To enact section 5534.853 of the Revised Code to designate the portion of U.S. Route 24 in Ohio as the "Heartland Highway."
Summary
HB175 is a highway naming bill that would create a new section of the Ohio Revised Code to designate the westbound and eastbound lanes of U.S. Route 24 between the Indiana and Michigan borders as the "Heartland Highway." The named stretch runs through Paulding, Defiance, Henry, and Lucas counties. The bill also authorizes the Director of Transportation to place appropriate markers along the route identifying the designation.
The measure does not change traffic rules, funding formulas, or roadway ownership; it is a ceremonial designation affecting the official name of a specific segment of U.S. Route 24. If enacted, it would add section 5534.853 to the Revised Code and allow the Ohio Department of Transportation to install signage recognizing the new highway name.
Impact
HB175 would amend Ohio law by adding a new statutory highway designation in section 5534.853 of the Revised Code. Its practical effect would be limited to the naming and marking of U.S. Route 24 in northwest Ohio, with the Department of Transportation permitted to erect signs. The bill would primarily affect state transportation records, roadway signage, and local recognition for the counties and communities along the route, without imposing regulatory or fiscal changes on motorists or local governments beyond any signage costs.
Sentiment
Based on the available record, the bill appears to be noncontroversial and routine. It was introduced and referred to the House Transportation Committee, with no recorded votes or committee testimony indicating opposition or debate. Highway naming bills of this type are generally supported as honorary measures intended to recognize a corridor or region, and nothing in the available materials suggests significant disagreement.
Contention
There are no documented points of contention in the provided materials. Because the bill is a ceremonial road designation, any potential concerns would likely be limited to whether the route name is appropriate or whether signage costs are justified, but no such objections appear in the transcript or voting history. The absence of recorded opposition suggests the bill was treated as a straightforward transportation naming measure.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.