From the Statehouse 2007 No. 08
by Jennifer Garrison
May. 11, 2007
FROM THE STATEHOUSE – May 10, 2007
This week the Ohio House voted out House Bill 9. This bill allows farm equipment to travel at speeds greater than 25 mph on a public road or highway if the equipment was made to travel at speeds of 25 mph or greater. These vehicles are known as “fast farm machinery”.
Fast farm equipment must show both an emblem designating the particular speed at which it can travel and an emblem that displays “slow moving vehicle”. The vehicle must also operate on these public roads with red flashing lights. The intent is to update the speed limits given the changes in agricultural equipment. There was no opponent testimony during the hearing process in the House.
This bill passed the Ohio House last year, but did not pass out of the Senate before the end of the year. I voted “yes”.
The second piece of legislation the Ohio House favorably passed this week is House Bill 50. House Bill 50 gives townships the authority to remove junk motor vehicles from public and private property and borrow money to pay for the removal if the cost exceeds $500. Currently, when township trustees receive complaints about junk motor vehicles on public property they cannot remove the vehicle.
A “junk motor vehicle” is defined as a vehicle that is 3 years old or older; and is apparently inoperable; and is extensively damaged, including, missing tires, wheels, engine, or transmission.
This bill gives townships the authority to remove junk vehicles if the vehicle is not in compliance with zoning laws. The vehicle can be removed after a 14 day notice period. The vehicle cannot be removed if the owner takes steps to come into compliance with the zoning laws. The notice to the property owner must include a description of the vehicle to be removed, a statement from the trustees declaring the vehicle to be a junk vehicle, a time period for the owner of the property to remove the junk vehicle or come into compliance with local zoning laws.
This bill does not change the definition of junk motor vehicle found in current law, and does not change the law regarding collector vehicles. This bill will not erode protections for collectible autos found in Ohio law. I voted “yes”.
Finally, the House voted to concur with the changes the Senate made to Amended House Bill 2. Amended House Bill 2 deals with shifting some powers from the Board of Regents to the Chancellor of the Board of Regents and elevating the position to a cabinet position directly accountable to the Governor. The Senate changed the lengths of term for the Chancellor and the Board of Regents.
The Senate also added an emergency clause to House Bill 2. An emergency clause allows a bill to become law upon the signing by the Governor, eliminating the 90 day wait period after the Governor signs the bill for it to take effect. The biennium budget takes effect on July 1st and the intent is for the Chancellor to have this new authority when the fiscal year begins.
I voted “yes”. The bill passed 96-2 and will now go to the Governor for his signature.
You can reach Jennifer Garrison at her Columbus office at 614-644-8728 or in the district at 740-373-2414 or by e-mail at jennifer@jennifergarrison.com. Her website is Riffe Center | 77 South High Street | Columbus Ohio 43215-6111 | (800) 282-0253 | District93@ohr.state.oh.us
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