The proposed bill, H. B. No. 2025-2026, seeks to enact a new section, 2913.50, in the Revised Code of Ohio to address the fraudulent use of state funds. Under this new provision, it will be illegal for any person to knowingly make or cause to be made false or misleading statements in order to obtain reimbursement or funding from state funding or grant programs.

Violations of this section will be classified as public assistance fraud, a felony of the second degree, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment and five years of post-release control if the fraudulent amount is $50,000 or more. Additionally, any business owned and controlled by an individual convicted of this offense will be barred from receiving state funding or grants.