02/14/2024

Senate Bill 91

ENACTED: Effective March 28, 2024

Lead Sponsors: Senator Tim Schaffer

Status: Enacted (Effective March 28, 2024)

Description: The bill requires individuals holding local public office, individuals with a fiduciary duty to or supervisory position within a local office, and any person responsible for processing revenue or expenses within a local office to report fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds to the Auditor of State.

The bill also prohibits political subdivisions from making an expenditure of money unless it has been appropriated by the appropriate legislative authority. This essentially blocks political subdivisions from utilizing the concept of participatory budgeting. The Legislative Service Commission's Analysis of the bill notes that this provision may be challenged as it pertains to home rule entities such as municipalities and charter counties.

CCAO Position: Proponent (Senate testimony; House testimony)

Other Notes: The Ohio Township Association testified as a proponent in both chambers (Senate; House) and the Ohio Municipal League testified as a proponent in both chambers (Senate; House).