Butler County Today

The House State and Local Government Committee passed House Bill 315, the Township Omnibus Bill, as announced by bill sponsor State Rep. Thomas Hall (R-Madison Twp.). The bill includes several key provisions:

- Extends the authority of townships to form new community authorities or modify existing ones.

- Grants townships the authority to establish Township Preservation Commissions to participate in the Certified Local Government program and become eligible for federal grants.

- Provides $1.5 million per fiscal year to townships looking to modernize their zoning regulations and processes.

- Creates a township license plate to better identify township vehicles.

“We must equip our townships with the tools and support they need to meet the development goals of the community and the state,” said Hall. “As a former township trustee, I will continue to find ways to aid and assist our local townships.”

Additionally, House Bill 303, also sponsored by Hall, passed out of the House Homeland Security Committee. This legislation aims to establish a process by which individuals can request new training or continuing education topics for EMS personnel.

“This legislation is a simple proposal that will open up access to the most up-to-date and robust training initiatives that in turn, will save lives,” said Hall.

Both pieces of legislation now head to the House floor for a vote.