DeWine Signs Bill Banning Electronic Device Possession During Motor Vehicle Theft, Cutting Fuel Taxes

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 519 into law, a measure sponsored by State Representative Andrea White (R-Kettering) that prohibits possession of an electronic device while committing a motor vehicle theft offense.

The bill also temporarily reduces certain motor fuel taxes and levies a temporary retail tax on certain motor fuel. It further makes appropriations to supplement the loss of motor fuel tax revenues and declares an emergency.

The signing was announced by the Governor's office in a release dated October 1, 2026. Media contacts listed for the announcement were Dan Tierney and Lisa Peterson, both reachable at 614-644-0957.

No further details on implementation dates or revenue figures were included in the release.