To enact section 122.074 of the Revised Code to create the Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass program under TourismOhio.
HB732 creates the “Ohio, The Heart of It All” pass program within TourismOhio, the state’s tourism promotion office. The program is intended to market Ohio’s artistic, cultural, historical, educational, recreational, film, and museum attractions by offering a pass that can be purchased beginning in 2027 by the public, with Ohio residents receiving a discounted rate. TourismOhio would set the application process, determine the price, and manage the program’s promotional materials and partner relationships.
The bill also establishes a framework for local businesses and organizations to become TourismOhio partners if they contribute to the state’s tourism economy. Partners would apply by describing the discounts, special experiences, gifts, or other benefits they will provide to pass holders, and if selected, they would be required to honor those offerings. TourismOhio and the Department of Development would have authority to monitor compliance, require reporting, audit partners, and cancel agreements or partner status if a participant fails to comply.
HB732 would add a new section to the Revised Code, section 122.074, and create a new state treasury fund, the Ohio, The Heart of It All pass fund, to receive pass revenue, legislative transfers, and private contributions for tourism promotion. The bill gives TourismOhio rulemaking authority under Chapter 119 and allows the agency to use fund money for program administration, personnel, and other operating expenses. It also affects participating tourism-related businesses and organizations by subjecting them to program requirements, oversight, and possible audit or removal from the program.
The bill appears to be generally positive in concept, as reflected by its broad bipartisan-style sponsorship and its focus on tourism promotion, state branding, and economic development. Because the bill was only introduced and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, there is no formal recorded debate or opposition to gauge. The available context suggests the measure is being advanced as a promotional and celebratory tourism initiative rather than a controversial policy change.
The main points of potential contention are likely to be the creation of a new state-administered pass program, the use of public resources for marketing and administration, and TourismOhio’s discretion to set prices, select partners, and enforce compliance. Businesses or organizations interested in participating may be concerned about the conditions attached to partner status, including audits, reporting requirements, and the possibility of cancellation. Another possible issue is the special provision making the pass free for Ohio residents for a limited period in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, which could raise questions about cost, funding, and implementation timing.