State agencies in Ohio have submitted their third and final annual reports on regulatory reduction efforts, as required by Senate Bill 9. The reports were sent to the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR), according to JCARR Co-Chairs State Senator Theresa Gavarone and State Representative Jamie Callender.
Senate Bill 9, enacted in September 2022, mandated that 28 state agencies reduce their regulatory inventory by 30% by June 30, 2025. The law also requires that for each new regulation introduced, two existing restrictions must be eliminated. Agencies were required to submit yearly progress reports to JCARR outlining their reduction activities.
In 2023, 19 agencies met a 10% reduction target, while eight did not reach the goal by the deadline. In 2024, 24 agencies achieved at least a 20% reduction, with four falling short.
As of the latest reporting phase, all but two agencies have met the 30% reduction target. The Department of Commerce and Office of Budget and Management reached their goals in 2023 and have maintained them since then. Twelve agencies met the target in 2024, including the Departments of Administrative Services, Aging, Agriculture, Development, Developmental Disabilities, Higher Education, Medicaid, Natural Resources; Public Utilities Commission of Ohio; State Racing Commission; Department of Transportation; and Department of Youth Services.
Senator Gavarone stated: “As an attorney and small business owner, I am sure it will come as no surprise to anyone that I believe that while Ohio is improving, there are simply too many unnecessary rules and regulations holding us back from realizing our full potential. This is important. We are here to serve every Ohioan and if there is a rule or regulation that is no longer necessary, no longer makes common sense and disincentivizes investments in Ohio, I want the JCARR committee and staff to take a long, hard look at it to ensure we are doing things the right way. The progress that has been made is a step in the right direction and I cannot wait to spread this news to people in my district and across the state.”
Twelve more agencies reached the goal before June 30, 2025: Departments of Education and Workforce; Health; Rehabilitation and Correction; Public Safety; Children and Youth; Bureau of Workers’ Compensation; Insurance; Mental Health and Addiction Services; Job and Family Services; Ohio Lottery Commission; Department of Taxation; Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Representative Callender said: “I want to thank all of the agencies who have worked diligently over the past four years to reduce the regulatory burdens on everyday Ohioans. By looking to the spirit of the law, not just the letter, agencies have demonstrated their commitments to working with the Ohio General Assembly to create a cleaner, more accessible administrative code.”
Of the two agencies yet to meet requirements under SB9—one did not achieve a 30% reduction by deadline while another failed to keep an accurate rule inventory—JCARR will request they attend a meeting for further explanation.
Representative Adam Mathews added: “The regulatory reduction target set by SB 9 serves to cut unnecessary red tape, improve the ways in which Ohioans interact with state agencies, and make our state a better place to live and work. I am grateful to each of the agencies for their work over the past three years and look forward to continuing to ensure all remaining targets are hit.”
House Majority Whip Santucci commented: “Senate Bill 9 was about restoring accountability and ensuring Ohioans aren’t buried under unnecessary regulations that stifle growth and innovation. By eliminating outdated and duplicative rules, we’re making government more efficient and responsive while strengthening our economy. I’m encouraged to see that nearly every state agency has now achieved this reduction goal, and we will continue holding agencies accountable so that Ohio remains a place where businesses, families, and communities can thrive.”
JCARR was created by lawmakers in 1977 as a legislative oversight body for agency rulemaking authority. It consists of ten members from both parties across both chambers.
