The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code to ensure that elected officials who are deployed on active military duty can retain their positions. Specifically, it introduces a new section, 3.171, which outlines that such officials will not be considered absent from meetings of public bodies, will not have their offices deemed vacant due to absence, and will not face penalties for nonfeasance due to their deployment. Additionally, their compensation and benefits will not be reduced because of their military service. The bill also requires these officials to provide advance written notice of their deployment and documentation of their military service to maintain these protections.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing sections 3.07, 3.17, 305.03, 503.241, and 3313.11 to clarify that the provisions regarding absences and vacancies do not apply to elected officials who are on active military duty, as defined in the new section. The language changes include the deletion of references to absences due to military service and the insertion of provisions that protect the positions of deployed officials. Overall, the bill aims to support elected officials serving in the military by ensuring their positions remain secure during their service.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3.07, 3.17, 305.03, 503.241, 3313.11