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Proposed Community Revitalization Grants for Ohio Projects

Client Alert

Community Revitalization Credits May Be on the Horizon for Ohio Revitalization Projects

Ohio Senate Bill 344 is designed to offer non-refundable tax credits for individuals, corporations, or non-profits that are willing and able to invest in and build community projects in economically disadvantaged communities.  This Bill aims to incentivize the revitalization of Ohio’s communities while bolstering business in underdeveloped sectors.

Entities seeking a tax credit must apply to the director of development within specified timeframes of two review periods each fiscal year. The first begins on July 1 ending after September 13, and the second begins on January 1 and ends after March 31. If approved, the project must be completed within two years.

A project's credit allocation must be equal to or less than $5 million or 15-percent of estimated costs reported or 20-percent of costs, if the project is in an economically disadvantaged community. A credit allocation for each phase of a larger community revitalization project may be awarded a $5 million limitation applying to each phase of the project. The limit for credit allocations in a fiscal year cannot exceed $100 million, and no tax credit certificate will be issued for a project that is not completed within two years of the applicant being notified the project is eligible for tax credit.

If a certificate is issued to a pass-through entity for an investment by the entity, any taxpayer that is a direct or indirect investor in the pass-through may claim the taxpayer's proportionate or distributive share of the credit against the taxpayer's aggregate amount of tax levied. A person that is not a taxpayer cannot claim the credit, but if the person is the applicant to which the certificate is issued, the person may transfer the right to claim the credit.

A person that holds a tax credit certificate, on or before the last day of the person's taxable year or, if the person is not a taxpayer, on or before the last day of the calendar year in which the certificate is issued, may transfer the right to claim all or part of the credit to any other person. 

The Bill, sponsored by Ohio Senator Kirk Schuring, District 29, is currently in Senate Committee.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Jason Butterworth at jabutterworth@bmdllc.com.


HHS Revokes Public Comment Requirement on Certain Policy Changes

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has revoked the Richardson Waiver, eliminating the requirement for public notice and comment on certain policy changes. This decision allows HHS to implement new policies more quickly, potentially affecting healthcare funding rules like Medicaid work requirements. While it speeds up policymaking, it also reduces opportunities for stakeholder input, raising concerns over transparency and unintended consequences for healthcare providers, states, and patients.

Don't Get Caught Dazed and Confused: Another Florida Court Weighs in on Employer Obligations to Accommodate Medical Marijuana Use

A Florida trial court ruled in Giambrone v. Hillsborough County that employers may need to accommodate off-duty medical marijuana use under the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). This contrasts with prior rulings and raises new compliance challenges for employers. With the case on appeal, now is the time to review workplace drug policies.

Corporate Transparency Act to be Re-evaluated

Recent federal rulings have impacted the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. While reporting requirements were briefly reinstated, FinCEN has now paused enforcement and is reevaluating the CTA. Businesses are no longer required to submit reports until further guidance is issued. For updates and legal counsel, contact BMD Member Blake Gerney.

Ohio Recovery Housing Operators Beware: House Bill 58 Seeks to Make Major Changes

Ohio House Bill 58 proposes significant changes to recovery housing oversight, granting ADAMH Boards authority to inspect and investigate recovery residences. The bill also introduces a Certificate of Need (CON) program, requiring state approval for major facility changes. OMHAS will assess applications based on cost, quality, accessibility, and financial feasibility. The bill also establishes a recovery housing residence fund to support inspections. For more information, contact BMD attorneys Daphne Kackloudis or Jordan Burdick.

January 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Brings Notable Changes to HIPAA Security Rule

In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed amendments to the HIPAA Security Rule, aiming to enhance cybersecurity for covered entities (CEs) and business associates (BAs). Key changes include mandatory compliance audits, workforce training, vulnerability scans, and risk assessments. Comments on the proposed rule are due by March 7, 2025.