S.B. 134 Summary

• Foreign entities (other states or their political subdivisions) must obtain approval before directly or indirectly financing eligible capital improvement projects in Ohio, including projects related to transportation, economic development, housing, health care, recreation, education, and government operations.

• Foreign entities must submit applications to the appropriate port authority, municipal corporation, or county where the project is located, providing project details and financing terms.

• Approving entities have 45 days to approve or deny applications; failure to respond within this timeframe results in automatic approval, and denied applications may be appealed to the Director of Development Services.

• Foreign entities that provide financing without approval or after denial must pay either 75% of their fees or the full fees the approving entity would have charged, whichever is greater; benefiting governmental agencies are jointly and severally liable for these payments.

• Injunctive relief is available to the Director of Development Services or local authorities against foreign entities that violate the approval requirements, with successful enforcement requiring clear and convincing evidence of violations.