Latest news with #Cutrona
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Speed cameras banned in Ohio counties, townships
BOSTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) – Counties and townships across Ohio can no longer use speed enforcement cameras. The ban comes with the governor's signature on an $11 billion transportation budget bill, but it does not prevent cities and villages from continuing to use them. Former coach accused of sexual conduct with teen student The news comes less than five months after Boston Township in Summit County started using the cameras. The township, which extends from Boston Mills Ski Resort south to just above Blossom Music Center and from Richfield east to Cuyahoga Falls, insists the cameras were not used to bring in a cash windfall. 'Last month, February, not March, we had maybe fifty tickets issued, that's it, this is not a big thousand tickets a month thing,' said Board of Trustees Chairperson Amy Anderson, who has lived in the township all of her life. 'I can remember four Fatalities on Kendall Park Road, and it's not a big road; speed was a part of them,' she told Fox 8 News. Retired Beachwood officer facing misdemeanor charge: I-Team 'This was just one more tool that we had to try to get people going the speed limit and keep everybody safe,' said Trustee Randy Bergdorf, recalling a high-speed pursuit near the ski resorts that police ended because it threatened cyclists and others using the parks. 'It was just one other method. They were still doing the traditional pull them over but we had another option to try to help with the safety.' The objection was written into the bill by Ohio Senator Al Cutrona of Canfield in Mahoning County. 'My constituents in my district, my neck of the state, are very frustrated with this type of practice that has been going on,' Cutrona said. 'It has nothing to do with public safety and it's nothing more than a money grab, so I wanted to be able to change that,' he told Fox 8 News on Tuesday. How much rain we could see from multiple systems The ban was added to House Bill 54, a lengthy budget bill in which one simple line addresses the cameras, on page 96 of the 227-page document. 'No county, township, or representative of a county or township shall utilize a traffic law photo monitoring device to detect and enforce traffic law violations,' he said. What frustrates trustees here, however, is that the cameras are not banned in cities and villages. That includes the village of Peninsula, in Bostown Township, where the use of speed cameras has been the focus of harsh criticism. FOX 8's I-Team revealed how the village was issuing thousands of camera enforcement tickets. 'The Ohio constitution has a provision in there that we call home rule, which would prevent us from being able to legislate something in those cities,' said Cutrona. Summit County inmate dies following medical emergency The Township contracts with the village of Peninsula to do its camera enforcement. Bergdorf is also concerned that the ban was, what he calls, a 'last-second' add to the budget bill giving them almost no time to provide testimony arguing against it. 'You couldn't even, if you wanted to, get down to Columbus and testify in person and we barely got written testimony in,' he told Fox 8 News. The senator disagrees, saying he started discussing the ban in previous legislative sessions. All parties involved agree on one fact, insisting they do not advocate for anyone to speed or to drive dangerously. But the trustees insist their use of the portable cameras does not add a windfall to the township's coffers. It helps compensate the officers who are patrolling the roads in a township where a large amount of the property is a national park. US issues new travel advisory for The Bahamas 'Obviously, when you are trying to police the roads, it has to be paid for and our situation out here is 92% of the community is tax exempt, so there's not a lot of revenue,' Bergdorf said. '50 tickets are not going to make or break the township, so the money isn't a factor,' said Anderson, who is not yet sure if they will have any legal remedy to challenge the ban. 'You know, frankly, if its a conversation they want to continue to have, we can always have that. Its called the Ohio Revised Code, you can always revise it and make changes,' Cutrona said. 'I don't know if there is a single one of my constituents who feels these are necessary.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Safety or money grab? Budget tackles local camera tickets
VIENNA TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN) – A new measure in Ohio's Transportation budget could put an end to speed cameras, nixing a department's ability to send a driver a ticket in the mail for a violation captured on a traffic camera. The measure sits on Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's desk that would toss out a county or township's ability to utilize speed cameras to enforce traffic laws.'I've had hundreds of people — and probably over the last five or six years in my time in the legislature, it's probably upwards of thousands. The number one thing people are tired of is getting tickets in the mail,' said State Senator Al Cutrona, R -33rd District. The transportation budget, if passed, would prohibit all Ohio counties and townships from operating traffic-camera programs, excluding cities because they operate under Home Rule.'The governor has the ability to line-item veto. So for those communities with police and safety services, I would encourage them to reach out to the governor's office and ask him to line-item that portion of the bill,' said State Representative Nick Santucci, R-64th District. In 2015, the state legislature passed a law requiring a law enforcement officer to be stationed near a camera to issue fines. The budget bill that challenges their use is receiving push-back from local townships in Trumbull County who rely on the cameras as a source of revenue. In Vienna, the cameras have been used as a lifeline out of a dire financial crisis. 