To amend sections 1503.05, 1541.22, 4501.21, 4503.54, 4503.591, 5537.07 and 5537.26 and to enact sections 955.201, 955.202, 4503.431, 4503.432, 4503.491, 4503.501, 4503.502, 4503.521, 4503.522, 4503.541, 4503.543, 4503.544, 4503.545, 4503.551, 4503.552, 4503.562, 4503.573, 4503.574, 4503.575, 4503.74, and 4511.031 of the Revised Code to prohibit the use or possession of a portable signal preemption device under certain conditions; to create "National Defense" license plates, "U.S. Armed Forces Active Duty" license plates, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal license plates, special motorcycle license plates for retired and honorably discharged veterans, "Silver Star" license plates and "Bronze Star Medal" license plates, "4-H license plates," "Ohio Cattlemen's Foundation Beef" license plates, "Share the Road" license plates, the "Pets" license plate and the Pets Program Funding Board and Pet Support Fund, "Breast Cancer Awareness" license plates, "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" license plates, "Mahoning River" license plates, four different "Sportsmen's License Plates" featuring either the walleye, smallmouth bass, white-tailed deer, or wild turkey, "Smokey Bear" license plates, "Ohio State Parks" license plates, "Ohio Zoo" license plates, "Perry Monument" license plate, and "National Rifle Association Foundation" license plates; to provide an additional procedure for the issuance of license plates bearing the logo of a professional sports team; to increase the competitive bid threshold for the Ohio Turnpike Commission; to allow the Ohio Turnpike Commission to decrease toll rates without holding public hearing; and to make an appropriation.

SECTION 1. That sections 1503.05, 1541.22, 4501.21, 4503.54, 4503.591, 5537.07 and 5537.26 be amended and sections 955.201, 955.202, 4503.431, 4503.432, 4503.491, 4503.501, 4503.502, 4503.521, 4503.522, 4503.541, 4503.543, 4503.544, 4503.545, 4503.551, 4503.552, 4503.562, 4503.573, 4503.574, 4503.575, 4503.74, and 4511.031 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 955.201. (A) As used in this section and in section 955.202 of the Revised Code, "Ohio pet fund" means a nonprofit corporation organized by that name under Chapter 1702. of the Revised Code that consists of humane societies, veterinarians, animal shelters, companion animal breeders, dog wardens, and similar individuals and entities.

(B) The Ohio pet fund shall do all of the following:

(1) Establish eligibility criteria for organizations that may receive financial assistance from the pets program funding board created in section 955.202 of the Revised Code. Those organizations may include any of the following:

(a) An animal shelter as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code;

(b) A local nonprofit veterinary association that operates a program for the sterilization of dogs and cats;

(c) A charitable organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under subsection 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and the primary purpose of which is to support programs for the sterilization of dogs and cats and educational programs concerning the proper veterinary care of those animals.

(2) Establish procedures for applying for financial assistance from the pets program funding board. Application procedures shall require eligible organizations to submit detailed proposals that outline the intended uses of the moneys sought.

(3) Establish eligibility criteria for sterilization and educational programs for which moneys from the pets program funding board may be used and, consistent with division (C) of this section, establish eligibility criteria for individuals who seek sterilization for their dogs and cats from eligible organizations;

(4) Establish procedures for the disbursement of moneys the pets program funding board receives from license plate contributions pursuant to division (C) of section 4503.551 of the Revised Code;

(5) Advertise or otherwise provide notification of the availability of financial assistance from the pets program funding board for eligible organizations;

(6) Design markings to be inscribed on "pets" license plates under section 4503.551 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) The owner of a dog or cat is eligible for dog or cat sterilization services from an eligible organization when those services are subsidized in whole or in part by money from the pets program funding board if any of the following applies:

(a) The income of the owner's family does not exceed one hundred fifty per cent of the federal poverty guideline.

(b) The owner, or any member of the owner's family who resides with the owner, is a recipient or beneficiary of one of the following government assistance programs:

(i) Low-income housing assistance under the "United States Housing Act of 1937," 42 U.S.C.A. 1437f, as amended, known as the federal section 8 housing program;

(ii) The Ohio works first program established by Chapter 5107. of the Revised Code;

(iii) Title XIX of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C.A. 301, as amended, known as the medical assistance program or medicaid, provided by the department of job and family services under Chapter 5111. of the Revised Code;

(iv) A program or law administered by the United States department of veterans' affairs or veterans' administration for any service-connected disability;

(v) The food stamp program established under the "Food Stamp Act of 1977," 91 Stat. 958, 7 U.S.C.A. 2011, as amended, administered by the department of job and family services under section 5101.54 of the Revised Code;

(vi) The "special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children" established under the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966," 80 Stat. 885, 42 U.S.C. 1786, as amended, administered by the department of health under section 3701.132 of the Revised Code;

(vii) Supplemental security income under Title XVI of the "Social Security Act," 86 Stat. 1475 (1972), 42 U.S.C.A. 1383, as amended;

(viii) Social security disability insurance benefits provided under Title II of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C.A. 401, as amended.

(c) The owner of the dog or cat submits to the eligible organization operating the sterilization program either of the following:

(i) A certificate of adoption showing that the dog or cat was adopted from a licensed animal shelter, a municipal, county, or regional pound, or a holding and impoundment facility that contracts with a municipal corporation;

(ii) A certificate of adoption showing that the dog or cat was adopted through a nonprofit corporation operating an animal adoption referral service whose holding facility, if any, is licensed in accordance with state law or a municipal ordinance.

(2) The Ohio pet fund shall determine the type of documentary evidence that must be presented by the owner of a dog or cat to show that the income of the owner's family does not exceed one hundred fifty per cent of the federal poverty guideline or that the owner is eligible under division (C)(1)(b) of this section.

(D) As used in division (C) of this section, "federal poverty guideline" means the official poverty guideline as revised annually by the United States department of health and human services in accordance with section 673(2) of the "Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981," 95 Stat. 511, 42 U.S.C.A. 9902, as amended, for a family size equal to the size of the family of the person whose income is being determined.

Sec. 955.202. (A) There is hereby created the pets program funding board consisting of the following seven members to be appointed by the Ohio pet fund:

(1) One member who represents an animal control facility or has been appointed an agent of a humane society under Chapter 1717. of the Revised Code;

(2) One member of the Ohio veterinary medical association who is a resident of this state;

(3) One member of the general public;

(4) One member who represents an animal shelter or other animal facility located in this state;

(5) One member who represents a foster pet organization or an organization that is involved with the sterilization of dogs and cats that does not operate an animal shelter;

(6) One member who is a breeder of dogs or cats and is a member in good standing with a national breeders club or association;

(7) One member from the Ohio pet fund.

(B) Of the initial appointees to the board, two members' terms shall expire on the thirty-first day of January of the first even-numbered year following appointment, and five members' terms shall expire on the thirty-first day of January of the second odd-numbered year following appointment. Thereafter, terms of office for all members shall be two years. Vacancies on the board shall be filled in the manner provided for original appointments. Members of the board shall not receive compensation or reimbursement for expenses.

Members of the board shall elect a chairperson and shall establish rules for the meetings and procedures of the board. The board shall meet at least four times per year unless determined otherwise by a majority vote of the board members. If an eligible organization that is applying for financial assistance from the license plate contribution fund created in section 4501.21 of the Revised Code is represented by a member on the board, that member shall not participate in the decision regarding the approval or disapproval of that application. A quorum consists of five board members, except that if one member is not participating in a decision regarding an application, a quorum consists of three board members.

