Tire Times

Catalytic Converter Bill Advances to the Senate

OTAA priority Legislation that would increase penalties for the theft, illegal sale or transfer of catalytic converters, House Bill 328 (Roemer, B.), passed the Ohio House during a marathon session before summer break. The changes included in the bill are expected to increase oversight of the sale of catalytic converters to scrap metal dealers. As you are likely aware, Ohio has been one of the top states for catalytic converter theft. For too long, criminals have been able to quickly turn stolen catalytic converters into quick cash by selling the stolen parts to scrap metal dealers, who often don’t gather or keep detailed information on these transactions.

The Council, along with our affiliate, the Ohio Tire & Automotive Association (OTAA), have been strong proponents of the bill and applaud legislators for passing it by an overwhelming majority. House Bill 328 now heads to the Senate, where companion legislation has also been introduced. We will continue to urge legislators to pass the bill before the conclusion of the General Assembly.

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OTAA Offering Free Technical Training for Members

The OTAA is excited to offer free technician training sessions for our valued members, taking place on August 6-8, 2024 at Boyd’s Tire Service 4580 Cemetery Rd. Hillard, OH 43026. These comprehensive workshops are designed to enhance your technical expertise and keep you up-to-date with the latest industry advancements. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and network with fellow professionals in the field! For more information or to register visit otaatraining.com.

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Ohio’s Expanded Sales Tax Holiday Will Take Place July 30-August 8

Ohio’s biennial budget bill, enacted in 2023, provided for an expanded sales tax holiday beginning in 2024, which the Governor announced last month will take place Tuesday, July 30 through Thursday, August 8. During these ten days, there will be no sales tax on items priced up to $500 each, with exclusions for services or any purchase of watercraft, outboard motors, motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vapor products, or any item that contains marijuana. The holiday applies to both in-store and online purchases.

We are working with our external tax counsel and the Ohio Department of Taxation to provide additional guidance to you on how to implement the sales tax holiday and what items of tangible personal property will be tax exempt. That information will be shared with you as soon as possible. If you have any specific scenarios you would like to have addressed, please let us know.

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Ohio Congress members roll out bill to boost tire retreading

Two congressional Democrats from northeast Ohio want to incentivize consumers to purchase retreads as a way to encourage buying American made tires and promote jobs at retreading facilities.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, Democrats from Cleveland and Akron, have introduced legislation that would provide a 30% credit to buyers of retreaded tires. Continue reading here.

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