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Bill Summary · HB 814

Summary of HB 814 (Ohio, 136th General Assembly)

Title

Eliminate E-Check if Ohio meets certain air quality standards

Purpose and intent

HB 814 proposes to remove Ohio’s motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I&M) program (commonly known as E-Check) from the state's SIP (State Implementation Plan) once the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines that areas of Ohio are in attainment with national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for specified pollutants (including ozone) under the Clean Air Act.

Key provisions

  • Definition of program: The bill defines “motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program” as the program implemented and managed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapters 3704 and 4503, including section 3704.14.

  • Trigger condition: If the EPA determines that areas of Ohio that are covered by the I&M program are reclassified as “in attainment” with NAAQS for specified pollutants (notably ozone) under the Clean Air Act, for purposes of Ohio Revised Code § 3704.14(H), then the following action is to be taken.

  • Request to remove from SIP: The OEPA Director must submit a request to the EPA asking that the I&M program be removed from Ohio’s SIP.

  • Implementation of elimination: If the EPA approves removal, the OEPA Director shall immediately discontinue the I&M program and take necessary actions to effectuate termination.

Who/what would be affected

  • State program: The state’s I&M program (E-Check) administered by OEPA.
  • Regulatory framework: The Ohio SIP, which currently includes the I&M program as a control measure under air quality planning.
  • General public and vehicle owners: Motorists in Ohio who would no longer participate in emissions testing under E-Check once the removal is approved and implemented.
  • Environmental regulatory coordination: Interaction with EPA process for SIP modification and attainment status determinations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Process trigger: EPA’s attainment determination for Ohio areas previously under the I&M program.
  • Administrative steps: Upon attainment determination, the OEPA Director must:
    • Submit a formal SIP removal request to the EPA.
    • Seek EPA approval to remove the I&M program from the SIP.
    • Upon approval, immediately discontinue the I&M program and undertake actions needed to terminate it.
  • No specified date: The bill does not provide a fixed timeline; actions are contingent on EPA attainment determinations and approval processes.

Notes

  • The bill is introduced in the 136th General Assembly (2025-2026) and lists Representative Roemer as the sponsor, with a co-sponsor noted.
  • The core policy lever is conditional: elimination of E-Check hinges on EPA’s attainment findings and subsequent SIP modification approval.

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

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