OH HB722

Enacts section 9.78 of the Revised Code to prohibit any person or public entity from using state funds in exchange for an individual to agree not to make disparaging or negative statements about them.

Defines "public entity" to include the state, state agencies, municipal corporations, counties, townships, school districts, community schools, and other political subdivisions and their agencies.

Establishes civil penalty of one and one-half times the amount of state funds used for the unlawful agreement.

Authorizes the attorney general to bring civil action in court against violators and recover the penalty, attorney general fees, and reasonable attorney's fees.