H.B. No. 640 Summary

• Creates an alternative method for vehicle owners to certify E-Check/emissions compliance by submitting an attestation form to the director of environmental protection instead of obtaining a physical inspection certificate.

• Establishes rules allowing vehicle owners to request an alternative emissions certificate by completing a director-created attestation form, signing it, and submitting it by mail or electronically, with director approval required within 5-30 business days.

• Eliminates the governor's authority to declare air pollution emergencies by removing section 3704.032 from the Revised Code and references to air pollution emergencies in emergency declaration procedures.

• Expands exemptions for vehicle inspections to include hybrid vehicles seven years old or newer and extends the new car exemption from four to six years old.

• Requires vehicle registration applications to accept either an inspection certificate or alternative emissions certificate for compliance with the E-Check program in affected counties.