Rep. Sims Sounds Alarm on House Bill 92, Warns of Higher Utility Rates for Ohioans

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Veronica Sims (D-Akron) Wednesday spoke on the House floor to voice her opposition to House Bill (HB) 92, warning that the legislation will shift the financial burden of unpaid utility bills from landlords to municipalities, ultimately forcing everyday Ohioans to cover the costs. 

“The last thing our constituents need are higher utility costs and added strain on essential services. A vote to pass this bill is a vote to raise water and sewer rates for over five million Ohioans,” said Rep. Sims. “Responsible renters, homeowners, and small business owners should not have to pick up the slack for unpaid bills. The act of a few bad apples should not spoil the entire orchard.”   

HB 92 prioritizes for-profit business owners over the everyday Ohioan by forcing cities to absorb losses from unpaid utility accounts. Because municipalities must continue to maintain infrastructure and deliver safe, reliable service, these costs will be passed back onto consumers through higher rates. Rep. Sims argued that by tying the hands of local governments, the bill creates an unfair subsidy system that places the financial risk of private rental agreements onto Ohioans at large.  

HB 92 now heads to the Senate for consideration.