The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Ohio HB 627 allows county commissioners to disapprove scenic river designations
Last action · February 4, 2026: Referred to Natural ResourcesSponsor: Jason Stephens
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What This Bill Would Do
County commissioners in Ohio gain the authority to adopt a resolution disapproving proposed s within their jurisdiction, blocking the designation if notified within sixty days. Commissioners also have a ninety-day window following the bill's effective date to disapprove designations made on or after November 1, 2024. The measure requires counties to provide public notice at least thirty days prior to any meeting discussing such a resolution.
Gives local county boards veto power over state-level environmental river designations that affect waterways within their geographic boundaries.
- The Ohio General Assembly considers bills to amend the Revised Code, adjusting administrative authorities between state agencies and local governments. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
board of county commissioners
Boards of county commissioners receive the authority to adopt resolutions disapproving scenic river designations within their jurisdiction.
director of natural resources
The director is prohibited from designating a watercourse as a scenic river if a valid county disapproval resolution is received.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do county commissioners have to block a proposed scenic river designation?
Can commissioners block designations made before this bill was introduced?
Does a scenic river designation restrict private land use?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
2 actions- Feb 4, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred to Natural Resources
- Dec 11, 2025HouseIntroducedIntroduced
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
www.legislature.ohio.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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