'It just seems like Columbus continues to beat on the townships,' said Vienna Township Trustee Phil Pegg. 'Vienna Township was in a position where we did not have enough money to run the township due to our ongoing legal problems, but this was the only option we had.' But that's where Cutrona draws the line, saying the speed cameras shouldn't be used as a source of revenue. and calls into question their use for public safety. 'If it's really a public safety concern, law enforcement should stop the infraction,' Cutrona said. Right now, the transportation budget hasn't been signed by DeWine. Cutrona expects that to happen soon. He also says he doesn't anticipate the governor nixing the item via a line item veto. There are three townships that utilize the speed cameras here in the area — Vienna, Weathersfield and Liberty, all of them in Trumbull County. The measure would eliminate their ability to ticket drivers for violations, cutting a huge source of funding for each township. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Bill in Ohio would raise penalties for animal abuse
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A recently introduced Ohio bill would increase penalties for animal abuse and add limitations for offenders who seek to own or live with a pet. Senate Bill 64, introduced in February by Sen. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield), would upgrade multiple animal cruelty offenses to a greater charge and require judges to impose the maximum prison term for offenders. The bill applies to companion animals, which are defined in state law as any animal that is kept inside someone's residence, as well as any dog or cat. Teens push lawmakers for stricter tobacco regulations 'As an attorney, and fellow dog owner, it is difficult for me to objectively view the current criminal punishments for these acts of animal cruelty and be satisfied,' Cutrona said at the bill's first hearing last month. 'Dogs, cats or any other pets for that matter are the backbone and foundation of our families and the law should reflect that.' Although state law currently classifies knowingly committing an act of cruelty to a companion animal as a first-degree misdemeanor on a first offense, the bill would upgrade the charge to a fifth-degree felony. It also upgrades negligently committing an act of cruelty to a companion animal from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. Similarly, the charge for dog kennel owners or workers who knowingly commit an act of cruelty against a pet would rise from a fifth-degree felony to a third-degree felony. For kennel employees who negligently commit an act of cruelty, the bill would upgrade the penalty from a first-degree misdemeanor to a fifth-degree felony. The legislation would also require courts to impose the maximum sentence for offenders convicted of an animal cruelty charge. For example, under Ohio law, a third-degree felony is punishable by nine to 36 months in prison. If a kennel worker was convicted of or pleaded guilty to knowingly committing an act of cruelty against a dog – a third-degree felony – the court would be required to sentence the offender to the maximum term of 36 months in prison. Financial expert warns of overracting to stock market volatility NBC4 reached out to multiple criminal justice reform organizations for their viewpoint on the bill, but they either did not respond or said they did not have a stance on the legislation at this time. Under current state law, felony animal abuse offenders cannot own or reside in a residence with certain animals for three years after their release from prison, or after their imposed punishment is complete. The current prohibition includes dogs older than 12 weeks old who have not been fixed, and any 'dangerous' dog. The bill would change this part of the law and apply the prohibition to all companion animals. In support of the bill, Cutrona cited a 1997 study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeastern University that found people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans. 'It is my strong belief, along with countless other Ohioans, that the act of committing violent, abusive crimes against companion animals should be subject to increased criminal punishments,' Cutrona said. SB 64 was assigned to the Judiciary Committee, where it awaits opponent and proponent testimony. For the full list of charges that would be affected by the bill, see the document below. Bill-analysis-for-Senate-Bill-64Download Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio bill would eliminate sales tax for guns and ammunition
