The bill amends section 117.103 and enacts section 117.104 of the Revised Code to enhance the reporting and handling of fraud involving public money. It removes the requirement for anonymous complaints, allowing individuals to choose whether to disclose their identity when reporting fraud through various channels. The auditor of state is tasked with maintaining a log of complaints, which will be public records, and must notify legal authorities if probable fraud or theft is identified. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of training materials for state employees and elected officials regarding the fraud-reporting system, with specific deadlines for completion.

Furthermore, the new section 117.104 establishes a framework for awarding individuals who report fraud, provided they meet certain criteria, including that their report materially contributes to an investigation or results in a fraud recovery. The attorney general will determine eligibility for awards, which can be up to ten percent of the fraud recovery amount, and will be funded through a newly created fraud reporting fund. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that awards do not interfere with restitution orders or the reimbursement of public entities harmed by fraud.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 117.103