(C) The board shall disburse moneys from the license plate contribution fund for the purpose of supporting programs for the sterilization of dogs and cats and educational programs concerning the proper veterinary care of those animals. Moneys shall be disbursed to organizations meeting eligibility requirements established under division (B)(1) of section 955.201 of the Revised Code in accordance with criteria and procedures established under divisions (B)(2) to (4) of that section. The registrar of motor vehicles shall not disburse money from the license plate contribution fund to the pets program funding board until the amount in the fund that is attributable to contributions paid by motor vehicle registration applicants pursuant to section 4503.551 of the Revised Code and to money from any other source, including donations, gifts, and grants, that is designated by the source to be paid to the pets program funding board, equals at least twenty-five thousand dollars or until two years after the effective date of this section, whichever occurs first.

Sec. 1503.05.  (A) The chief of the division of forestry may sell timber and other forest products from the state forest and state forest nurseries whenever the chief considers such a sale desirable and, with the approval of the attorney general and the director of natural resources, may sell portions of the state forest lands when such a sale is advantageous to the state.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a timber sale agreement shall not be executed unless the person or governmental entity bidding on the sale executes and files a surety bond conditioned on completion of the timber sale in accordance with the terms of the agreement in an amount equal to twenty-five per cent of the highest value cutting section. All bonds shall be given in a form prescribed by the chief and shall run to the state as obligee.

The chief shall not approve any bond until it is personally signed and acknowledged by both principal and surety, or as to either by the attorney in fact thereof, with a certified copy of the power of attorney attached. The chief shall not approve the bond unless there is attached a certificate of the superintendent of insurance that the company is authorized to transact a fidelity and surety business in this state.

In lieu of a bond, the bidder may deposit any of the following:

(1) Cash in an amount equal to the amount of the bond;

(2) United States government securities having a par value equal to or greater than the amount of the bond;

(3) Negotiable certificates of deposit or irrevocable letters of credit issued by any bank organized or transacting business in this state having a par value equal to or greater than the amount of the bond.

The cash or securities shall be deposited on the same terms as bonds. If one or more certificates of deposit are deposited in lieu of a bond, the chief shall require the bank that issued any of the certificates to pledge securities of the aggregate market value equal to the amount of the certificate or certificates that is in excess of the amount insured by the federal deposit insurance corporation. The securities to be pledged shall be those designated as eligible under section 135.18 of the Revised Code. The securities shall be security for the repayment of the certificate or certificates of deposit.

Immediately upon a deposit of cash, securities, certificates of deposit, or letters of credit, the chief shall deliver them to the treasurer of state, who shall hold them in trust for the purposes for which they have been deposited. The treasurer of state is responsible for the safekeeping of the deposits. A bidder making a deposit of cash, securities, certificates of deposit, or letters of credit may withdraw and receive from the treasurer of state, on the written order of the chief, all or any portion of the cash, securities, certificates of deposit, or letters of credit upon depositing with the treasurer of state cash, other United States government securities, or other negotiable certificates of deposit or irrevocable letters of credit issued by any bank organized or transacting business in this state, equal in par value to the par value of the cash, securities, certificates of deposit, or letters of credit withdrawn.

A bidder may demand and receive from the treasurer of state all interest or other income from any such securities or certificates as it becomes due. If securities so deposited with and in the possession of the treasurer of state mature or are called for payment by their issuer, the treasurer of state, at the request of the bidder who deposited them, shall convert the proceeds of the redemption or payment of the securities into other United States government securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, or cash as the bidder designates.

When the chief finds that a person or governmental agency has failed to comply with the conditions of the person's or governmental agency's bond, the chief shall make a finding of that fact and declare the bond, cash, securities, certificates, or letters of credit forfeited. The chief thereupon shall certify the total forfeiture to the attorney general, who shall proceed to collect the amount of the bond, cash, securities, certificates, or letters of credit.

In lieu of total forfeiture, the surety, at its option, may cause the timber sale to be completed or pay to the treasurer of state the cost thereof.

All moneys collected as a result of forfeitures of bonds, cash, securities, certificates, and letters of credit under this section shall be credited to the state forest fund created in this section.

(C) The chief may grant easements and leases on portions of the state forest lands and state forest nurseries under terms that are advantageous to the state, and the chief may grant mineral rights on a royalty basis on those lands and nurseries, with the approval of the attorney general and the director.

(D) All moneys received from the sale of state forest lands, or in payment for easements or leases on or as rents from those lands or from state forest nurseries, shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the state forest fund, which is hereby created. In addition, all moneys received from the sale of reforestation tree stock, from the sale of forest products, other than standing timber, and from the sale of minerals taken from the state forest lands and state forest nurseries, together with royalties from mineral rights, shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the state forest fund. Any other revenues derived from the operation of the state forests and related facilities or equipment also shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the state forest fund, as shall contributions received for the issuance of Smokey Bear license plates under section 4503.574 of the Revised Code and any other moneys required by law to be deposited in the fund.

The state forest fund shall not be expended for any purpose other than the administration, operation, maintenance, development, or utilization of the state forests, forest nurseries, and forest programs, for facilities or equipment incident to them, or for the further purchase of lands for state forest or forest nursery purposes and, in the case of contributions received pursuant to section 4503.574 of the Revised Code, for fire prevention purposes.

All moneys received from the sale of standing timber taken from state forest lands and state forest nurseries shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the forestry holding account redistribution fund, which is hereby created. The moneys shall remain in the fund until they are redistributed in accordance with this division.

The redistribution shall occur at least once each year. To begin the redistribution, the chief first shall determine the amount of all standing timber sold from state forest lands and state forest nurseries, together with the amount of the total sale proceeds, in each county, in each township within the county, and in each school district within the county. The chief next shall determine the amount of the direct costs that the division of forestry incurred in association with the sale of that standing timber. The amount of the direct costs shall be subtracted from the amount of the total sale proceeds and shall be transferred from the forestry holding account redistribution fund to the state forest fund.

The remaining amount of the total sale proceeds equals the net value of the standing timber that was sold. The chief shall determine the net value of standing timber sold from state forest lands and state forest nurseries in each county, in each township within the county, and in each school district within the county and shall send to each county treasurer a copy of the determination at the time that moneys are paid to the county treasurer under this division.

Twenty-five per cent of the net value of standing timber sold from state forest lands and state forest nurseries located in a county shall be transferred from the forestry holding account redistribution fund to the state forest fund. Ten per cent of that net value shall be transferred from the forestry holding account redistribution fund to the general revenue fund. The remaining sixty-five per cent of the net value shall be transferred from the forestry holding account redistribution fund and paid to the county treasurer for the use of the general fund of that county.

The county auditor shall do all of the following:

(1) Retain for the use of the general fund of the county one-fourth of the amount received by the county under division (D) of this section;

(2) Pay into the general fund of any township located within the county and containing such lands and nurseries one-fourth of the amount received by the county from standing timber sold from lands and nurseries located in the township;

(3) Request the board of education of any school district located within the county and containing such lands and nurseries to identify which fund or funds of the district should receive the moneys available to the school district under division (D)(3) of this section. After receiving notice from the board, the county auditor shall pay into the fund or funds so identified one-half of the amount received by the county from standing timber sold from lands and nurseries located in the school district, distributed proportionately as identified by the board.

The division of forestry shall not supply logs, lumber, or other forest products or minerals, taken from the state forest lands or state forest nurseries, to any other agency or subdivision of the state unless payment is made therefor in the amount of the actual prevailing value thereof. This section is applicable to the moneys so received.

