130th Ohio General Assembly
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Sub. S. B. No. 179  As Enrolled
(129th General Assembly)
(Substitute Senate Bill Number 179)



AN ACT
To amend sections 1505.11, 4511.101, 4519.03, and 5533.941 and to enact sections 1505.12, 1505.13, and 4503.515 of the Revised Code to create the "Ohio Geology" license plate, to require the Ohio Geology Advisory Council to establish and administer a grant program utilizing the contributions that are paid by persons who obtain the license plate, to eliminate the provision in the Special Vehicle Law that permits owners of certain off-highway motorcycles and all-purpose vehicles to register the motorcycles and vehicles by presenting affidavits of ownership rather than certificates of title, to relocate the portion of State Route 170 designated as the "Cpl. Kenneth Tyler Butler Memorial Highway," and to require the Director of Transportation to establish the business logo sign program and its fees by rule.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio:

SECTION 1.  That sections 1505.11, 4511.101, 4519.03, and 5533.941 be amended and sections 1505.12, 1505.13, and 4503.515 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 1505.11. (A) There is hereby created in the department of natural resources the Ohio geology advisory council consisting of seven members to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. No more than four of the members shall be of the same political party. Members shall be persons who have a demonstrated interest in the geology and mineral resources of this state and whose expertise reflects the various responsibilities of the division of geological survey. The council shall include at least one representative from each of the following: the oil and gas industry, the industrial minerals industry, the coal industry, hydrogeology interests, environmental geology interests, and an institution of higher education in this state. The chief of the division of geological survey may participate in the deliberations of the council, but shall not vote.

Within ninety days after May 3, 1990, the governor shall make initial appointments to the council. Of the initial appointments, three shall be for a term ending one year after May 3, 1990, three shall be for a term ending two years after May 3, 1990, and one shall be for a term ending three years after May 3, 1990. Thereafter, terms of office shall be for three years, with each term ending on the same day of the same month as did the term that it succeeds. Members may be reappointed. The governor may remove any member at any time for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Vacancies shall be filled in the manner provided for original appointments. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office as a member for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

Serving as an appointed member on the council does not constitute holding a public office or position of employment under the laws of this state and does not constitute grounds for removal of public officers or employees from their offices or positions of employment.

Members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties from moneys appropriated to the division.

The council annually shall select from its members a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. The council shall hold at least one meeting each calendar quarter and shall keep a record of its proceedings, which shall be open to public inspection. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson and shall be called upon the written request of two or more members. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum. The division shall furnish clerical, technical, legal, and other services required by the council in the performance of its duties.

(B) The council shall do all of the following:

(A)(1) Advise the chief in carrying out the duties of the division under this chapter;

(B)(2) Recommend policy and legislation with respect to geology, resource analysis, and management that will promote the economic and industrial development of the state while minimizing threats to the natural environment of the state;

(C)(3) Review and make recommendations on the development of plans and programs for long-term, comprehensive geologic mapping and analysis throughout the state;

(D)(4) Recommend ways to enhance cooperation among governmental agencies having an interest in the geology of the state to encourage wise use and management of the geology and mineral resources of the state. To this end, the council shall request nonvoting representation from appropriate governmental agencies.

(E)(5) Review and make recommendations with respect to changes in the fee schedules established in rules adopted under section 1505.05 of the Revised Code.

(6) Establish and administer the grant program as described in section 1505.12 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 1505.12.  The Ohio geology advisory council shall establish a grant program utilizing the contributions that are paid to the bureau of motor vehicles by persons who obtain "Ohio geology" license plates pursuant to section 4503.515 of the Revised Code and are deposited into the "Ohio geology" license plate fund created by section 1505.13 of the Revised Code. The primary purpose of the program shall be the awarding of grants by the council to geology departments of colleges and universities located in this state for graduate level research conducted at locations of geological interest in this state. Subject to the amount of money in the fund, the secondary purpose of the program shall be to provide materials such as rock and mineral kits to elementary and secondary schools in this state to assist students at those schools in the study of geology.

The council shall award grants at least annually and, in its discretion, may award grants on a more frequent basis.

