Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today will sign the following bills:
Eminent Domain
Senate Bill 7
State Senator Timothy Grendell sponsored Senate Bill 7, which further defines Ohio's eminent domain laws. Drawing upon the recommendations of the Eminent Domain Task Force, SB 7 addresses restrictions on the use of eminent domain for private economic development purposes in the wake of recent court decisions. It provides new definitions of blight, standardizes provisions for public notice and exchange of information on land values and establishes protocols for court awards. This bill will provide greater transparency and accountability for public agencies that have the right of eminent domain, striking a balance between the strong sentiments of property rights advocates and the need for government to acquire private property for legitimate public use. Legislation sponsored by state Representative Bob Gibbs (House Bill 5) contributed to SB 7.
Public Safety
Senate Bill 18
State Senator Patricia Clancy sponsored Senate Bill 18 that prohibits individuals from sealing their criminal records if convicted of importuning, or if convicted of the underlying offenses of voyeurism, public indecency, compelling prostitution, promoting prostitution, procuring, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, displaying matter harmful to juveniles, pandering obscenity, or deception to obtain matter harmful to juveniles when the victim is under the age of 18.
Natural Resources
Senate Bill 77
State Senator Timothy Grendell sponsored Senate Bill 77 that revises the rules and regulations of the commercial fishing industry while increasing penalties for violations of certain statutes.
Commerce
Senate Bill 102
State Senator Robert Schuler sponsored Senate Bill 102 that creates a short-term liquor permit to be used by non-profit organizations on publicly owned property in certain counties and lowers the population cap giving the Division of Liquor Control the ability to open new state liquor agency stores.