Sec. 1541.22.  The chief of the division of parks and recreation shall collect all rentals from leases of state lands and moneys for pipe permits, dock licenses, concession fees, and special privileges of any nature from all lands and waters operated and administered by the division of parks and recreation. He The chief shall keep a record of all such payments showing the amounts received, from whom, and for what purpose collected. All such payments shall be credited to the state park fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury, except such revenues required to be set aside or paid into depositories or trust funds for the payment of bonds issued under sections 1501.12 to 1501.15 of the Revised Code, and to maintain the required reserves therefor as provided in the orders authorizing the issuance of such bonds or the trust agreements securing such bonds, and except such revenues required to be paid and credited pursuant to the bond proceedings applicable to obligations issued pursuant to section 154.22 of the Revised Code. All moneys derived from the operation of the lands, waters, facilities, and equipment by the division, except such revenues required to be set aside or paid into depositories or trust funds for the payment of bonds issued under sections 1501.12 to 1501.15 of the Revised Code, and to maintain the required reserves therefor as provided in the orders authorizing the issuance of such bonds or the trust agreements securing such bonds, and except such revenues required to be paid and credited pursuant to the bond proceedings applicable to obligations issued pursuant to section 154.22 of the Revised Code, shall accrue to the credit of the state park fund.

Except as otherwise provided in division (B) of this section and in sections 154.22, 1501.11, and 1501.14 of the Revised Code, such fund shall not be expended for any purpose other than the administration, operation, maintenance, development, and utilization of lands and waters, and for facilities and equipment incident thereto, administered by the division, or for the further purchase of lands and waters by the state for park and recreational purposes.

(B) The chief shall use moneys in the fund from the issuance of Ohio state parks license plates under section 4503.575 of the Revised Code only to pay the costs of state park interpretive and educational programs and displays and the development and operation of state park interpretive centers.

Sec. 4501.21.  (A) There is hereby created in the state treasury the license plate contribution fund. The fund shall consist of all contributions paid by motor vehicle registrants and collected by the registrar of motor vehicles pursuant to sections 4503.491, 4503.50, 4503.501, 4503.502, 4503.51, 4503.522, 4503.545, 4503.55, 4503.551, 4503.552, 4503.561, 4503.562, 4503.591, 4503.67, 4503.68, 4503.69, 4503.71, 4503.711, 4503.72, 4503.73, 4503.74, and 4503.75 of the Revised Code.

(B) The registrar shall disburse the contributions the registrar collects in the fund as follows:

(1) The registrar shall pay the contributions received pursuant to section 4503.491 of the Revised Code to the breast cancer fund of Ohio, which shall use that money only to pay for programs that provide assistance and education to Ohio breast cancer patients and that improve access for such patients to quality health care and clinical trials and shall not use any of the money for abortion information, counseling, services, or other abortion-related activities.

(2) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.50 of the Revised Code to the future farmers of America foundation, which shall deposit the contributions into its general account to be used for educational and scholarship purposes of the future farmers of America foundation.

(2)(3) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.501 of the Revised Code to the 4-H youth development program of the Ohio state university extension program, which shall use those contributions to pay the expenses it incurs in conducting its educational activities.

(4) The registrar shall pay the contributions received pursuant to section 4503.502 of the Revised Code to the Ohio cattlemen's foundation, which shall use those contributions for scholarships and other educational activities.

(5) The registrar shall pay each contribution the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.51 of the Revised Code to the university or college whose name or marking or design appears on collegiate license plates that are issued to a person under that section. A university or college that receives contributions from the fund shall deposit the contributions into its general scholarship fund.

(3)(6) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.522 of the Revised Code to the "friends of Perry's victory and international peace memorial, incorporated," a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state, to assist that organization in paying the expenses it incurs in sponsoring or holding charitable, educational, and cultural events at the monument.

(7) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.55 of the Revised Code to the pro football hall of fame, which shall deposit the contributions into a special bank account that it establishes and which shall be separate and distinct from any other account the pro football hall of fame maintains, to be used exclusively for the purpose of promoting the pro football hall of fame as a travel destination.

(4)(8) The registrar shall pay the contributions that are paid to the registrar pursuant to section 4503.545 of the Revised Code to the national rifle association foundation, which shall use the money to pay the costs of the educational activities and programs the foundation holds or sponsors in this state.

(9) In accordance with section 955.202 of the Revised Code, the registrar shall pay to the pets program funding board created by that section the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.551 of the Revised Code and any other money from any other source, including donations, gifts, and grants, that is designated by the source to be paid to the pets program funding board. The board shall use the moneys it receives under this section only to support programs for the sterilization of dogs and cats and for educational programs concerning the proper veterinary care of those animals.

(10) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.552 of the Revised Code to the rock and roll hall of fame and museum, incorporated.

(11) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.561 of the Revised Code to the state of Ohio chapter of ducks unlimited, inc., which shall deposit the contributions into a special bank account that it establishes. The special bank account shall be separate and distinct from any other account the state of Ohio chapter of ducks unlimited, inc., maintains and shall be used exclusively for the purpose of protecting, enhancing, restoring, and managing wetlands and conserving wildlife habitat. The state of Ohio chapter of ducks unlimited, inc., annually shall notify the registrar in writing of the name, address, and account to which payments are to be made under division (B)(4)(11) of this section.

(5)(12) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.562 of the Revised Code to the Mahoning river consortium, which shall use the money to pay the expenses it incurs in restoring and maintaining the Mahoning river watershed.

(13)(a) The registrar shall pay to a sports commission created pursuant to section 4503.591 of the Revised Code each contribution the registrar receives under that section 4503.591 of the Revised Code that an applicant pays to obtain license plates that bear the logo of a professional sports team located in the county of that sports commission and that is participating in the license plate program established by pursuant to division (E) of that section 4503.591 of the Revised Code, irrespective of the county of residence of an applicant.

(b) The registrar shall pay to a community charity each contribution the registrar receives under section 4503.591 of the Revised Code that an applicant pays to obtain license plates that bear the logo of a professional sports team that is participating in the license plate program pursuant to division (G) of that section.

(6)(14) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.67 of the Revised Code to the Dan Beard council of the boy scouts of America. The council shall distribute all contributions in an equitable manner throughout the state to regional councils of the boy scouts.

(7)(15) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.68 of the Revised Code to the great river council of the girl scouts of the United States of America. The council shall distribute all contributions in an equitable manner throughout the state to regional councils of the girl scouts.

(8)(16) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.69 of the Revised Code to the Dan Beard council of the boy scouts of America. The council shall distribute all contributions in an equitable manner throughout the state to regional councils of the boy scouts.

(9)(17) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.71 of the Revised Code to the fraternal order of police of Ohio, incorporated, which shall deposit the fees into its general account to be used for purposes of the fraternal order of police of Ohio, incorporated.

(10)(18) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.711 of the Revised Code to the fraternal order of police of Ohio, incorporated, which shall deposit the contributions into an account that it creates to be used for the purpose of advancing and protecting the law enforcement profession, promoting improved law enforcement methods, and teaching respect for law and order.

(11)(19) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.72 of the Revised Code to the organization known on the effective date of this section March 31, 2003, as the Ohio CASA/GAL association, a private, nonprofit corporation organized under Chapter 1702. of the Revised Code. The Ohio CASA/GAL association shall use these contributions to pay the expenses it incurs in administering a program to secure the proper representation in the courts of this state of abused, neglected, and dependent children, and for the training and supervision of persons participating in that program.

(12)(20) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.73 of the Revised Code to Wright B. Flyer, incorporated, which shall deposit the contributions into its general account to be used for purposes of Wright B. Flyer, incorporated.

(13)(21) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.74 of the Revised Code to the Columbus zoological park association, which shall disburse the moneys to Ohio's major metropolitan zoos, as defined in section 4503.74 of the Revised Code, in accordance with a written agreement entered into by the major metropolitan zoos.

(22) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.75 of the Revised Code to the rotary foundation, located on the effective date of this section March 31, 2003, in Evanston, Illinois, to be placed in a fund known as the permanent fund and used to endow educational and humanitarian programs of the rotary foundation.

(C) All investment earnings of the license plate contribution fund shall be credited to the fund. Not later than the first day of May of every year, the registrar shall distribute to each entity described in divisions (B)(1) to (13)(22) of this section the investment income the fund earned the previous calendar year. The amount of such a distribution paid to an entity shall be proportionate to the amount of money the entity received from the fund during the previous calendar year.

