OH SB186

Authorizes the Ohio Elections Commission to hear complaints and impose civil penalties for violations of laws prohibiting use of public funds for political campaign purposes in political subdivisions and school districts.

Empowers the Commission to impose administrative fines of up to $1,000 and order restitution to the state or political subdivision for violations of campaign fund restrictions.

Establishes expedited hearing procedures for complaints filed within 60 days before primary or special elections and 90 days before general elections, with hearings required within two to seven business days.

Requires the Commission's full-time attorney to review complaints within one business day and recommend disposition, with automatic expedited hearings for certain violations of campaign finance laws.

Creates a two-tier hearing process: panels conduct probable cause hearings for expedited complaints, then refer matters to the full Commission for final determination and penalty imposition.