Senate Passes Roegner Bill Streamlining County Transportation Services

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 281, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), which allows a board of county commissioners to award a franchise for the operation of a public transit system.

“Senate Bill 281 is a commonsense measure that gives county commissioners greater flexibility to expand and improve public transportation services in their communities," said Senator Roegner. "By allowing boards of county commissioners to directly award transit franchises, this legislation helps streamline operations, strengthen regional mobility, and better connect Ohioans to jobs, healthcare, and everyday opportunities. Empowering local leaders with additional tools to meet transportation needs is an important step toward building stronger and more accessible communities across our state."

Under current law, a franchise for the operation of a public transit system may only be awarded if done so by a county transit board. County transit boards are created by a board of county commissioners, and its members are made up of those appointed by county commissioners or the commissioners themselves. SB 281 allows a board of county commissioners to award a franchise for the operation of a public transit system without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
 

SB 281 now heads to the Ohio House for further consideration.

 
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