Sec. 4503.431. (A) Any person who has been awarded the silver star may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles for the registration of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle the person owns or leases of a class approved by the registrar. The application shall be accompanied by such documentary evidence in support of the award as the registrar shall require by rule. The application may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code.

Upon receipt of an application for registration of a motor vehicle under this section; presentation of satisfactory evidence documenting that the applicant is a recipient of the silver star; payment of the regular license fee as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any local motor vehicle license tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, and any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code; and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate motor vehicle registration and a set of license plates and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on the license plates, the license plates shall contain an illustration of the silver star and be inscribed with the words "combat veteran." The license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) Sections 4503.77 and 4503.78 of the Revised Code do not apply to license plates issued under this section.

(C) No person who is not a recipient of the silver star shall willfully and falsely represent that the person is a recipient of the silver star for the purpose of obtaining license plates under this section. No person shall permit a motor vehicle owned or leased by such person to bear license plates issued under this section unless the person is eligible to be issued such license plates.

Sec. 4503.432. (A) Any person who has been awarded the bronze star medal may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles for the registration of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle the person owns or leases of a class approved by the registrar. The application shall be accompanied by such documentary evidence in support of the award as the registrar shall require by rule. The application may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code.

Upon receipt of an application for registration of a motor vehicle under this section; presentation of satisfactory evidence documenting that the applicant is a recipient of the bronze star medal; payment of the regular license fee as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any local motor vehicle license tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, and any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code; and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate motor vehicle registration and a set of license plates and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on the license plates, the license plates shall contain an illustration of the bronze star medal and be inscribed with the words "combat veteran." The license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) Sections 4503.77 and 4503.78 of the Revised Code do not apply to license plates issued under this section.

(C) No person who is not a recipient of the bronze star medal shall willfully and falsely represent that the person is a recipient of the bronze star medal for the purpose of obtaining license plates under this section. No person shall permit a motor vehicle owned or leased by such person to bear license plates issued under this section unless the person is eligible to be issued such license plates.

Sec. 4503.491. (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of breast cancer awareness license plates. An application made under this section may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance by the applicant with divisions (B) and (C) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration and a set of breast cancer awareness license plates and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on the license plates, breast cancer awareness license plates shall be inscribed with identifying words or markings that promote breast cancer awareness and are approved by the registrar. Breast cancer awareness license plates shall display county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) The breast cancer awareness license plates and a validation sticker, or validation sticker alone, shall be issued upon receipt of a contribution as provided in division (C) of this section and upon payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle license tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, a fee of ten dollars for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in the issuing of breast cancer awareness license plates, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal notice the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution of twenty-five dollars. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the license plate contribution fund created in section 4501.21 of the Revised Code.

The registrar shall transmit the additional fee of ten dollars paid to compensate the bureau for the additional services required in the issuing of breast cancer awareness license plates to the treasurer of state for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the state bureau of motor vehicles fund created by section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.501. (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of 4-H license plates. An application made under this section may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance by the applicant with divisions (B) and (C) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration and a set of 4-H license plates and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on the license plates, 4-H license plates shall be inscribed with identifying words or markings designated by the 4-H youth development program of the Ohio state university extension program and approved by the registrar. 4-H license plates shall display county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) The 4-H license plates and a validation sticker, or validation sticker alone, shall be issued upon receipt of a contribution as provided in division (C) of this section and upon payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle license tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, a fee of ten dollars for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in the issuing of 4-H license plates, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal notice the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution of fifteen dollars. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the license plate contribution fund created in section 4501.21 of the Revised Code.

The registrar shall transmit the additional fee of ten dollars paid to compensate the bureau for the additional services required in the issuing of 4-H license plates to the treasurer of state for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the state bureau of motor vehicles fund created by section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.502. (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of Ohio cattlemen's foundation beef license plates. An application made under this section may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance by the applicant with divisions (B) and (C) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration and a set of Ohio cattlemen's foundation beef license plates and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on the license plates, Ohio cattlemen's foundation beef license plates shall be inscribed with identifying words or markings that depict Ohio's beef industry and that are designated by the Ohio cattlemen's foundation and approved by the registrar. Ohio cattlemen's foundation beef license plates shall display county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) The Ohio cattlemen's foundation beef license plates and a validation sticker, or validation sticker alone, shall be issued upon receipt of a contribution as provided in division (C) of this section and upon payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle license tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, a fee of ten dollars for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in the issuing of Ohio cattlemen's foundation beef license plates, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal notice the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution of fifteen dollars. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the license plate contribution fund created in section 4501.21 of the Revised Code.

The registrar shall transmit the additional fee of ten dollars paid to compensate the bureau for the additional services required in the issuing of Ohio cattlemen's foundation beef license plates to the treasurer of state for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the state bureau of motor vehicles fund created by section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.521. (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of "share the road" license plates. The application for "share the road" license plates may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance with division (B) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration and a set of "share the road" license plates with a validation sticker or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on the license plates, "share the road" license plates shall be inscribed with the words "share the road" and markings designed by the organization known on the effective date of this section as the Ohio bicycle federation and approved by the registrar. "Share the road" license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) "Share the road" license plates and validation stickers shall be issued upon receipt of a contribution as provided in division (C) of this section and upon payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, a fee of ten dollars for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in the issuing of the "share the road" license plates, any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal that the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution of five dollars. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the state highway safety fund created in section 4501.06 of the Revised Code to be used only to publish and distribute a booklet that instructs bicycle riders on the methods and procedures of riding bicycles on the roads and streets of this state in a confident, legal, and safe manner.

The registrar shall deposit the additional fee of ten dollars specified in division (B) of this section that the applicant for registration pays for the purpose of compensating the bureau for the additional services required in the issuing of the applicant's "share the road" license plates in the state bureau of motor vehicles fund created in section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.522.  (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of "Perry's monument" license plates. The application for "Perry's monument" license plates may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance with division (B) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration and a set of "Perry's monument" license plates with a validation sticker or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed thereon, "Perry's monument" license plates shall be inscribed with words and markings designed by the "friends of Perry's victory and international peace memorial, incorporated," a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state, and approved by the registrar. "Perry's monument" license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) "Perry's monument" license plates and validation stickers shall be issued upon payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, the contribution specified under division (C) of this section, and an additional fee of ten dollars, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal received under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution of fifteen dollars. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the license plate contribution fund created in section 4501.21 of the Revised Code.

(D) The purpose of the additional fee of ten dollars specified in division (B) of this section is to compensate the bureau of motor vehicles for the additional services required in the issuing of the applicant's "Perry's monument" license plates. The registrar shall deposit this additional fee in the state bureau of motor vehicles fund created in section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.54. (A) Any person who is on active duty or is a retired or honorably discharged veteran of any branch of the armed forces of the United States may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles for the registration of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, motor home recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar the person owns or leases. The application shall be accompanied by such written evidence that the applicant is on active duty or is a retired or honorably discharged veteran of a branch of the armed forces of the United States as the registrar shall require by rule.

Upon receipt of an application for registration of a motor vehicle under this section, presentation of satisfactory evidence documenting that the applicant is on active duty or is a retired or honorably discharged veteran of a branch of the armed forces of the United States, and payment of the regular license fees as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code and any local motor vehicle license tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate motor vehicle registration and a set of license plates and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code. In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed thereon, the license plates shall contain one of the appropriate inscription as follows following inscriptions, as appropriate: "U.S. ARMED FORCES ACTIVE DUTY--(BRANCH OF SERVICE)," "U.S. ARMED FORCES RETIRED--(BRANCH OF SERVICE)," or "U.S. ARMED FORCES VETERAN--(BRANCH OF SERVICE)." Depending upon the format of the inscription, the registrar shall determine whether or not the inscription contains the dash. The license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) Sections 4503.77 and 4503.78 of the Revised Code do not apply to license plates issued under this section.

