COLUMBUS, Ohio – July 26, 2025 – The Ohio House of Representatives has officially approved the conference committee report for Am. Sub. House Bill 96, the state’s two-year operating budget. House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and Finance Chairman State Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) announced the passage, touting the legislation as a conservative, balanced, and forward-thinking roadmap for Ohio’s future.
“This budget delivers on the priorities of Ohioans—historic tax relief, investments in education, and support for working families,” said Speaker Huffman. “It builds a stronger, more competitive Ohio.”
Rep. Stewart added, “This plan sends a message to families, businesses, and job seekers nationwide: Ohio is open for opportunity, and we’re ready to help you achieve your American Dream.”
Highlights of House Bill 96:
✅ Property Tax Relief
The budget includes over $2.5 billion in broad-based property tax relief, beginning January 2026. It sets up a mechanism for school districts with large cash carryovers to return unspent funds to taxpayers. Additional reforms improve local levy transparency and allow county commissioners to offer new tax credits.
✅ Income Tax Overhaul
The bill phases in a flat state income tax, reducing the rate to 3.125% in 2025 and to 2.75% in 2026, simplifying the tax code and strengthening Ohio’s competitiveness.
✅ Record Education Funding
Public schools will receive $700 million more over the biennium, the largest increase in state education funding to date. The budget also boosts support for school choice programs and special needs scholarships.
✅ Economic Development & Housing
Significant investments are included in Brownfield Remediation, housing construction incentives, and revitalization programs like Welcome Home Ohio. Additionally, $600 million is dedicated to the Browns Brook Park stadium development as part of a larger $1 billion cultural and sports initiative funded by unclaimed assets.
✅ Support for Working Families
The Child Care Choice program receives $100 million to help families afford childcare. Funding is also increased for early childhood development programs like Help Me Grow and OhioSEE.
✅ Backing Law Enforcement
The bill allocates $65 million for police training, $27 million for narcotics enforcement, and $8 million in grants for small volunteer fire departments.
✅ Workforce and Higher Education Investment
It expands scholarships such as the Governor’s Merit and Choose Ohio First, and raises higher education funding by 1% annually to make college more affordable.
✅ Medicaid and Healthcare Reform
To curb fraud and increase transparency, the bill imposes new audit and reporting requirements on the state Medicaid system.
House Bill 96 now moves to Governor Mike DeWine’s desk for final consideration.
