Cutrona Introduces Bill to Cut Regulatory Red Tape

COLUMBUS—State Senator Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) introduced Senate Bill 327 which would create a new universal "regulatory sandbox" program within the Ohio Department of Commerce.

A regulatory sandbox is a legal classification that exempts participating businesses from certain regulations in order to foster innovative ideas and products.

Senate Bill 327 would allow businesses to gain limited access to markets in the Buckeye State to test their products and services without obtaining any other licensure or authorization that would typically be required. 

"This bill builds upon the version that I introduced in Ohio House and would put Ohio at the forefront of business innovation," said Cutrona. "It is important that we are working to create economic opportunity for businesses in our state and remove the burdensome red tape that gets in the way of businesses thriving." 

Senate Bill 327 also creates a regulatory relief office to act as a liaison between private businesses and state agencies, and to help these businesses navigate laws and regulations that could be potentially waived under this program. Additionally, this office would provide recommendations to the general assembly and the governor modifying state laws and regulations that are burdensome. 

Senate Bill 327 must next be referred to a committee. You can learn more about the bill here.