Sec. 4503.541. (A) Any person who has been awarded the national defense service medal may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles for the registration of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar that the person owns or leases. The application shall be accompanied by such documentary evidence in support of the award as the registrar may require. The application may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code.

Upon receipt of an application for registration of a motor vehicle under this section and the required taxes and fees, and upon presentation of the required supporting evidence of the award of the national defense service medal, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate motor vehicle registration and a set of license plates and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on license plates, the license plates shall be inscribed with the words "national defense" and bear a reproduction of the national defense service ribbon. The license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

The license plates and a validation sticker or, when applicable, a validation sticker alone shall be issued upon payment of the regular license tax required by section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, payment of any local motor vehicle license tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, payment of any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(B) No person who is not a recipient of the national defense service medal shall willfully and falsely represent that the person is a recipient of the national defense service medal for the purpose of obtaining license plates under this section. No person shall own a motor vehicle bearing license plates issued under this section unless the person is eligible to be issued those license plates.

(C) Sections 4503.77 and 4503.78 of the Revised Code do not apply to license plates issued under this section.

Sec. 4503.543. (A) Any person who has been awarded the armed forces expeditionary medal may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles for the registration of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar that the person owns or leases. The application shall be accompanied by such documentary evidence in support of the award as the registrar may require. The application may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code.

Upon receipt of an application for registration of a motor vehicle under this section and the required taxes and fees, and upon presentation of the required supporting evidence of the award of the armed forces expeditionary medal, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate motor vehicle registration and a set of license plates and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on license plates, the license plates shall be inscribed with the words "expeditionary service" and bear a reproduction of the armed forces expeditionary service ribbon. The license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

The license plates and a validation sticker or, when applicable, a validation sticker alone shall be issued upon payment of the regular license tax required by section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, payment of any local motor vehicle license tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, payment of any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

The registrar shall not issue license plates under this section unless the registrar first receives written permission from the United States department of defense allowing the registrar to place the image of the armed forces expeditionary service ribbon on the license plates.

(B) No person who is not a recipient of the armed forces expeditionary medal shall willfully and falsely represent that the person is a recipient of the armed forces expeditionary medal for the purpose of obtaining license plates under this section. No person shall own a motor vehicle bearing license plates issued under this section unless the person is eligible to be issued those license plates.

(C) Sections 4503.77 and 4503.78 of the Revised Code do not apply to license plates issued under this section.

Sec. 4503.544.  (A) Any person who is a retired or honorably discharged veteran of any branch of the armed forces of the United States may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles for the registration of any motorcycle that the person owns or leases. The application shall be accompanied by written evidence that the applicant is a retired or honorably discharged veteran of a branch of the armed forces of the United States that the registrar shall require by rule.

Upon receipt of an application for registration of a motorcycle under this section, presentation of satisfactory evidence documenting that the applicant is a retired or honorably discharged veteran of a branch of the armed forces of the United States, and payment of the regular motorcycle license fee prescribed in section 4503.04 of the Revised Code and any local motor vehicle license tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate motor vehicle registration and a license plate and a validation sticker or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

(B) License plates issued under this section shall be inscribed with the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on motorcycle license plates, except that the registrar shall provide for one of the following:

(1) The license plates to contain an inscription or symbol representing veterans of the armed forces of the United States;

(2) The plates to include the word "veteran" or "vet";

(3) The plates to be designed to display a sticker bearing the word "veteran."

(C) Sections 4503.77 and 4503.78 of the Revised Code do not apply to license plates issued under this section.

Sec. 4503.545. (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of national rifle association foundation license plates. The application for national rifle association foundation license plates may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance with division (B) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration and a set of national rifle association foundation license plates with a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on license plates, national rifle association foundation license plates shall be inscribed with identifying words or markings designed by the national rifle association foundation and approved by the registrar. National rifle association foundation license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) National rifle association foundation license plates and a validation sticker or, when applicable, a validation sticker alone shall be issued upon submission by the applicant of an application for registration of a motor vehicle under this section and a contribution as provided in division (C) of this section, payment of the regular license tax as prescribed in section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, and an additional fee of ten dollars, and compliance by the applicant with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal that the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution of fifteen dollars. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the license plate contribution fund created in section 4501.21 of the Revised Code.

The additional fee of ten dollars described in division (B) of this section shall be for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services in issuing license plates under this section. The registrar shall transmit this fee to the treasurer of state for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the bureau of motor vehicles fund created by section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.551.  (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of "pets" license plates. The application for "pets" license plates may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance with division (B) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration and a set of "pets" license plates with a validation sticker or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed thereon, "pets" license plates shall be inscribed with words and markings designed by the Ohio pet fund, as defined in section 955.201 of the Revised Code, and approved by the registrar. "Pets" license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) "Pets" license plates and validation stickers shall be issued upon payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, a fee of ten dollars for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in the issuing of "pets" license plates, any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, the contribution specified under division (C) of this section, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal received under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution of an amount not to exceed forty dollars as determined by the Ohio pet fund. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the license plate contribution fund created in section 4501.21 of the Revised Code.

(D) The registrar shall deposit the additional fee of ten dollars specified in division (B) of this section that the applicant for registration voluntarily pays for the purpose of compensating the bureau for the additional services required in the issuing of the applicant's "pets" license plates in the state bureau of motor vehicles fund created in section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.552. (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of rock and roll hall of fame license plates. The application for rock and roll hall of fame license plates may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance with division (B) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration, a set of rock and roll hall of fame license plates, and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on the license plates, rock and roll hall of fame license plates shall be inscribed with identifying words or markings selected by the rock and roll hall of fame and museum, inc., and approved by the registrar. Rock and roll hall of fame license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) Rock and roll hall of fame license plates and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone, shall be issued upon receipt of an application for registration of a motor vehicle submitted under this section and a contribution as provided in division (C) of this section, payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, and an additional fee of ten dollars, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal that the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution of fifteen dollars. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the license plate contribution fund created in section 4501.21 of the Revised Code.

The additional fee of ten dollars described in division (B) of this section shall be for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in issuing license plates under this section. The registrar shall transmit that fee to the treasurer of state for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the state bureau of motor vehicles fund created by section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.562.  (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of "Mahoning river" license plates. The application for "Mahoning river" license plates may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance with division (B) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration, a set of "Mahoning river" license plates with a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on the license plates, "Mahoning river" license plates shall be inscribed with identifying words or markings selected by the Mahoning river consortium and approved by the registrar. "Mahoning river" license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) "Mahoning river" license plates and a validation sticker or, when applicable, a validation sticker alone shall be issued upon submission by the applicant of an application for registration of a motor vehicle under this section and a contribution as provided in division (C) of this section; payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, and an additional fee of ten dollars; and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal that the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution not exceeding twenty dollars as determined by the Mahoning river consortium. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the license plate contribution fund created by section 4501.21 of the Revised Code.

The additional fee of ten dollars described in division (B) of this section shall be for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in issuing license plates under this section. The registrar shall transmit that fee to the treasurer of state for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the bureau of motor vehicles fund created by section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.573.  (A) As used in this section, "sportsmen's license plate" means any of four license plates created by this section, featuring either the walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), or wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).

