OH HB451

Changes the Inspector General appointment process from gubernatorial appointment (with Senate consent) to appointment by majority vote of the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House and President and Minority Leader of the Senate.

Extends the Inspector General's term of office from coinciding with the governor's term to a fixed six-year term, with removal allowed only for gross neglect, misconduct, or dereliction of duty after written notice and opportunity to be heard.

Expands the definition of "state agency" to include JobsOhio and explicitly includes officers of the Attorney General, Auditor of State, Secretary of State, and Treasurer of State as "state officers" subject to Inspector General authority.

Prohibits the Inspector General and all employees in the office from engaging in partisan political activities, including soliciting campaign contributions, holding office in political organizations, campaigning for partisan candidates, and participating in political action committees.

Specifies that prohibited partisan activities include candidacy in partisan elections, circulation of nominating petitions, service in partisan political offices, fundraising event attendance, and making contributions to partisan candidates.