Senate Passes Johnson Bill to Help Active Duty Military Purchase a Home

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 257 sponsored by State Senators Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) and Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) to expand eligibility for the Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program to more active-duty military members. 

Senate Bill 257 allows active-duty military personnel who reside in another state but are deployed in Ohio to participate in the Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program. This program creates a special tax-incentivized savings account for the purchase of a home.

“Our active duty military personnel often come to the Buckeye State to serve our country, and we should welcome them to stay with open arms," Johnson said. "Extending the successful Homebuyer Plus Program to our nation's heroes who want to become Ohioans is an obvious choice. Let it be known far and wide: we in Ohio love and support the brave men and women who serve our great nation in uniform."

“This program encourages service members who are stationed in the Buckeye State to put down roots when they fall in love with our state," said Chavez. "I look forward to seeing this legislation create more ease for military personnel who serve their country so courageously."

The Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program was implemented earlier this year through the Ohio Treasurer's office and has been highly successful with over 10,300 accounts open and 50 financial institution partnerships. It allows Ohioans to save money for an upcoming down payment on a home. For more information about the Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program visit here.

Senate Bill 257 now heads to the Ohio House for consideration.