The bill amends section 121.22 of the Revised Code to permit public bodies to hold executive sessions specifically for discussing the performance of public employees or officials. However, it clarifies that such sessions cannot be used for the discipline or removal of elected officials related to their official duties unless otherwise stipulated by law. This amendment seeks to balance the need for transparency with the confidentiality required in performance discussions. The bill also reinforces existing provisions that mandate public meetings to be open unless exempted, requires advance notice for meetings, and allows individuals to take action against public bodies for violations of these meeting requirements.

Additionally, the bill revises the procedures for veterans service commissions concerning financial assistance applications under sections 5901.01 to 5901.15 of the Revised Code. It ensures that applicants, recipients, former recipients, or their representatives cannot be excluded from executive sessions discussing their applications. Votes on financial assistance must occur in open meetings, with detailed minutes recorded that include essential information about the applicants and the decisions made. The bill also repeals the previous section 121.22, which may have governed the meetings or procedures of veterans service commissions, further promoting transparency and participation in the financial assistance process.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 121.22