OH HB246

Restricts Secretary of State and public officials from mailing unsolicited absent voter ballot applications except for general elections when the General Assembly has appropriated funds specifically for that mailing.

Creates new section 3509.031 requiring that if unsolicited applications are mailed, they must be sent to every registered elector in the state and comply with division (AA) of section 3517.13.

Prohibits Secretary of State from knowingly using public funds to mail unsolicited absent voter ballot applications that contain the Secretary of State's name, signature, or likeness on the applications, envelopes, or included materials.

Establishes criminal penalties for violations, including felony charges (fifth, fourth, or third degree depending on amount of public funds spent) and mandatory restitution requirements for misuse of public resources related to election mailings.

Amends sections 3501.05, 3517.13, and 3517.992 of the Revised Code to implement these restrictions on unsolicited ballot application mailings.