COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio House of Representatives has passed a bill creating an "Electric Vehicle Commission" and would grant companies like Lordstown Motors a temporary sales tax exemption on vehicle production parts.

State Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) co-sponsored House Bill 292 along with State Rep. Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo). The House vote was 78-10.

Cutrona notes that electric vehicles are on track to be an essential part of the future of the car and vehicle industries. Cutrona says creating a commission to study and make recommendations on this issue is a productive first step.

He adds that many details need to be worked on related to jobs, workplace protection, consumer protection, environmental protection and what can be done to encourage production growth for electric vehicles throughout the state.

The bill now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.