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HB 732

Create the Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass program

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Monica Blasdel and 7 co-sponsors

HB 732 creates a state pass offering free access to Ohio attractions for residents (paid by 2027) with partner discounts, funded by a dedicated tourism fund.

Referred to committee
#economicdevelopment #tourism
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 732

Summary of HB 732 (Session 136) – Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass Program

### Purpose
HB 732 would create the Ohio, The Heart of It All pass program to promote the state’s artistic, cultural, historical, educational, recreational, film, and museum attractions. The program would be administered by TourismOhio, a division of the Department of Development (DEV). The bill establishes a funding mechanism and oversight framework, along with a pathway for participating “TourismOhio partners.”

### Key Provisions and Changes

  • Creation and administration

    • Establishes the Ohio, The Heart of It All pass program in the Department of Development, administered by TourismOhio.
    • TourismOhio would develop promotional materials and oversee partners and program promotion.

  • Pass availability and pricing

    • 2026: The pass will be available to all Ohio residents for free, upon application.
    • 2027 and beyond: The pass may be purchased by the general public, with Ohio residents receiving a discounted rate; price to be set by TourismOhio.
    • Revenue from passes goes into the Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass Fund (see fund section).

  • Partners and benefits

    • Any Ohio-based person or organization that "contributes to a healthy tourism economy" may apply to become a TourismOhio partner.
    • If selected, partners must specify the discounts, experiences, gifts, or benefits they will offer to pass holders.
    • Partners may enter into cooperative or contractual agreements with DEV as described in the bill.
    • TourismOhio may monitor compliance through reporting requirements and audits; noncompliant partners may have their agreements canceled and status rescinded.

  • Promotional responsibilities

    • TourismOhio is required to produce promotional materials for the pass and to promote participating partners’ attractions.

  • Funding and treasury provisions (Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass Fund)

    • A dedicated fund is created in the state treasury: the Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass Fund.
    • The fund will receive:
      • Transfers appropriated by the General Assembly.
      • Revenues from pass sales (starting in 2027).
      • Gifts, grants, bequests, and other contributions for tourism promotion.
    • Investment earnings credited to the General Revenue Fund (GRF).
    • Money in the fund may be used by TourismOhio to perform program duties and cover personnel and administrative expenses.

  • Rules and implementation

    • TourismOhio may adopt rules under the state’s rulemaking process to implement the program.

### Timing and Fiscal/Operational Considerations

  • Initial funding and operations (2026): The DEV/TourismOhio operations for the program would be supported in the short term by the TourismOhio Administration Fund (Fund 5MJ0), covering design, printing, advertising, and distribution.
  • Transition (2027 onward): The program shifts to funding from pass revenues and the new dedicated fund; investment earnings would flow to the GRF.
  • Local impact considerations: The bill notes local impacts would arise from tourism promotion and partner activities, with potential effect on state budget through the new fund and ongoing program costs.

### Potential Impacts

  • Increased exposure and visitation to Ohio cultural and tourist attractions through a statewide pass.
  • Creation of a formal network of TourismOhio partners offering discounts and experiences to pass holders.
  • A dedicated funding stream for tourism promotion, with revenues supporting TourismOhio operations and promotional activities.
  • Regulatory framework for oversight and compliance of partners to ensure benefits align with program goals.

This summary reflects the bill as introduced and described in accompanying analyses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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