Sen. Andrew Brenner bill bars approval delays for major projects
Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited the University of Cincinnati on June 1, 2026, to observe ongoing demolition work at the Crosley Tower construction site.
A Senate bill would restrict the ability of counties and port authorities in Ohio from delaying or withholding their approval of certain development projects that qualify for state sales and use tax exemptions.
Senate Bill 367 was introduced by Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware, in February and heard by the Senate Ways and Means Committee last month.
The legislation would allow developers to apply directly to the Ohio Department of Development’s Tax Credit Authority for a sales and use tax exemption on building materials and services if a county or port authority doesn’t approve an agreement within 30 days of their request.
Brenner said in written testimony to the committee that SB 367 would cut red tape for key development projects.
“The purpose of Senate Bill 367 is to minimize the red tape that projects must cut through for approval by preventing local governments from indefinitely delaying major projects,” he said. “It also provides a clear timeline in code for both localities and developers to follow.”
The bill’s limits on counties and port authorities would only apply to projects providing “minimally acceptable investments,” which is defined as at least $25 million in construction expenses.
“The threshold for a minimally acceptable improvement is fairly high, $25 mon of public infrastructure, allowing for development while also maintaining local control,” Brenner added.
While the measure has not yet advanced beyond the committee phase, it could be revisited when lawmakers reconvene next week or when they return for their lame-duck session following the November election.
