The bill amends section 121.22 of the Revised Code to enhance public participation in government meetings by mandating that public bodies allow for public commentary and testimony prior to taking formal action on any item. This requirement aims to promote transparency and accountability in government operations. Additionally, public bodies are required to establish reasonable methods for notifying the public about meeting schedules and agendas, and they are prohibited from holding special meetings without at least twenty-four hours' notice to the media, except in emergencies. The bill also specifies that while public bodies may impose reasonable restrictions on the length and nature of comments, they cannot require individuals to register or obtain approval before speaking.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new procedures for veterans service commissions regarding financial assistance applications. It requires these commissions to hold executive sessions for specific purposes, such as interviewing applicants, unless a public hearing is requested. Notably, applicants and their representatives cannot be excluded from these sessions. Decisions on financial assistance must be made in an open meeting, with detailed minutes documenting essential information, including the applicant's name, address, occupation, the decision made, the amount of assistance granted, and voting outcomes. The bill also repeals the existing section 121.22 of the Revised Code, which may have contained previous regulations related to these processes.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 121.22