HB 470 Summary

• Amends section 515.01 to authorize township boards to provide artificial lighting for roads, highways, public places, or buildings when public safety requires it, with option to install systems directly or contract with private entities.

• Adds new division (ZZ) to section 5705.19 to authorize subdivisions to levy property taxes exceeding the ten-mill limitation specifically for installing, operating, and maintaining lighting for streets, roads, highways, or public places.

• Establishes bidding requirements for lighting contracts exceeding $50,000, requiring two weeks of advertisement in newspapers or on the township's website with specific notice requirements.

• Limits lighting contracts to a maximum 20-year term and allows costs to be paid from the township's general fund or from a special fund created from the tax levy proceeds.

• Permits taxing authorities to levy taxes for the lighting purpose for any specified number of years or for a continuing period of time, subject to voter approval.