Bill creating Electric Vehicle Commission passes House

A bill establishing an Electric Vehicle Commission and authorizing a temporary exemption of sales and use taxes on certain components used in the production of electric vehicles has passed in the House of Representatives.
Lisa Sobecki, D –Toledo, said she sponsored the House Bill 292 to better prepare the state for a future in which electric vehicles will be a significant part of the economy.
“As a state, we need to be better prepared for electric vehicle production, implementation, and proliferation,” she said. “My bill puts Ohio on more secure footing and will drive economic opportunity.”
The Electric Vehicle Commission would be established within the Ohio Department of Transportation to make policy recommendations concerning product manufacturing in the state. As stated in the bill, an electric vehicle product is a battery powered electric vehicle, an alternative powertrain technology vehicle, a hydrogen powered vehicle, or plug-in electric motor vehicle. The term also includes charging stations needed for using the vehicles.
The commission’s responsibilities would include evaluating the inventory of existing product facilities and production capability; assessing the pool of skilled and unskilled workers in the industry and the needs for training within the industry.
The commission would also be tasked with determining if training centers promoting careers in the industry should be created or transitioned from traditional automotive industry training centers as well as evaluating the effectiveness of tax exemptions for products.
An annual report by the commission is to be compiled by Sept. 30 and presented to leaders of the legislature. Members of the commission would include two members of the Senate from each political party, appointed by its president, and two House members, appointed by the speaker of the house, from each party.
The governor would appoint six members; one representing local governments, one representing organized labor in the auto industry, one from the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association, one representing charging station manufacturers, and one from Clean Fuels Ohio.
The sales and use tax exemption would cover engines, transmission, batteries and brakes that are specifically designed for the vehicles. The exemption would expire at the end of 2026.
The bill passed by a vote of 81-10 in the House and has been referred to the Senate.
Last month, Rep. Sobecki sent a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine encouraging Ohio to join the Regional Electric Vehicle Midwest Coalition. The coalition currently consists of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and its objective is to expand the use of electric vehicles throughout the
Midwest.
“Since World War II, Ohio has been a leader in the automotive industry,” said Sobecki. “The future
is driving towards electric vehicles, and it is imperative that Ohio does not get left behind. Ohio must continue to be on the forefront of innovation and leadership by joining the Regional Electric Vehicle Midwest Coalition.”
Area representatives who voted for the bill include Michael Sheehy, Paula Hicks-Hudson, Haraz Ghanbari, and D.J. Swearingen.