Train derailment victims’ disaster relief payments would be tax free under Ohio lawmakers’ bill

Certain Ohio residents and businesses who receive disaster relief payments following the Feb. 3 East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment would be exempt from paying taxes on any compensation related to the derailment under legislation introduced by U.S. Reps. Bill Johnson (R-OH) and Brad Wenstrup (R-OH). 

“I urge my colleagues to support the village of East Palestine by taking this legislation up for a vote in the coming weeks,” said Rep. Johnson, who on March 1 sponsored the bipartisan East Palestine Tax Relief Act, H.R. 1270, with 10 of his Ohio colleagues signing on as original cosponsors, including Rep. Wenstrup and U.S. Reps. Bob Latta (R-OH), Mike Turner (R-OH), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH).

“Residents and businesses in East Palestine are focused on getting back to normal following the train derailment. Their lives have been upended by no fault of their own,” said Rep. Johnson. “The East Palestine Tax Relief Act will ensure those thrust into this unfortunate situation will not have to pay taxes on any relief payments they rightfully received.” 

While thankful that no lives were lost in the accident, Rep. Wenstrup nonetheless said he’s “greatly concerned” that there will be negative impacts on residents’ health and livelihoods.

“These residents need immediate assistance and I commend Rep. Johnson for introducing this legislation to make sure East Palestine residents do not have to pay taxes on any relief payments received due to the train derailment,” said Rep. Wenstrup.

H.R. 1270 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.