The bill introduced in the 136th General Assembly aims to prohibit certain local elected officials in Ohio from entering into nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). Specifically, it enacts new sections 305.44, 505.96, 731.142, and 733.241 of the Revised Code, which define a nondisclosure agreement as any contract that restricts members of county commissioners, township trustees, village legislative authorities, and village mayors from disclosing or discussing matters related to their official duties. The bill explicitly states that these officials are not allowed to knowingly enter into such agreements, and any violation of this provision would result in a civil fine of up to one thousand dollars, enforceable by the attorney general.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that any nondisclosure agreement entered into in violation of these sections will be considered void and unenforceable. The provisions apply to any NDAs that are entered into, amended, extended, or renewed after the effective date of the legislation. This legislative measure seeks to enhance transparency and accountability among local elected officials by ensuring that they cannot be bound by agreements that prevent them from discussing their official responsibilities.