Following debate and deliberation on the House floor, Amended Substitute House Bill 1 passed from the Ohio House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The legislation, which passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 60-35, creates a non-partisan economic development entity called JobsOhio to strengthen Ohio’s ability to create, attract and retain jobs and business growth.

“Today marks a new era for the state of Ohio,” said Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “JobsOhio will make our state competitive in the national economy by bringing the expertise of successful business owners to Columbus. There is no one who is more able to create jobs than someone who knows firsthand what it means to create jobs or manage a business.”

As passed by the Ohio House, Am. Sub. H.B. 1 includes a number of revisions that were incorporated by the Ohio Senate, including changes to improve transparency, ethics and accountability. Among many other revisions, Senate amendments include provisions that prevent public and private funds from being combined at JobsOhio; prohibit directors of JobsOhio to vote on an issue if they face a conflicting interest; adopt the Ohio Ethics Commission’s recommended language with regard to financial disclosure requirements; prohibit bribery of JobsOhio board members and employees; prohibit elected officials and state employees from representing private interests to JobsOhio; and prohibit JobsOhio from making political contributions.

“I’m very pleased with the Senate’s changes to House Bill 1 and believe that these amendments will strengthen our efforts to make JobsOhio efficient, effective and accountable,” said Batchelder.

Having received the approval of both the House and Senate, Am. Sub. H.B. 1 will now move to the Governor’s Office for the governor’s signature.