(B) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of sportsmen's license plates. The application for sportsmen's license plates shall specify which of the four sportsmen's license plates the applicant is requesting. The application also may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance with division (C) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration, a set of the specifically requested sportsmen's license plates, and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed thereon, sportsmen's license plates shall be inscribed with identifying words and the figure of either a walleye, smallmouth bass white-tailed deer, or wild turkey. Each kind of sportsmen's license plate shall be designed by the division of wildlife and approved by the registrar. Sportsmen's license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(C) The sportsmen's license plates and validation sticker shall be issued upon the receipt of a contribution as provided in division (D) of this section and upon payment of the regular license tax prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any additional applicable fee prescribed under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, and a bureau of motor vehicles fee not to exceed ten dollars, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

The purpose of the bureau of motor vehicles fee specified in division (C) of this section is to compensate the bureau for additional services required in the issuing of sportsmen's license plates, and the registrar shall deposit all such fees into the state bureau of motor vehicles fund created in section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

(D) For each application for registration and registration renewal the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution in an amount not to exceed forty dollars, as determined by the division of wildlife. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the wildlife fund created in section 1531.17 of the Revised Code.

(E) Sections 4503.77 and 4503.78 of the Revised Code individually apply to each kind of sportsmen's license plate created by this section.

Sec. 4503.574. (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, noncommercial trailer used exclusively to transport a boat between a place of storage and a marina or around a marina, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of Smokey Bear license plates. The application for Smokey Bear license plates may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance with division (B) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration, Smokey Bear license plates, and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on the license plates, Smokey Bear license plates shall be inscribed with identifying words or markings designed by the division of forestry in the department of natural resources and approved by the registrar. Smokey Bear license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) Smokey Bear license plates and a validation sticker or, when applicable, a validation sticker alone shall be issued upon receipt of an application for registration of a motor vehicle submitted under this section and a contribution as provided in division (C) of this section, payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, and an additional fee of ten dollars, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal that the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution in an amount not to exceed forty dollars as determined by the chief of the division of forestry. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the state forest fund created in section 1503.05 of the Revised Code to be used to promote forest fire prevention and education efforts together with an increase in public awareness concerning combating wildfires in this state.

The additional fee of ten dollars described in division (B) of this section shall be for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in issuing license plates under this section. The registrar shall transmit that fee to the treasurer of state for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the bureau of motor vehicles fund created by section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.575. (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, noncommercial trailer used exclusively to transport a boat between a place of storage and a marina or around a marina, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of Ohio state parks license plates. The application for Ohio state parks license plates may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance with division (B) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration, Ohio state parks license plates, and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on the license plates, Ohio state parks license plates shall be inscribed with identifying words or markings designed by the division of parks and recreation of the department of natural resources and approved by the registrar. Ohio state parks license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) Ohio state parks license plates and a validation sticker or, when applicable, a validation sticker alone shall be issued upon receipt of an application for registration of a motor vehicle submitted under this section and a contribution as provided in division (C) of this section, payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, and an additional fee of ten dollars, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal that the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution in an amount not to exceed forty dollars as determined by the chief of the division of parks and recreation. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the state park fund created in section 1541.22 of the Revised Code.

The additional fee of ten dollars described in division (B) of this section shall be for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in issuing license plates under this section. The registrar shall transmit that fee to the treasurer of state for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the bureau of motor vehicles fund created by section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.591.  (A) If a professional sports team located in this state desires to have its logo appear on license plates issued by this state, it shall enter into a contract with the either a sports commission to permit such display, as permitted in divisions (D), by division (E), and (F) of this section, or with a community charity, as permitted by division (G) of this section. The

(B) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of license plates bearing the logo of a professional sports team that has entered into such a contract described in division (A) of this section. The application shall designate the sports team whose logo the owner or lessee desires to appear on the license plates. Failure to designate a participating professional sports team shall result in rejection by the registrar of the registration application. An application made under this section may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance by the applicant with divisions (B) and (C) and (D) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration and a set of license plates bearing the logo of the professional sports team the owner designated in the application and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed thereon, professional sports team license plates shall bear the logo of a participating professional sports team, and shall display county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B)(C) The professional sports team license plates and validation sticker, or validation sticker alone, as the case may be, shall be issued upon payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle license tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, a an additional fee of ten dollars for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in the issuing of professional sports team license plates, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles. If the application for a professional sports team license plate is combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, the license plates and validation sticker, or validation sticker alone, shall be issued upon payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, a fee of ten dollars for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in the issuing of professional sports team license plates, taxes and fees described in this division plus the additional fee prescribed under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C)(D) For each application for registration and registration renewal notice the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution of twenty-five dollars. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit into the license plate contribution fund created by section 4501.21 of the Revised Code.

The registrar shall transmit the additional fee of ten dollars paid, which is to compensate the bureau of motor vehicles for the additional services required in the issuing of professional sports team license plates, to the treasurer of state for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the state bureau of motor vehicles fund created by section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

(D)(E) If a professional sports team located in this state desires to have its logo appear on license plates issued by this state and it desires to do so pursuant to this division, it shall inform the largest convention and visitors' bureau of the county in which the professional sports team is located of that desire. That convention and visitors' bureau shall create a sports commission to operate in that county to receive the contributions that are paid by applicants who choose to be issued license plates bearing the logo of that professional sports team for display on their motor vehicles. The sports commission shall negotiate with the professional sports team to permit the display of the team's logo on license plates issued by this state, enter into the contract with the team to permit such display, and pay to the team any licensing or rights fee that must be paid in connection with the issuance of the license plates. Upon execution of the contract, the sports commission shall provide a copy of it to the registrar of motor vehicles, along with any other documentation the registrar may require. Upon receipt of the contract and any required additional documentation, and when the numerical requirement contained in division (A) of section 4503.78 of the Revised Code has been met relative to that particular professional sports team, the registrar shall take the measures necessary to issue license plates bearing the logo of that team.

(E)(F) A sports commission shall expend the money it receives pursuant to section 4501.21 of the Revised Code to attract amateur regional, national, and international sporting events to the municipal corporation, county, or township in which it is located, and it may sponsor such events. Prior to attracting or sponsoring such events, the sports commission shall perform an economic analysis to determine whether the proposed event will have a positive economic effect on the greater area in which the event will be held. A sports commission shall not expend any money it receives under that section to attract or sponsor an amateur regional, national, or international sporting event if its economic analysis does not result in a finding that the proposed event will have a positive economic effect on the greater area in which the event will be held.

A sports commission that receives money pursuant to that section, in addition to any other duties imposed on it by law and notwithstanding the scope of those duties, also shall encourage the economic development of this state through the promotion of tourism within all areas of this state. A sports commission that receives ten thousand dollars or more during any calendar year shall submit a written report to the director of development, on or before the first day of October of the next succeeding year, detailing its efforts and expenditures in the promotion of tourism during the calendar year in which it received the ten thousand dollars or more.

As used in this division, "promotion of tourism" means the encouragement through advertising, educational and informational means, and public relations, both within the state and outside of it, of travel by persons away from their homes for pleasure, personal reasons, or other purposes, except to work, to this state or to the region in which the sports commission is located.

(F)(G) If a professional sports team located in this state desires to have its logo appear on license plates issued by this state and it does not desire to do so pursuant to division (E) of this section, it shall do so pursuant to this division. The professional sports team shall notify a community charity of that desire. That community charity may negotiate with the professional sports team to permit the display of the team's logo on license plates issued by this state, enter into a contract with the team to permit such display, and pay to the team any licensing or rights fee that must be paid in connection with the issuance of the license plates. Upon execution of a contract, the community charity shall provide a copy of it to the registrar along with any other documentation the registrar may require. Upon receipt of the contract and any required additional documentation, and when the numerical requirement contained in division (A) of section 4503.78 of the Revised Code has been met relative to that particular professional sports team, the registrar shall take the measures necessary to issue license plates bearing the logo of that team.

