August 14, 2026

Local/State –

**Update from the July 30th Three for Thursday**

The Ohio supreme Court recently ruled that Ohio’s local governments cannot fast-track new data centers without giving specific reasons.
The decision put an Ashville referendum, which would strike down the village council’s approval of a local data center project, back on track to make Ashville’s ballot.
It also makes municipalities that pass future emergency resolutions — which waive a 30-day grace period for standard resolutions — explain why they need to take effect immediately.
Columbus REALTORS® does not have a policy position on data centers currently.

National –

This week the Financial Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced that it is issues a final rule repealing the Beneficial Ownership Rule requirement forAmerican entities and owners
Under the new final rule, all U.S. persons and entities are exempt from reporting under the Beneficial Ownership Rule.
The rule change matters to real estate agents because it eliminates beneficial ownership reporting requirements for most U.S. entities, potentially simplifying compliance for agents and their clients involved in real estate transactions.

ICYMI: Husted leads bill to help Ohioans afford their first home

Sens. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) recently introduced the First-Time Homebuyer Empowerment Act. This bill would help first-time homebuyers by allowing them to put unused college savings toward a down payment.
The First-Time Homebuyer Empowerment Act would allow people to transfer up to $35,000 in leftover college savings from their 529 plans tax free for the purchase of a first home. Funds in 529 plans traditionally may only be used for education-related expenses or transferred to a retirement account.
This bill builds on Husted’s work to help more Americans buy a home by reducing the cost of housing.