OHC submitted testimony on Substitute HB 96 raising serious concerns about a proposed provision that would divert county recorder fees away from the Ohio Housing Trust Fund. Key points include:

Threat to Program Stability: The Trust Fund has supported affordable housing initiatives for over three decades by providing reliable, strategic funding that fuels emergency home repairs, property rehabilitation, and multifamily housing development.

Inefficient Use of Funds: Shifting control of these funds to individual counties risks fragmenting resources and undermining statewide coordination, as housing challenges extend beyond county borders.

Impact on Rural Communities: Rural areas, which depend on pooled Trust Fund resources due to limited local revenue, will be particularly disadvantaged, making it harder to finance essential housing projects.

Uncertainty for Developers and Local Governments: The current predictable system enables long-term planning. Allowing counties to control funds independently introduces volatility that could deter investment in housing development.

Constitutional and Policy Concerns: The provision contradicts the state’s constitutional mandate to support housing as a public purpose, potentially disrupting a proven strategy for increasing Ohio’s affordable housing supply.

OHC calls on lawmakers to reconsider this proposal to ensure that state resources continue to be used efficiently and equitably, safeguarding both urban and rural housing initiatives.

OHC's Testimony in Ohio House Finance Committee