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OH HB7

Bill

Status

Passed

4/12/2021

Primary Sponsor

Haraz Ghanbari

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

133rd General Assembly (2019-2020)

AI Summary

  • Creates a statewide watershed planning and management program administered by the Director of Agriculture, with appointed coordinators in seven watershed regions to assist soil and water conservation districts in addressing water quality impairment including phosphorus and nitrogen loading.

  • Restricts disclosure of agricultural operation data, conservation practices, and water quality improvement information collected by state agencies and institutions of higher education, prohibiting such data from being public records unless aggregated and anonymized for research purposes.

  • Modifies CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Value) property tax eligibility to allow land used for biodiesel, biomass energy, and biofuel production to qualify if at least 50% of feedstock is agricultural feedstock and at least 20% comes from land under common ownership or leasehold.

  • Authorizes the Director of Agriculture to establish a pilot program within 120 days to assist farmers and agricultural retailers in reducing phosphorus and dissolved reactive phosphorous through equipment, soil testing, nutrient management practices, and other water quality initiatives.

  • Makes technical changes to regional water and sewer district laws regarding charges, liens, and property transfers, and clarifies that boards may establish discounted water rates for seniors age 65+ who qualify for homestead exemption or low- and moderate-income status.

Legislative Description

Create water quality protection and preservation programs

Commerce

Last Action

Effective 4/12/21

4/12/2021

Committee Referrals

Finance5/14/2019

Full Bill Text

No bill text available