Committee adopts sub-bill language to widen exempt depth for asphalt milling, cites ODOT recommendations

The House Commerce and Labor Committee adopted a sub-bill and accepted sponsor explanation to adjust exemptions related to asphalt milling and grinding.

A sponsor explained the sub-bill would increase the maximum exempted depth for milling and grinding of asphalt from 4 inches to 6 inches and clarify that activities penetrating the asphalt subbase would not be exempted. The amendment also adds a fifth exempted activity: localized pavement repairs outside municipal corporations that do not penetrate the earth more than 12 inches; sponsors said these changes were recommended by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The sub-bill also updates language removing the word "coal" in reference to chapter 1514 of the Revised Code, per sponsor remarks.

Committee members raised no objections during the sub-bill adoption and the chair said the sub-bill would become part of the bill; the committee indicated the sub-bill might be scheduled for a formal vote at a future meeting if any member objects.