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio Senators have introduced legislation that would eliminate sales tax for guns and ammunition, while establishing a tax credit for firearm manufacturers in the state. The sponsors of Senate Bill 59, Sens. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) and Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster), claim Ohio is losing out on gun sales due to buyers traveling to neighboring tax-free states. Competing bills seek to change Ohio marijuana law 'In 2021, similar language was adopted into law in the state of West Virginia, highlighting the necessity of this legislation; to ensure that Ohioans support Ohio businesses,' Schaffer said at an introductory hearing for the bill. Currently, West Virginia is the only state neighboring Ohio that has adopted a sales tax exemption for gun and ammunition purchases. Guns in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon are also sales tax free since these states do not collect sales tax at all. It is legal to buy a gun in one state and take it to another, as long as the transaction is legal in both states, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. If the bill were to pass, Ohio's sales tax exemption would specifically apply to any non-shotgun firearm that is .50 caliber or smaller, and any shotgun that is 10 gauge or smaller, according to Schaffer. Ammunition for such firearms would also qualify. The measure, introduced in January, would also establish a tax credit capped at $10 million per fiscal year for firearms and ammunition manufacturers that either plan on moving to Ohio or are expanding an existing facility. 'The intent behind this bill is to protect our Second Amendment and remove the burdensome nature of taxes,' Cutrona said. 'Additionally, this is a jobs bill and will create more opportunities for Ohioans. Ohio is open for business and I look forward to the positive impact this legislation will have on our economy.' Father behind 'Lauren's Law' in Ohio sues care facility after eviction The tax credit, called the 'Constitutional Commerce Credit,' would be administered by the state Department of Development, and awarded to businesses that make a capital investment of at least $2 million. Companies would be eligible to receive the refundable tax credit for up to 15 years. Businesses receiving tax incentives would have to maintain operations in the state for the greater part of seven years or the term of the credit plus three years. If a business fails to comply with the rules, the Department of Development could intervene and recapture up to the full amount of the credit awarded, Cutrona said. The pair introduced a similar bill in the last General Assembly, but it only received one hearing and did not pass by the end of the legislative session. A spokesperson with the Ohio Council of Churches, a Christian organization fighting against gun violence, told NBC4 the group is against the bill, calling it 'morally and ethically' irresponsible. Waverly, Ohio teenager on life support after getting the flu 'According to the New England Journal of Medicine, firearms are the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in America,' a spokesperson said. 'Yet our state legislature apparently is bent on not only removing the tax on firearms sales … but actually seeks to encourage the manufacture and distribution of firearms, by bestowing tax incentives on the manufacturers.' SB 59 was assigned to the Senate's Ways and Means Committee. It has had one introductory hearing and awaits proponent and opponent testimony. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ohio lawmaker proposes gym membership tax credit
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — State lawmakers are debating whether to start paying Ohioans to work out. Senate Bill 89, sponsored by Ohio Sen. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield), aims to let people who have a gym membership or a personal trainer deduct up to $1,500 from their personal income taxes, and pay up to $200 in a nonrefundable tax credit. Columbus police officer fired after uploading body-worn camera footage to YouTube 'I want to make sure that we alleviate any possible obstacle that might be in front of somebody,' he said. 'This gives them the encouragement to say that, 'You know what? It's no longer a financial burden.'' The bill does not explicitly define 'gym membership,' but the analysis puts these guardrails on it: 'Gym memberships are all transactions by which a membership is granted, maintained, or renewed, including initiation fees, membership dues, renewal fees, monthly minimum fees, and other similar fees and dues, by a physical fitness facility such as an athletic club, health spa, or gymnasium, which entitles members to use the facility for physical exercise.' Cutrona said he wants to encourage gym-goers to keep it up, while attracting new people. He said part of the reason he introduced this bill is to help create a heathier state. He pointed out that Ohio, as of 2022, has the seventh-highest rate of obesity in the nation. 'Is this going to be the end all, be all to end obesity in the state of Ohio? No,' he said. 'But it's a step in the right direction and there's a lot of small steps we have to take to conquer the overall goal.' Cutrona said he hopes this helps motivate Ohioans who are struggling with obesity to hit the gym. Reynoldsburg responds after basketball player punches opponent below the belt 'They can get a move away from the pharmaceuticals and focus a little bit more on just lifestyle changes,' he said. Committee members who heard this bill agreed it is important to keep Ohio healthy. There was little pushback on the idea, but some had questions about cost and how many people would actually benefit. Cutrona said he does not have those answers for the Legislative Services Commission yet. While Cutrona does not know exactly how much this will cost the state, he said the costs will likely save Ohio money in the long run. He said now, taxpayers are keeping up with the demand of programs like Medicaid for some Ohioans who suffer health complications from issues like obesity. 'We will see a major benefit here in the state of Ohio by the cost savings, by having healthier people, because it costs across the state of Ohio a lot of dollars to keep people healthy,' Cutrona said. 'If we can keep people healthier, that's less dollars we are spending as a whole.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
