HB 118 Summary

• Revises ballot language requirements for bond issues across multiple Ohio codes (sections 133.18, 1711.18, 1711.30, 3318.06, 3318.062, 3318.45, 3505.062, 3519.03, 5705.218, and 5748.08) to provide voters more comprehensive financial information.

• Requires bond issue ballots to include estimated total debt service, estimated per capita obligation resulting from bonds, and current outstanding debt information (amount, service, and per capita obligation) of the issuing entity.

• Mandates that election notices be posted on board of elections websites (or state public notice website if no local site exists) for 45 days prior to elections, expanding notice requirements beyond newspaper publication.

• Establishes uniform definitions and calculations for debt-related information, including use of most recent U.S. Census population data for per capita calculations and consistent definitions of "outstanding debt" across all bond types.

• Applies expanded disclosure requirements to state bond issues, school district bonds, county agricultural society bonds, and municipal income tax bonds, requiring similar financial transparency across all public bond elections.