Enterprise Zones for Economic Development and Strengthened Child Enticement Legislation: Beagle Initiatives Clear the House

 
COLUMBUS–State Senator Bill Beagle (R–Tipp City) today announced the Ohio House of Representatives has passed Senate Bill 112 with broad bipartisan support. The legislation, which Beagle sponsored, will extend Ohio’s Enterprise Zone Program by two years. The current program is set to expire in October 2013.
 
The Enterprise Zone program allows local governments to establish local tax incentive agreements with businesses in order to encourage job creation and economic development in a particular area of their community.
 
“The Enterprise Zone program is an important option for our local government partners in their efforts to promote economic development in our communities,” Beagle said. “In some cases, an Enterprise Zone may be the only economic development tool available for the locality, and it is critical that we provide our communities with all the tools available to attract businesses and jobs for their residents.”
 
Senate Bill 64, also sponsored by Senator Beagle, cleared the House unanimously today as well. That legislation strengthens and clarifies Ohio’s child enticement laws. The bill comes in response to several appellate court rulings that found Ohio’s current child enticement statute unconstitutionally overbroad. Learn more about this important initiative here.
 
“There is nothing more important than making sure that Ohio’s laws work to protect our children,” Beagle said. “This legislation addresses the concerns raised by the courts and makes certain that Ohio law is strong and enforceable against child predators attempting to lure innocent children.”
 
Both bills will return to the Senate for concurrence and proceed to the Governor for his signature.

Senator Bill Beagle serves the people of Ohio’s 5^th Senate District, which includes Miami and Preble Counties as well as portions of Montgomery and Darke Counties. To learn more, go to www.OhioSenate.gov/Beagle.