The legislative merry-go-round continues!  What a difference a month makes.  Last month in this space, we reported to you that The Ohio Legislative Action Committee (LAC) of CAI was preparing a bill for technical corrections to the condominium and HOA laws.  All was proceeding well with sponsors and lobbying efforts; the Legislative Services Commission was preparing a bill for introduction.  Surprisingly and happily, we were able to get these provisions into the current Ohio budget bill by way of an amendment.  We anticipated that these would be an easy pass before the end of June, having been stowed away nicely in the bill.  However, unexpectedly the amendment containing our changes was stripped out of the budget bill and will not be passed this legislative session.  So, we are back to the beginning on our reform issues, just like a merry-go-round.  Some time ago Sen. Brenner agreed to work with the LAC on our corrections bill, and we are still hopeful that Senator Brenner will continue to be a sponsor of a stand-alone bill in the next legislative session.

Speaking of merry-go-rounds, in May we reported in this space that House Bill 20 (HB20) was dead.  HB20 is the Bill to allow the placement of solar panels in condominium and homeowner associations. Its sponsor, Rep. Blessing, at the urging of the LAC agreed at that time not to set it for hearings and to let it die a quiet and dignified death.   However, this past week, the LAC learned that HB20 is now back on the legislative agenda, is very much alive and set for hearings.  This is contrary to our agreement with Rep. Blessing.  Again, we are back to the beginning. Therefore, the LAC now is either going to work with Rep. Blessing to reform the overreaching language of the Bill, or oppose the Bill entirely.

So, grab a horse on the merry-go-round, and ride with us until we can see where this is all going to end.

Call Williams & Strohm, LLC at (614) 228-0207, if you have questions about pending legislative issues.