Substitute Budget Bill Expected |
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Ohio's biennial budget (HB 96) substitute bill remains on track for adoption later today or early tomorrow. Committee leaders have been sifting through more than 3,000 amendments, with House leadership and the finance chair holding marathon meetings since last week. The substitute bill with a few other changes is expected to move quickly to a House vote on April 9. Several key themes have emerged from committee discussions: Growing bipartisan resistance to Governor DeWine's proposed tax increases on cigarettes, sports gaming, and marijuana Widespread GOP support for additional income tax reductions Alternative approaches to the use of tax funds derived from recreational marijuana
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 The adoption of the substitute bill marks the House's transition from deliberation to decision-making. With tax increases facing stiff headwinds and tax reform efforts still fluid, the coming 10 days will reveal whether the House can build genuine consensus on some hot topic issues. |
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| Lawmakers Prepare to Merge Energy Reform Bills |
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The Ohio Legislature has taken major steps forward on energy reform with both chambers passing comprehensive bills by overwhelming margins. HB 15 cleared the House 90-3 last week, while SB 2 passed the Senate with unanimous support two weeks ago. Both measures aim to overhaul Ohio's utility regulatory framework, with significant changes to ratemaking processes, infrastructure approval mechanisms, and utility taxation structures. Shared provisions in both bills include: - Elimination of electric security plans in favor of triennial market-rate ratemaking
- Significant pipeline property tax reductions beginning 2027
- Prohibitions on utility ownership of generation assets
- Accelerated project reviews in designated investment zones
- Removal of HB 6-era subsidies
- Mandated PUCO refunds for any unlawful charges
Despite broad agreement on core principles, the legislation differs on several implementation details: - Rate case timelines (SB 2 allows 360 days compared to HB 15's 320-day window)
- Ohio Power Siting Board jurisdictional authority and review periods
- The House version includes a 1,500 MW community energy pilot
- Senate proposals favor voluntary demand response and school loan programs
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 With strong bipartisan backing, these reforms are on a fast pace for passage. The remaining questions deal with the process to reconcile the narrow differences in the bill. It appears streamlined behind-the-scenes negations, rather than a formal conference committee, will be used to expedite enactment. Given the overwhelming votes in both chambers, watch for quick resolution in the coming weeks. |
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Ohio Issue 2: Renewing a Proven Investment in Local Infrastructure |
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Ohio voters face an important decision on May 6 when they head to the polls to consider Issue 2, a constitutional amendment that would renew the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP). This critical program authorizes $2.5 billion in bonds over the next decade to support local infrastructure projects—all without requiring new taxes. Since its inception in 1987, SCIP has funded more than 19,000 infrastructure projects across all 88 Ohio counties. The program provides essential support for roads, bridges, water systems, and other vital public infrastructure that impact daily life for Ohioans. Key aspects of Issue 2 include: - Authorizing $250 million per year in general obligation bonds
- Providing grants or low-interest loans to local governments via the Ohio Public Works Commission
- Continuing to repay bonds using existing state revenues—with no new taxes
- Building on a successful track record of nearly $2.3 billion distributed across 4,490 projects in the last decade
The Strong Ohio Communities Coalition—a diverse alliance of local governments, business leaders, labor unions, public safety groups, and infrastructure organizations—has rallied behind the measure. Local impact is evident in projects ranging from water main replacements in Montgomery County to storm drainage improvements in Licking County. |
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 Issue 2 represents continuity rather than change, focusing on maintaining what has proven effective. The program's bipartisan support, broad coalition, and lack of organized opposition highlight its practical value. Local leaders continue to emphasize that the infrastructure we rely on daily—from roadways to water systems—depends on this program's continuation through 2035. |
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Ohio Lawmakers Consider Cryptocurrency Investment and Regulatory Framework |
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Ohio may soon enter the cryptocurrency arena as state lawmakers weigh proposals to invest public dollars in digital assets and establish protections for blockchain businesses. Rep. Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.) has put forward legislation to allow the Ohio Treasurer to invest up to 10% of certain funds in cryptocurrencies with market caps exceeding $750 billion—effectively limiting options to Bitcoin at present. The proposal includes several safeguards: - Investments limited to uncommitted general revenue, rainy-day, or lottery trust funds
- Multi-signature custody solutions required across two locations
- Prohibition on smartphone access to funds
- Focus on long-term investment rather than speculative trading
The Treasurer's office is actively engaged in discussions that may refine the bill's language before it advances. |
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 Ohio's exploring cryptocurrency policy represents a significant pivot for the state. By balancing investment opportunity with regulatory guardrails, lawmakers are attempting to position Ohio as blockchain-friendly while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The outcome could determine whether Ohio joins the vanguard of states embracing digital asset innovation or adopts a more cautious approach to this evolving technology. |
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Push for Convention of States Returns to Ohio House |
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Two House Republicans are reviving efforts to join a growing movement calling for a Convention of States aimed at limiting federal power and imposing term limits on Congress. Reps. Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) and Bernard Willis (R-Springfield) introduced HJR 2 to formally request a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. If approved, Ohio would become the 20th state to back such a convention, following Indiana's recent adoption of similar legislation. Thirty-four states must support the effort to compel Congress to act. |
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 The legislation reflects persistent conservative frustration with federal overreach, but without bipartisan support—or guarantees against unintended consequences—passage may remain largely symbolic. Nevertheless, sponsors believe the message will resonate beyond Ohio's borders as momentum builds nationally for constitutional reform. |
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Hicks Partners Launches AI Budget Insider |
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As a valued Hicks Partners Insider subscriber, we’re excited to give you exclusive access to our Budget Insider 1.0, your go-to resource for the Ohio FY 2026-27 Operating Budget. Inside, you’ll find: - Key budget documents & summaries
- Expert analysis
- A mini-AI assistant trained on the latest budget data to help answer your questions
Access the Budget Insider 1.0 here: https://hickspartners.com/hicks-partners-budget-insider/ and look for more updates and refinements as the budget process proceeds. We appreciate your engagement and look forward to keeping you informed throughout the budget process! |
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Our Grant Alert list is updated! Review the list of ongoing grant opportunities here: |
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