Ohio 2025-2026 Regular Session

Ohio House Bill HB555

Caption

To amend section 4501.21 and to enact section 4503.966 of the Revised Code to create the "Ohio Council of Skin and Scuba Divers, Inc." specialty license plate.

Summary

HB 555 creates a new Ohio specialty license plate for the “Ohio Council of Skin and Scuba Divers, Inc.” The bill authorizes eligible vehicle owners to apply for the plate, requires the plate to display a logo and wording approved by the registrar and the organization, and sets a $10 contribution and a $10 administrative fee for each initial registration or renewal tied to the plate. The bill also adds the new plate to Ohio’s existing specialty plate contribution framework in section 4501.21. Under that framework, the registrar deposits the $10 contribution into the license plate contribution fund, and the fund then distributes money to a long list of designated nonprofit, educational, charitable, cultural, athletic, and public-service recipients associated with specialty plates. The new section 4503.966 directs money from the new plate to the Ohio Council of Skin and Scuba Divers, Inc. for scholarships, outreach, and educational activities.

Impact

If enacted, HB 555 would amend Ohio’s motor vehicle registration laws by adding a new specialty license plate and creating a new revenue stream for the Ohio Council of Skin and Scuba Divers, Inc. It would also update the state’s license plate contribution fund statute to include the new plate among the many existing specialty plates whose contributions are distributed to designated organizations. The bill affects the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the registrar of motor vehicles, and the recipient organization, while leaving the broader specialty plate funding structure intact.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been introduced without recorded committee testimony, votes, or other public discussion in the materials provided, so there is no documented support or opposition to gauge from the record here. Based on the text alone, it is a routine specialty-plate bill with a narrow, localized purpose and no apparent controversy reflected in the available history.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided committee or vote history. The only potentially notable issue is that the bill adds yet another specialty plate to an already extensive list of designated plates and recipient organizations, which can sometimes raise questions about administrative complexity or the proliferation of earmarked contributions. However, no member concerns, amendments, or objections are shown in the available record.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OH HB1

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.

OH HB2

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.

OH SB280

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.

OH SB279

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.

OH HB271

Number state ballot issues consecutively based on prior election

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