(H)(1) A community charity shall expend the money it receives pursuant to section 4501.21 of the Revised Code solely to provide financial support to a sports commission for the purposes described in division (F) of this section and to nonprofit organizations located in this state that seek to improve the lives of those who are less fortunate and who reside in the region and state in which is located the sports team with which the community charity entered into a contract pursuant to division (G) of this section. Such organizations shall achieve this purpose through activities such as youth sports programs; educational, health, social, and community service programs; or services such as emergency assistance or employment, education, housing, and nutrition services.

The community charity shall not expend any money it receives pursuant to section 4501.21 of the Revised Code if the expenditure will be received by a nonprofit organization that will use the money in a manner or for a purpose that is not described in this division.

(2) The community charity shall provide a written quarterly report to the director of development and the director of job and family services detailing the expenditures of the money it receives pursuant to section 4501.21 of the Revised Code. The report shall include the amount of such money received and an accounting of all expenditures of such money.

(I) For purposes of this section:

(1) The "largest" convention and visitors' bureau of a county is the bureau that receives the largest amount of money generated in that county from excise taxes levied on lodging transactions under sections 351.021, 5739.08, and 5739.09 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Sports commission" means a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state that is entitled to tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the "Internal Revenue Code of 1986," 100 Stat. 2085, 26 U.S.C.A. 501, as amended, and whose function is to attract, promote, or sponsor sports and athletic events within a municipal corporation, county, or township.

Such a commission shall consist of twenty-one members. Seven members shall be appointed by the mayor of the largest city to be served by the commission. Seven members shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners of the county to be served by the commission. Seven members shall be appointed by the largest convention and visitors' bureau in the area to be served by the commission. A sports commission may provide all services related to attracting, promoting, or sponsoring such events, including, but not limited to, the booking of athletes and teams, scheduling, and hiring or contracting for staff, ushers, managers, and other persons whose functions are directly related to the sports and athletic events the commission attracts, promotes, or sponsors.

(3) "Community charity" means a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state that is entitled to tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the "Internal Revenue Code of 1986," 100 Stat. 2085, 26 U.S.C. 501, as amended, and that enters into a contract with a professional sports team pursuant to division (G) of this section.

(4) "Nonprofit organization" means a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state that is entitled to tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the "Internal Revenue Code of 1986," 100 Stat. 2085, 26 U.S.C. 501, as amended, and that receives money from a community charity pursuant to division (H)(1) of this section.

Sec. 4503.74. (A) The owner or lessee of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar of motor vehicles may apply to the registrar for the registration of the vehicle and issuance of "Ohio zoo" license plates. The application for "Ohio zoo" license plates may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the completed application and compliance with division (B) of this section, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate vehicle registration, a set of "Ohio zoo" license plates with a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code.

In addition to the letters and numbers ordinarily inscribed on the license plates, "Ohio zoo" license plates shall be inscribed with identifying words or markings selected by Ohio's major metropolitan zoos and approved by the registrar. "Ohio zoo" license plates shall bear county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) "Ohio zoo" license plates and a validation sticker or, when applicable, a validation sticker alone shall be issued upon submission by the applicant of an application for registration of a motor vehicle under this section and a contribution as provided in division (C) of this section, payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, any applicable additional fee prescribed by section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, and an additional fee of ten dollars, and compliance with all other applicable laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles.

(C) For each application for registration and registration renewal that the registrar receives under this section, the registrar shall collect a contribution of fifteen dollars. The registrar shall transmit this contribution to the treasurer of state for deposit in the license plate contribution fund created in section 4501.21 of the Revised Code.

The additional fee of ten dollars described in division (B) of this section shall be for the purpose of compensating the bureau of motor vehicles for additional services required in issuing license plates under this section. The registrar shall transmit that fee to the treasurer of state for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the bureau of motor vehicles fund created by section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

(D) As used in this section and in section 4501.21 of the Revised Code, "Ohio's major metropolitan zoos" means the following public, nonprofit zoos and wildlife conservation facility:

(1) The Akron zoo;

(2) The Cincinnati zoo;

(3) The Cleveland metroparks zoo;

(4) The Columbus zoo;

(5) The Toledo zoo;

(6) The international center for the preservation of wild animals, inc., located in Muskingum County and also known as "the wilds."

Sec. 4511.031. (A)(1) No person shall possess a portable signal preemption device.

(2) No person shall use a portable signal preemption device to affect the operation of the traffic control signal.

(B) Division (A)(1) of this section does not apply to any of the following persons and division (A)(2) of this section does not apply to any of the following persons when responding to an emergency call:

(1) A peace officer, as defined in division (A)(1), (12), (14), or (19) of section 109.71 of the Revised Code;

(2) A state highway patrol trooper;

(3) A person while occupying a public safety vehicle as defined in division (E)(1), (3), or (4) of section 4511.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) Whoever violates division (A)(1) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Whoever violates division (A)(2) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(D) As used in this section, "portable signal preemption device" means a device that, if activated by a person, is capable of changing a traffic control signal to green out of sequence.

Sec. 5537.07.  (A) When the cost to the Ohio turnpike commission under any contract with a person other than a governmental agency involves an expenditure of more than ten fifty thousand dollars, the commission shall make a written contract with the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in accordance with section 9.312 of the Revised Code after advertisement for not less than two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in Franklin county, and in such other publications as the commission determines, which notice shall state the general character of the work and the general character of the materials to be furnished, the place where plans and specifications therefor may be examined, and the time and place of receiving bids. The commission may require that the cost estimate for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair, improvement, renovation, or reconstruction of roadways and bridges for which the commission is required to receive bids be kept confidential and remain confidential until after all bids for the public improvement have been received or the deadline for receiving bids has passed. Thereafter, and before opening the bids submitted for the roadways and bridges, the commission shall make the cost estimate public knowledge by reading the cost estimate in a public place. The commission may reject any and all bids. The requirements of this division do not apply to contracts for the acquisition of real property or compensation for professional or other personal services.

(B) Each bid for a contract for construction, demolition, alteration, repair, improvement, renovation, or reconstruction shall contain the full name of every person interested in it and shall meet the requirements of section 153.54 of the Revised Code.

(C) Each bid for a contract, other than for a contract referred to in division (B) of this section, shall contain the full name of every person interested in it and shall be accompanied by a sufficient bond or certified check on a solvent bank that if the bid is accepted a contract will be entered into and the performance of its proposal secured.

(D) A bond with good and sufficient surety, approved by the commission, shall be required of every contractor awarded a contract, other than a contract referred to in division (B) of this section, in an amount equal to at least fifty per cent of the contract price, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the contract.

Sec. 5537.26.  (A) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, no change increase by the Ohio turnpike commission in the toll rate structure that is applicable to vehicles operating on a turnpike project shall become effective unless the commission complies with the notice and hearing requirements prescribed in division (B) of this section, and the commission shall not take any action that expands, has the effect of expanding, or will to any degree at any time in the future have the effect of expanding the sphere of responsibility of the commission beyond the Ohio turnpike, unless the commission complies with the notice and hearing requirements prescribed in division (B) of this section.

(B) Not less than ninety days prior to the date on which the commission will vote votes to change increase any part of the toll rate structure that is applicable to vehicles operating on a turnpike project, and not less than ninety days prior to the date on which the commission will vote votes to take an action that expands, has the effect of expanding, or will to any degree at any time in the future have the effect of expanding the sphere of responsibility of the commission beyond the Ohio turnpike, the commission shall commence holding public hearings on the proposed change increase in the toll rate structure or the proposed action. If the commission is proposing a change an increase in the toll rate structure that is applicable to vehicles operating on a toll turnpike project, it shall hold not less than three public meetings hearings in three geographically diverse locations in this state that are in the immediate vicinity of the affected toll project. If the commission is proposing to take an action that expands, has the effect of expanding, or will to any degree at any time in the future have the effect of expanding the sphere of responsibility of the commission beyond the Ohio turnpike, it shall hold not less than three public meetings hearings in three locations in the immediate vicinity where the expanded responsibilities will would arise.

