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, including primary elections, unless allowed by the Ohio Constitution. It establishes that any county or municipal corporation that adopts ranked choice voting will lose eligibility for local government fund distributions from the state while this voting method is in effect. The Secretary of State is responsible for notifying the tax commissioner of any such ineligibility. The bill also includes new definitions for "ranked choice voting" and "instant runoff voting," detailing the ranking process and vote tabulation, as well as a procedure for local governments to rescind their approval of ranked choice voting to regain eligibility for state funding.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding local government fund (LGF) payments, specifying that adjustments will be based on reports from local authorities, with penalties for late submissions. It establishes a new Ohio highway and transportation safety fund to receive amounts equivalent to reductions in LGF payments, aimed at enhancing public safety on roads. The bill outlines the conditions for the cessation and resumption of payments to local authorities based on their compliance with filing requirements and the use of ranked choice voting, ensuring that if a local authority rescinds its approval for ranked choice voting, all previously ceased or reduced LGF payments will be resumed. Furthermore, it repeals outdated sections of the Revised Code to streamline the legal framework governing LGF payments.

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