The bill introduced by Senators Gavarone and DeMora seeks to amend the Ohio Revised Code to prohibit ranked choice voting and instant runoff voting in elections. It stipulates that any county or municipal corporation that adopts these voting methods through a resolution or ordinance will be ineligible for local government fund distributions from the state. The bill provides definitions for ranked choice voting and instant runoff voting, detailing how votes are ranked and tabulated, and reinforces the prohibition by ensuring that both general and primary elections cannot utilize these methods. The Secretary of State is responsible for notifying the tax commissioner of any jurisdiction's ineligibility due to the adoption of ranked choice voting.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments regarding local government fund payments and adjustments, specifying that the commissioner will determine necessary reductions for local authorities over a twelve-month period based on compliance with reporting requirements. It establishes a new Ohio highway and transportation safety fund to receive amounts equal to reductions in payments to local authorities, aimed at enhancing public safety on roads. The bill also includes provisions for the resumption of payments if a local authority rescinds its approval for ranked choice voting and repeals outdated sections of the Revised Code, incorporating new legal language regarding the application of reductions and the responsibilities of the commissioner.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3501.01, 5747.502
As Reported By Senate Committee: 3501.01, 5747.502
As Passed By Senate: 3501.01, 5747.502