Issue Updates

• May 2009
• April 2009
• March 2009
• February 2009
• January 2009

Regulatory Reform White Paper (PDF)

 

May 2009

Earlier this year, we informed you of legislation to reform Ohio’s regulatory system. Sen. Keith Faber (R- Celina) introduced SB 3 and immediately held committee hearings to discuss the bill. After passing the Senate 32-0 early this spring, the bill has been awaiting action in the Ohio House. Just last week, the Ohio Senate rolled provisions of this bill into the state operating budget in an effort to quickly pass regulatory reform in Ohio. SB 3 would change the process that state agencies use to issue rules that may adversely affect small businesses in Ohio. Specifically, it would require state agencies to file a cost benefit analysis with a newly created Review Board to determine the impact on small businesses and whether or not the impact is too great. SB 3 would also make it easier for small businesses to be notified and comment on proposed state agency rules while requiring specific time frames for the consideration and implemention of new rules. The Ohio Chamber supports this legislation and will continue to follow it as it considered by the House and Senate during the conference committee deliberations on House Bill 1.

 

April 2009

Recently the governor appointed John Stephan to serve as Special Assistant to the Governor for Regulatory Reform. Replacing Scott North, John has a diverse background preparing him for this new responsibility. He holds a law degree from the Cincinnati College of Law, has served as Executive Director of the Ohio Liquor Control Commission, Legislative Director and Counsel to U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan and Minority Legal Counsel in the Ohio House of Representatives. 

He recently provided some information regarding his duties and responsibilities that may be helpful to you and your members. John will be working to continue the implementation of the governor’s common sense regulatory reform executive order that seeks to streamline the regulatory process. He will also be working to grow the Ohio Business Gateway while bringing more transparency and flexibility to Ohio’s regulatory authorities.

Moving forward, John has asked that anyone with questions or concerns please feel free to contact him or any of the Ombudsmen for any of the state agencies. In order to improve the regulatory environment in Ohio, the administration needs constant feedback from businesses allowing them to fully understand what changes need to be made. An updated list of regulatory ombudsmen is attached to this newsletter along with John’s contact information below.
 
John M. Stephan
Special Assistant to the Governor for Regulatory Reform
30 East Broad Street, 40th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-4497/Fax: (614) 644-8151/john.stephan@das.state.oh.us

 

March 2009

As mentioned in previous updates, the Ohio Senate has been working on legislation aimed at reforming Ohio’s regulatory system. Sen. Keith Faber (R- Celina) introduced SB 3 earlier this year and immediately held committee hearings to discuss the legislation. Just a few weeks ago, SB 3 passed the Senate with a 32-0 vote. If passed by the Ohio House and signed by the governor, it would change the process that state agencies use to issue rules that may adversely affect small businesses in Ohio. Specifically, it would require state agencies to file a cost benefit analysis with a newly created Review Board (made up of 9 appointees) to determine the impact on small businesses and whether or not the impact is too great. SB 3 would also make it easier for small businesses to be notified and comment on proposed state agency rules. The Ohio Chamber supports this legislation and will continue to follow it as it moves through the Ohio House.

 

February 2009

Last year, the Ohio General Assembly created a task force aimed at streamlining the regulatory system in Ohio. At the conclusion of this task force’s hearings, a final report was issued with recommendations for Ohio to consider. Recently, as an outgrowth of the work of the taskforce Sen. Keith Faber (R- Celina) introduced SB 3. It changes the process that state agencies use to issue rules that may adversely affect small businesses in Ohio. Specifically, it would require state agencies to file a cost benefit analysis with a newly created Review Board (made up of 9 appointees) to determine the impact on small businesses and whether or not the impact is too great. SB 3 would also make it easier for small businesses to be notified and comment on proposed state agency rules. The Ohio Chamber supports SB 3 and will be closely monitoring it as it moves through the legislature. 

 

January 2009

Just as with last year’s program, the 2009-10 version of the Chamber Action Alliance will continue to focus on government regulations and how they affect employers and businesses across the state. We will continue to monitor proposals and legislation in this area while calling on local chambers when necessary to engage your members. It is the Ohio Chamber’s position that while common sense regulations are often necessary, Ohio must do a better job of making compliance easier and less burdensome.