The commission shall hold the third or, if it holds more than three hearings, the last hearing of any set of hearings required to be held under this section not less than thirty days prior to the date on which it will vote votes to change increase part of the toll rate structure that is applicable to vehicles operating on a turnpike project or to take an action that expands, has the effect of expanding, or will to any degree at any time in the future have the effect of expanding the sphere of responsibility of the commission beyond the Ohio turnpike.

The commission shall inform the public of all the meetings hearings required to be held under this section by causing a notice to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which each meeting hearing is to be held, not less than once per week for two weeks prior to the date of the meeting hearing.

(C) If the commission does not comply with the notice and hearing requirements contained in division (B) of this section and is proposing a change votes for an increase in the toll rate structure that is applicable to vehicles operating on a turnpike project, the proposed change increase in the toll rate structure shall not take effect, any attempt by the commission to implement the change increase in the toll rate structure is void, and, if necessary, the attorney general shall file an action in the court of common pleas of the county in which the principal office of the commission is located to enjoin the commission from implementing the change increase. The commission shall not implement the proposed change any increase until it complies with division (B) of this section.

If the commission does not comply with the notice and hearing requirements contained in division (B) of this section and is proposing votes to take an action that expands, has the effect of expanding, or will to any degree at any time in the future have the effect of expanding the sphere of responsibility of the commission beyond the Ohio turnpike, the commission shall not take the proposed action and, if necessary, the attorney general shall file an action in the court of common pleas of the county in which the principal office of the commission is located to enjoin the commission from taking the proposed action. The commission shall not take the proposed action until it complies with the notice and hearing requirements prescribed in division (B) of this section.

(D) Divisions (A) to (C) of this section do not apply to the three increases in the toll rate structure applicable to the Ohio turnpike that the commission has announced as of the effective date of this section will take effect January 1, 1997, January 1, 1998, and July 1, 1998. Thirty days prior any decrease made to the toll rate structure by the commission. The commission may implement a temporary decrease in the toll rate structure only if it does not exceed eighteen months in duration. Prior to each of these dates instituting any decrease to the toll rate structure, the commission shall hold a public meeting to explain to members of the traveling public the reasons for the upcoming increase decrease, to inform them of any benefits and any negative consequences, and to give them the opportunity to express their opinions as to the relative merits or drawbacks of each toll increase decrease. The commission shall inform the public of these meetings in accordance with the meeting by causing a notice provisions contained to be published in division (B) newspapers of this section general circulation in Cuyahoga, Lucas, Mahoning, Trumbull, Williams, and Summit counties not less than five days prior to the meeting. The commission shall not be required to hold any public hearing or meeting upon the expiration of any temporary decrease in the toll rate structure, so long as it implements the same toll rate structure that was in effect immediately prior to the temporary decrease.

(E) As used in this section, "Ohio turnpike" means the toll freeway that is under the jurisdiction of the commission and runs in an easterly and westerly direction across the entire northern portion of this state between its borders with the state of Pennsylvania in the east and the state of Indiana in the west, and carries the interstate highway designations of interstate seventy-six, interstate eighty, and interstate eighty-ninety.

SECTION 2. That existing sections 1503.05, 1541.22, 4501.21, 4503.54, 4503.591, 5537.07 and 5537.26 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.

SECTION 3.  That Section 11.04 of Am. Sub. H.B. 87 of the 125th General Assembly, as most recently amended by Am. Sub. S.B. 189 of the 125th General Assembly, be amended to read as follows:

Sec. 11.04.  PUBLIC ACCESS ROADS FOR STATE FACILITIES

Of the foregoing appropriation item 772-421, Highway Construction - State, $3,145,500 is to be used each fiscal year during the 2003-2005 biennium by the Department of Transportation for the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of public access roads, including support features, to and within state facilities owned or operated by the Department of Natural Resources, as requested by the Director of Natural Resources.

Notwithstanding section 5511.06 of the Revised Code, of the foregoing appropriation item 772-421, Highway Construction - State, $2,228,000 in each fiscal year of the 2003-2005 biennium shall be used by the Department of Transportation for the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of park drives or park roads within the boundaries of metropolitan parks.

Included in the foregoing appropriation item 772-421, Highway Construction - State, the department may perform related road work on behalf of the Ohio Expositions Commission at the state fairgrounds, including reconstruction or maintenance of public access roads, including support features, to and within the facilities as requested by the commission and approved by the Director of Transportation.

LIQUIDATION OF UNFORESEEN LIABILITIES

Any appropriation made to the Department of Transportation, Highway Operating Fund, not otherwise restricted by law, is available to liquidate unforeseen liabilities arising from contractual agreements of prior years when the prior year encumbrance is insufficient.

GRADE CROSSING PROFILE AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The Director of Budget and Management shall cancel any encumbrances or parts of encumbrances against appropriation item, 776-665, Railroad Crossing Safety Devices, and reestablish them against appropriation item 870-614, Grade Crossing Protection Devices-State, to be used by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for the Grade Crossing Profile and Safety Improvement Program, which is hereby created. The amounts of the reestablished encumbrances are hereby appropriated. A local matching grant of $25,000 or less may be awarded to political subdivisions to pay for profile improvements at crossings that meet all the following criteria: have a daily train count of at least ten trains, have a daily traffic count of at least 100 motor vehicles, are currently not equipped with automatic gates or lights, and are currently ranked in the bottom two-thirds of the hazard index as determined by the PUCO Accident Prediction Formula. In addition, grants up to $5,000 may be awarded to any political subdivision to fund non-profile improvement safety devices such as rumble strips, vegetation removal, and lighting, at crossings.

The PUCO and the Ohio Department of Transportation shall notify each county with jurisdiction over a crossing of the requirements of this section and that funding is available for rail crossing safety improvements through the Grade Crossing Profile and Safety Improvement Program.

The PUCO shall issue a report on or before June 30, 2005, describing the activities carried out by the PUCO to comply with this section. The report shall include the number and location of crossings that received safety improvements and the cost of each improvement to date.

All appropriations in Fund 4A3 remaining unencumbered on June 30, 2005, are hereby reappropriated for the same purpose in fiscal year 2006.

OHIO TURNPIKE COMMISSION PAYMENT

Out of the foregoing appropriation item 772-421, Highway Construction-State, the Department of Transportation shall provide a one-time payment of up to $23,400,000 in fiscal year 2005 to the Ohio Turnpike Commission if the Commission, under division (D) of section 5537.26 of the Revised Code, institutes a temporary decrease in the toll rate structure as it applies to certain classes of commercial vehicles. The payment shall offset the revenue estimated to be lost because of the temporary decrease but shall not exceed $23,400,000. The amount so provided is hereby appropriated to the Ohio Turnpike Commission for the foregoing purpose.

SECTION 4.  That existing Section 11.04 of Am. Sub. H.B. 87 of the 125th General Assembly, as most recently amended by Am. Sub. S.B. 189 of the 125th General Assembly is hereby repealed.

SECTION 5. On or before March 6, 2006, the Ohio Turnpike Commission and the Department of Transportation shall jointly make a written report on the traffic and revenue impact of toll reductions made under this act and the impact on Ohio Turnpike Commission debt service. The report shall enable the General Assembly to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Northern Ohio Freight Strategy" issued on October 11, 2004. The report shall be submitted to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority leaders of each house, and the chairpersons and ranking minority members of the transportation committees of each house.

SECTION 6. The amendments to codified section 5537.26 of the Revised Code and to uncodified law in Section 3 and Sections 4 and 5 contained in this act, and the items of which they are composed, are not subject to the referendum. Therefore, under Ohio Constitution, Article II, Section 1d and section 1.471 of the Revised Code, the codified and uncodified sections of law contained in this act, and the items of which they are composed, go into immediate effect when this act becomes law.