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 pass legislation, engage with community partners, visit with students and educators, meet with local businesses, and participate in efforts to strengthen both civic education and public infrastructure.
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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House Bill 210 - Sent to the Governor
 I'm pleased to share that the Ohio House of Representatives concurred with Senate amendments to House Bill 210, legislation to protect Ohioans from catalytic converter theft.
The bill intends to better protect consumers from catalytic converter theft, equip law enforcement, and create more transparent guidelines for businesses. Catalytic converters take about three minutes to steal and appeal to those who need cash fast, as they contain precious metals.
Key provisions of the measure are as follows:
- Requires scrap metal dealers and other buyers of used catalytic converters to comply with recordkeeping, reporting, and transaction requirements and establishes penalties for noncompliance.
- Expands the authority and responsibilities of the Director of Public Safety related to the oversight and investigation of scrap metal dealers and other buyers of used catalytic converters.
- Prohibits motor vehicle salvage dealers from purchasing or accepting catalytic converters.
- Creates new criminal offenses for the theft of and receipt of stolen catalytic converters.
Catalytic converter theft is a plague on working Ohioans, and I’m excited to announce House Bill 210 was sent to the Governor after almost unanimously passing the legislature. I have worked on this issue for more than six years because I have seen firsthand the disruption and financial hardship these thefts can cause. After the attempted theft of catalytic converters from vehicles at my church, it reinforced just how vulnerable families, community organizations, and businesses are to this crime. My House Bill 210 strengthens accountability and provides additional tools to help deter theft, protect property owners, and keep Ohioans from catalytic converter theft.
The legislation now awaits a signature from the Governor.
House Passes Transportation Omnibus - Legislation Designates Captain Joshua McClimans Memorial Highway
 The Ohio House of Representatives recently passed Senate Bill 52, omnibus legislation that designates multiple memorial roads across the state and creates specialty license plates.
Included in the package is a provision championed by Roemer and Daniels to designate a portion of State Route 241 in Green, Ohio, in honor of Captain McClimans, a U.S. Army veteran who was killed on duty in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011.
Captain Joshua McClimans exemplified selfless service throughout his life, caring for others as a nurse and serving his country with honor. This highway designation stands as a lasting tribute to his sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation.
Captain McClimans was a registered nurse and played an integral role in providing life-saving measures while deployed in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
The legislation is now enrolled.
Championing District 31, Summit County Projects, Ohio House Passes Capital Budget Bill
 I'm very excited to share that the House passed Ohio’s Capital Budget bill, a two-year capital improvements budget for state and community projects throughout Ohio totaling nearly $4 billion.
The bill provides appropriations for state infrastructure needs, including renovations to state offices, new construction for mental health facilities, land acquisition, and equipment. The plan also includes just over $200 million for community projects, which are projects that come from outside of state agencies and have a benefit or nexus to the state.
All 88 counties will receive funding for community projects.
I helped secure funding for the following projects:
Summit County Projects:
- $740,000 to construct the Akron Zoo Giraffe Journey
- $400,000 for the Dan Street Public Safety Training Center
- $350,000 for Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) to support their mission of addiction and treatment
- $50,000 for the Summit County Fairgrounds 4-H project
District 31 Projects:
- $900,000 to make improvements to the Blossom Music Center
- $400,000 for the Oxbow Meadow Project in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- $200,000 to restore the Hale Farm & Village infrastructure
- $100,000 for improvements to Copley Township Park
- $50,000 for the Richfield Joint Recreation Project
Through this bill, Ohio House Republicans prioritized investing in Ohio’s future by expanding access to education and healthcare through new facilities or upgrades to existing ones, improving parks and roadways to better connect communities, and strengthening local facilities across the state by providing necessary funding for enhancements.
This bill was signed by the Governor and is now enrolled.
State Reps. Roemer, Daniels Honor OHSAA Powerlifting Champion in House Session
My colleague, Rep. Daniels, and I recognized Ashlyn Smith of Norton City Schools for being named OHSAA Powerlifting Champion. We honored Ashlyn by presenting her with a resolution, adopted by the House, outlining her achievements and congratulating her on her victory.
Ashlyn has set an incredible standard for what hard work looks like. Honoring her on the House floor was well-deserved. Finishing her season as a 225-pound state champion with a 935-pound total- ranking third nationally- solidifies her place as one of the elite lifters in the state.
House Resolution 391 has now been adopted.
Akron Area School Superintendents’ Association (AASSA) Roundtable
 I had the opportunity to present at and participate in a legislative roundtable with local superintendents from across Summit County. The discussion focused on challenges facing public education, including funding, workforce readiness issues, student opportunity, pending legislation, and more.
Judge Donna Carr’s retirement from the Ninth District Court of Appeals
 I recognized my friend, Judge Donna Carr, for retiring from the Ninth District Court of Appeals with a commendation from the Ohio House. She served for over 30 years as a judge and will be missed.
Akron Zoo Giraffes Expansion Groundbreaking
 The Akron Zoo broke ground on its largest expansion to date, the Lehner Family Foundation Giraffe Journey, which was supported through a $740,000 state appropriation. Opening in 2028, the new 9.25-acre African savanna exhibit will feature giraffes, ostriches, wildebeests, and other species, creating an immersive experience for visitors while supporting wildlife conservation and tourism in Summit County.
Oviatt House
 I was pleased to present a commendation recognizing the Oviatt House during its Community Appreciation Event, honoring the organization's longstanding commitment to preserving local history and serving the Richfield community. The commendation served as the centerpiece of the celebration, recognizing the volunteers and supporters who have helped make the Oviatt House a treasured community landmark.
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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