Senate Passed Reineke Bill Protecting Free Market EV Charging

COLUMBUS—Senator Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) and the Ohio State Senate passed Senate Bill 106, legislation which would protect free market electric vehicle charging stations by prohibiting electric companies from owning electric vehicle charging stations. SB 106 received unanimous support from the Senate.

"Ohioans benefit from competition and supply reliability for charging networks," said Senator Reineke. "It is essential to maintain a level playing field that allows for competition and innovation to thrive."

Senate Bill 106 protects a free-market approach and encourages investment by preventing the ownership of EV charging stations by electric distribution utilities (EDUs). By enacting a pro-business, free market approach, Senate Bill 106 will clear the path toward private investment into electric vehicle infrastructure.

"By creating a more certain regulatory and legal landscape for private investment in EV charging infrastructure, we can fully leverage Ohio's entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity," added Senator Reineke. "This legislation represents a critical step forward in advancing our state's transportation infrastructure while safeguarding the principles of free market competition and entrepreneurship."

Senate Bill 106 now heads to the Ohio House for further consideration.

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