The bill amends section 3517.13 of the Revised Code to allow candidates to use campaign funds for specific child care expenses incurred while engaging in campaign-related activities. The new legal language clarifies that costs for child care provided by a licensed individual under Chapter 5104 are considered ordinary and necessary expenses, provided they are directly related to the candidate's campaign duties and would not have been incurred otherwise. This amendment aims to support candidates balancing campaign responsibilities with child care needs, promoting inclusivity in the political process.

Additionally, the bill introduces regulations regarding political contributions and expenditures, particularly concerning foreign nationals. It prohibits candidates and political entities from soliciting or accepting contributions from foreign nationals and empowers the secretary of state to mandate the return of any such contributions. The bill also establishes restrictions on the financial operations of state and county political parties, including limits on fund transfers and caps on contributions from corporations or labor organizations. It further prohibits political parties from accepting gifts exceeding ten thousand dollars from any single entity in a calendar year and imposes conditions on awarding contracts related to workers' compensation for those who have made significant contributions to gubernatorial campaigns within the past two years. The bill also repeals the existing section 3517.13 of the Revised Code.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3517.13