Sec. 1505.13.  There is hereby created in the state treasury the "Ohio geology" license plate fund. The fund shall consist of the contributions that are paid to the bureau of motor vehicles by applicants who choose to obtain "Ohio geology" license plates pursuant to section 4503.515 of the Revised Code.

The contributions deposited into the fund shall be used by the Ohio geology advisory council in the manner described in section 1505.12 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4503.515.  (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 geology" license plates. 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 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 geology" 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 geology" license plates shall bear an appropriate logo and words selected by the Ohio geology advisory council and approved by the registrar. "Ohio geology" license plates shall display county identification stickers that identify the county of registration by name or number.

(B) "Ohio geology" license plates and a validation sticker, or validation sticker alone, shall be issued upon receipt of an application for registration of a motor vehicle under this section; 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, an additional fee of ten dollars, and a contribution as provided in 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 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 into the state treasury to the credit of the "Ohio geology" license plate fund created by section 1505.13 of the Revised Code.

The registrar shall transmit the additional fee of ten dollars, the purpose of which is to compensate the bureau of motor vehicles for the additional services required in the issuing of "Ohio geology" 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. 4511.101.  (A) The director of transportation, in accordance with 23 U.S.C.A. 109(d), 131(f), and 315, as amended, and by rule adopted pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall establish a program for the placement of business logos for identification purposes on state directional signs within the rights-of-way of divided, multi-lane, limited access highways in both rural and urban areas.

(B)(1) The director, by rule adopted pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall establish, and may revise at any time, a fee for participation in the business logo sign program. All direct and indirect costs of the business logo sign program established pursuant to this section shall be fully paid by the businesses applying for participation in the program. The direct and indirect costs of the program shall include, but not be limited to, the cost of capital, directional signs, blanks, posts, logos, installation, repair, engineering, design, insurance, removal, replacement, and administration.

(2) Money generated from participating businesses in excess of the direct and indirect costs and any reasonable profit earned by a person awarded a contract under division (C) of this section shall be remitted to the department.

(3) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the director from establishing such a program. If the department operates such a program and does not contract with a private person to operate it, all money collected from participating businesses shall be deposited and credited as prescribed in division (B)(2) of this section.

(C) The director, in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may contract with any private person to operate, maintain, or market the business logo sign program. The contract may allow for a reasonable profit to be earned by the successful applicant. In awarding the contract, the director shall consider the skill, expertise, prior experience, and other qualifications of each applicant.

(D) As used in this section, "urban area" means an area having a population of fifty thousand or more according to the most recent federal census and designated as such on urban maps prepared by the department.

(E) In implementing this section, neither the department nor the director shall do either of the following:

(1) Limit the right of any person to erect, maintain, repair, remove, or utilize any off-premises or on-premises advertising device;

(2) Make participation in the business logo sign program conditional upon a business agreeing to limit, discontinue, withdraw, modify, alter, or change any advertising or sign.

(F) The program shall permit the business logo signs of a seller of motor vehicle fuel to include on the seller's signs a marking or symbol indicating that the seller sells one or more types of alternative fuel so long as the seller in fact sells that fuel.

As used in this division, "alternative fuel" has the same meaning as in section 125.831 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4519.03.  (A) The owner of every snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, and all-purpose vehicle required to be registered under section 4519.02 of the Revised Code shall file an application for registration with the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar, on blanks furnished by the registrar for that purpose and containing all of the following information:

(1) A brief description of the snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle, including the year, make, model, and the vehicle identification number;

(2) The name, residence, and business address of the owner;

(3) A statement that the snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle is equipped as required by section 4519.20 of the Revised Code and any rule adopted under that section. The statement shall include a check list of the required equipment items in the form the registrar shall prescribe.

The application shall be signed by the owner of the snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle and shall be accompanied by a fee as provided in division (C) of section 4519.04 of the Revised Code.

If the application is not in proper form, or if the vehicle for which registration is sought does not appear to be equipped as required by section 4519.20 of the Revised Code or any rule adopted under that section, the registration shall be refused, and no registration sticker, license plate, or validation sticker shall be issued.

