The Representative's Corner

Governor Michael DeWine signs H.B. 466 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds as State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) and guests watch.

I was very excited recently when I got word from the Governor’s office that he was going to sign House Bill 466. H.B. 466 is the second bill that I have introduced that the Governor has signed into law. I am told that it is rare for a freshman member of the Ohio House of Representatives to pass one bill, let alone two. After teaching American Government to middle and high school students for 30 years, I am literally living my life’s work.

H.B. 466 establishes minimum standards for written real estate representation agreements between real estate professionals and homebuyers. In fact, under this legislation, parties will be required to enter into a written representation agreement before a seller may show a property or a buyer may make an offer to purchase a property.

Written representation agreements must include an expiration date, information on fair housing and blockbusting laws, whether the relationship is exclusive or nonexclusive, and terms of compensation.

If you have been keeping up on my work for you at the Statehouse, H.B. 466 is a collaboration between me and my esteemed colleague Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland). She and I became fast friends in the State Legislature because of our mutual love of running. In fact, although I have run 115 full marathons, she has almost completed 200! What is particularly fascinating about this bill is the swiftness that it moved from introduction to the Governor in just a few months—a testament to working in a bipartisan fashion.

This law promotes transparency and protects all parties involved in the home buying process. It will be especially helpful to new homebuyers by educating them on the various aspects of the transaction. I am honored to join Rep. Schmidt on this very important and needed legislation and I remain honored to serve as your state representative.

STEPS TO PASSAGE

3/27/24 - Introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives

4/2/24 - Referred to the Ohio House Committee on Civil Justice

5/1/24 - Passed by the Ohio House Committee on Civil Justice

5/8/24 - Passed the Ohio House of Representatives (88-1)

5/14/24 - Introduced in the Ohio Senate

5/22/24 - Referred to the Ohio Senate Select Committee on Housing

6/26/24 - Passed by the Ohio Senate Select Committee on Housing

6/26/24 - Passed by the Ohio Senate (30-1)

6/26/24 - Ohio House of Representatives Concurs with Ohio Senate Amendments (92-0)

7/24/24 - Governor Michael DeWine signs the bill into law