OH HB627

Enacts section 3314.088 of the Revised Code to prohibit community schools from using state funds to hire independent agents for lobbying or public relations services.

Defines "lobbying" as promoting, opposing, or influencing federal, state, or local decisions, policies, or legislation through direct communication with elected officials, agency directors, or their staff members.

Excludes from the lobbying definition actions by persons with direct interest in executive agency decisions who petition for redress of grievances, and contacts made solely to gather information from public records.

Allows community school governing authority members and employees to conduct lobbying activities on behalf of the school using non-state funds, but prohibits hiring outside agents for these purposes with state money.