(B) Except as provided in this division, no No certificate of registration or renewal of a certificate of registration shall be issued for an off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle required to be registered under section 4519.02 of the Revised Code, and no certificate of registration issued under this chapter for an off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle that is sold or otherwise transferred shall be transferred to the new owner of the off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle as permitted by division (B) of section 4519.05 of the Revised Code, unless a certificate of title has been issued under this chapter for the motorcycle or vehicle, and the owner or new owner, as the case may be, presents a physical certificate of title or memorandum certificate of title for inspection at the time the owner or new owner first submits a registration application, registration renewal application, or registration transfer application for the motorcycle or vehicle if a physical certificate of title or memorandum certificate has been issued by a clerk of a court of common pleas. If, under sections 4519.512 and 4519.58 of the Revised Code, a clerk instead has issued an electronic certificate of title for the applicant's off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle, that certificate may be presented for inspection at the time of first registration in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the registrar. In the case of an off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle that was purchased prior to October 1, 2005, and for which a certificate of title has not been issued, the owner shall not be required to present a physical certificate of title or memorandum certificate of title or an electronic certificate of title for the motorcycle or vehicle but instead may present a signed affidavit of ownership in a form prescribed by the registrar. The affidavit shall include, at a minimum, the date of purchase, make, model, and vehicle identification number of the motorcycle or vehicle. If no vehicle identification number has been assigned to the off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle, then the serial number of the motorcycle or vehicle shall be presented at the time of application.

(C) When the owner of an off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle first registers it in the owner's name, and a certificate of title has been issued for the motorcycle or vehicle, the owner shall present for inspection a physical certificate of title or memorandum certificate of title showing title to the off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle in the name of the owner if a physical certificate of title or memorandum certificate has been issued by a clerk of a court of common pleas. If, under sections 4519.512 and 4519.58 of the Revised Code, a clerk instead has issued an electronic certificate of title for the applicant's off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle, that certificate may be presented for inspection at the time of first registration in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the registrar. In the case of an off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle that was purchased prior to October 1, 2005, and for which a certificate of title has not been issued, the owner shall not be required to present a physical certificate of title or memorandum certificate of title or an electronic certificate of title for the motorcycle or vehicle but instead may present a signed affidavit of ownership in a form prescribed by the registrar. The affidavit shall include, at a minimum, the date of purchase, make, model, and vehicle identification number of the motorcycle or vehicle. If no vehicle identification number has been assigned to the off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle, then the serial number of the motorcycle or vehicle shall be presented at the time of application. If, when the owner of such an off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle first makes application to register it in the owner's name, the application is not in proper form or the certificate of title or memorandum certificate of title does not accompany the registration or, in the case of an electronic certificate of title or ownership affidavit, it is not presented in a manner prescribed by the registrar, the registration shall be refused, and neither a certificate of registration nor a registration sticker, license plate, or validation sticker shall be issued. When a certificate of registration and registration sticker, license plate, or validation sticker are issued upon the first registration of an off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle by or on behalf of the owner, the official issuing them shall indicate the issuance with a stamp on the certificate of title, or memorandum certificate of title, or affidavit, or, in the case of an electronic certificate of title, an electronic stamp or other notation as specified in rules adopted by the registrar.

(D) Each deputy registrar shall be allowed a fee of three dollars and fifty cents for each application or renewal application received by the deputy registrar, which shall be for the purpose of compensating the deputy registrar for services, and office and rental expense, as may be necessary for the proper discharge of the deputy registrar's duties in the receiving of applications and the issuing of certificates of registration.

Each deputy registrar, upon receipt of any application for registration, together with the registration fee, shall transmit the fee, together with the original and duplicate copy of the application, to the registrar in the manner and at the times the registrar, subject to the approval of the director of public safety and the treasurer of state, shall prescribe by rule.

Sec. 5533.941. That part of the road known as state route number one hundred seventy, from within the municipal corporation of Calcutta in Columbiana county and extending in a northeasterly direction to the intersection of that state route and the road known as Duke Vodrey road only, shall be known as the "Cpl. Kenneth Tyler Butler Memorial Highway."

The director of transportation may erect suitable markers along the highway indicating its name.

SECTION 2.  That existing sections 1505.11, 4511.101, 4519.03, and 5533.941 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.

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