Fellow Ohioans,
It continues to be an honor to serve as your State Representative for Summit County. This month, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with several community partners, visit with students and educators, meet with local businesses, and participate in efforts to strengthen both civic education and public infrastructure. These experiences reinforce why it’s so important we continue working together to move Ohio forward.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. We are here to serve you.
Sincerely,
Bill Roemer
State Representative
District 31
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Senate Bill 9 - Tax Conformity
 I'm pleased to share that Senate Bill 9 - legislation conforming Ohio’s tax code to Federal tax changes following passage of the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act”- passed out of the House Ways and Means committee.
Senate Bill 9 will provide $90 million in tax cuts for taxpayers and businesses over the next two years. Swift action on the bill, as included through the emergency clause approved Wednesday, ensures these changes take effect before the tax filing deadline, making it easier for Ohioans to comply this year.
Provisions that Impact Ohio Taxpayers:
- Expands 529 plans to cover primary and secondary school tuition, supporting students of all ages.
- Allows a full deduction or a nonrefundable credit of domestic research and experimental expenses, promoting innovation and advancement.
- Increases the amount and expands the types of depreciable property eligible for tax adjustment, supporting one of Ohio’s top industries - manufacturing.
- Increases the capital gains exemption for qualified small business stock options and expands which business stock qualifies, helping Ohioans save for retirement and supporting small start-ups.
This piece of legislation cleared the House Ways and Means Committee, then was passed by the House with an emergency clause, and was signed by the Governor on March 5, 2026.
House Bill 503
The Ohio House passed House Bill 503 - legislation that Rep. Heidi Workman and I have championed, which works to strengthen taxpayer protections by requiring voter approval before a municipality can modify or repeal an existing municipal income tax reciprocity credit.
Under the bill, municipalities that currently offer a reciprocity credit must obtain voter approval at an election before modifying the amount or percentage of the credit or repealing it altogether.
Municipal income taxes may apply both where an individual lives and where income is earned, creating the potential for double taxation. Many Ohio municipalities address this through reciprocity credits that offset taxes paid to another jurisdiction; however, state law has not previously required voter approval to change or eliminate those credits.
The legislation also clarifies the process for voters to initiate a ballot measure to authorize or increase a reciprocity credit through a petition process. If approved, any change would take effect on January 1 following the election.
The bill now advances to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
House Bill 23 Ceremonial Signing
 My wife Josie and I attended the ceremonial signing of House Bill 23, hosted by Governor DeWine. This legislation creates the Escaped Convict Alert Program (ECAP), which will strengthen public safety through a new alert system to notify residents when a nearby convict escapes from custody.
ECAP will be used to alert the public to an incarcerated felon who has escaped from a jail, workhouse, or correctional institution. Local law enforcement will be the controlling agency that activates the ECAP once they are informed of the escape.
This legislation is deeply personal to me, and it came from a terrifying realization that our constituents miss out on critical, time-sensitive information about a public danger. We want to make sure Ohioans are safe and secure in their local communities and that they will have access to information that can be the difference between life and death. The public deserves better when it comes to immediate threats to their safety, and thus, more easily accessible and timely warnings are needed. This bill intends to fix this gap in communication for our constituents and to make sure all Ohioans are not left unaware and unprotected when a dangerous felon escapes custody.
With ECAP now signed into law, Ohio has taken a decisive step towards stronger, more responsive public safety. Legislators are confident that this new system will support law enforcement agencies and bring a greater peace of mind to communities across the state.
House Bill 23 went into effect on March 2, 2026.
Ohio Chamber of Commerce Event
I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the annual Akron/Canton Chamber of Commerce’s legislative day at the Ohio Statehouse. We discussed Ways and Means committee priorities, and I also highlighted some recent wins for Ohio, including the five property tax bills we passed and are now in law.
Ohio Farm Bureau Meeting
 It was great to join the Summit County Farm Bureau on Ohio Farm Bureau Legislative Day and hear directly from the farmers and producers who help drive our local economy. Their perspective is critical as we work to support Ohio agriculture across the Buckeye State.
Woodridge High School Boys Cross Country State Champs
 I recently honored the Woodridge High School Boys Cross Country team during Session with House Resolution 344 – recognizing the team for winning the 2025 Division III State Championship.
This win represents a continuation of a cross country dynasty. Winning 11 state championships in the last 22 years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication, talent, and tradition of excellence within the program.
The Ohio House passed House Resolution 344, which honored the team for all their hard work and this extraordinary accomplishment.
The resolution states in part: “That we, the members of the House of Representatives of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, in adopting this Resolution, commend the Woodridge High School boys cross country team on its tremendous season and salute the members and coach as some of Ohio’s finest citizens.”
The Ohio House also passed House Resolution 347, which honored the cross country team’s head Coach, Jeff Howard.
In leading his team to victory, Coach Howard has not only helped the athletes to develop their talents to the fullest but also instilled in them a valuable sense of determination, perseverance, and camaraderie. He was also awarded the 2025 Ohio Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association and the U.S. Marine Corps.
Every great team is led by an outstanding coach. Being named Ohio Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year is a fitting recognition that reflects Coach Howard’s commitment to excellence and mentorship.
These resolutions are now adopted. Read H.R. 344 here and H.R. 347 here.
Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work to strengthen our communities, support our students, and honor the values that have shaped our state and nation. If you ever need assistance with a state issue or have feedback on legislative matters, please reach out to my office.
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