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Historical-boiler board defends low-cost lifetime license, cites safety rationale after Medina accident
Summary
Aaron Johnston told the committee the Historical Boilers Licensing Board requires course work, an exam and 100 hours of experience for operators; the license is $50 for life and applies to demonstrations open to gatherings over 125 people, a policy rooted in the Medina County accident that originally prompted the board’s creation.
Aaron Johnston, representing the Historical Boilers Licensing Board, described the board’s narrowly tailored authority over riveted, antique boilers used in public demonstrations.
Johnston explained historical boilers are distinct from modern boilers by construction and typical use, and the board focuses largely on steam-powered tractors and locomotives. He said the specialized operator license requires a course, an examination and 100 hours of operating experience; the license costs $50 and is a lifetime credential.
Johnston recounted that the board was originally created after a catastrophic accident at the Medina County Fair (which he said produced five fatalities and many injuries) and that the board was sunset in 2021 but reconstituted after public support. He said the statute defines "in public" as gatherings over 125 people, and that the board’s expenses are minimal and supported by division staff.
Representative Brent questioned the minimum age of 16 to obtain the license; Johnston said the board currently has no 16-year-olds and estimated the board issues roughly 725 licenses, adding the youthful minimum was historically intended to allow family farm demonstrations.
The committee heard the safety rationale and technical limits for the license but took no formal administrative action.
