. The conference provides school board members, superintendents, treasurers and others with a great venue to meet with their state legislators and discuss issues impacting public education.
Attendees will hear briefings and discussions on the state budget and other legislation. Speakers include:
• Kimberly Murnieks, director, Office of Budget and Management;
• Sen. Larry Obhof (R-Medina), Senate president;
• Rep. Larry Householder (R-Glenford), House speaker;
• Rep. Louis W. Blessing III (R-Colerain Township), chair, House Primary and Secondary Education Committee;
• Rep. John Patterson (D-Jefferson), co-chair, House Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education.
The cost of the conference is $145. Click here to register or contact Laurie Miller at (614) 540-4000, (800) 589-OSBA or Lmiller@ohioscoolboards.org.
Senate Finance Committee
The committee conducted its first hearing on Senate Bill (SB) 4, sponsored by Sens. Michael A. Rulli (R-Salem) and Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard). The bill appropriates $100 million for school facilities projects. The following individuals testified in support of the bill:
• Tim Tarvin, superintendent, Shelby City;
• Bill Wise, superintendent, South-Western City.
Click here and select "February 26, 2019" to read their testimony.
OSBA, the Buckeye Association of School Administrators and the Ohio Association of School Business Officials also testified in support of the bill. Click here for their testimony.
Senate Education Committee
The committee conducted sponsor testimony on SB 34, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard). The bill revises school employment policies and revises procedures regarding educator licensure and conduct.
House Ways and Means Committee
The committee conducted sponsor testimony on House Bill (HB) 75, sponsored by Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township). The bill requires school boards to pass a resolution approving a property valuation complaint or counter-complaint prior to filing that complaint and also send written notice to the property owner indicating intent to file a complaint or counter-complaint.
House Finance Committee
The committee conducted hearings on HB 62, which funds the state transportation budget. The bill affects school districts by increasing the fuel tax refund from 6 cents to 24 cents, which offsets the bill's initial 18-cent increase in the gas tax.
Senate Ways and Means Committee
The committee heard proponent testimony on SB 26, sponsored by Sen. Kunze, which permits teachers to deduct from their state income taxes up to $250 for out-of-pocket expenses for classroom supplies and professional development.
The committee also heard sponsor testimony on SB 36, sponsored by Sen. Matt Huffman (R-Lima). The bill revises standards for county auditors when assessing federally subsidized residential rental property values.
Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee
The committee heard sponsor testimony on SB 10, sponsored by Sen. Steve Wilson (R-Maineville). The bill increases the penalty for theft in office when the value of property or services stolen is $150,000 or more.
The committee also heard proponent testimony on SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Rob McColley (R-Napoleon), which requires the Department of Education and other state agencies to reduce regulatory restrictions by 30% by 2022.