State Representatives Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) and Andy Thompson (R-Marietta) today announced the passage of Senate Bill 2 from the Ohio House of Representatives by a vote of 81-14. This legislation—sponsored by Senator Jim Hughes (R-Clintonville)—is companion legislation to House Bill 94, which would adopt a new small business rule review procedure by defining a process of regulatory reform.

“I am very pleased that the Senate’s companion bill to legislation that Rep. Thompson and I introduced received such widespread support in the House,” said Roegner. “It is very encouraging that this legislative body is taking smart steps toward making Ohio’s government more conducive to businesses and economic growth.”

Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 94 outline the role of the Common Sense Initiative (CSI) Office, which was established through Governor John Kasich’s Executive Order 2011-01K to evaluate all regulations from any state governmental agency. The CSI Office will determine if a particular regulation has an adverse effect on businesses by assessing all new rules, while also reevaluating existing rules when they come up for periodic review.

“Promoting state policies that will encourage—not hinder—business expansion and job creation is one of the most important things we can accomplish during this General Assembly,” said Thompson. “As a small business owner, this continues to be one of my top priorities, and the passage of Senate Bill 2 is a vital step.”

Senate Bill 2 creates the CSI Office and a corresponding Small Business Advisory Council to advise the governor on the adverse impacts that proposed rules might have on small businesses. These functions, established under the Governor’s Office, consolidate existing areas of government and will require no additional state money to begin.

Senate Bill 2 now moves to the governor for his signature.

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