H.B. 570 Summary

• Suspends Ohio Revised Code sections 307.86 and 307.861 to allow county purchases of public health resources, supplies, and communications equipment without competitive bidding during the COVID-19 emergency declared by Executive Order 2020-01D (March 9, 2020)

• Requires county contracting authorities to post notice of purchases on their internet website for at least two weeks before opening bids, instead of meeting standard notice requirements

• Permits county contracting authorities to open bids during meetings conducted via teleconference, video conference, or similar electronic technology with public access available through the same means

• Requires notices to specify that bids will be opened via electronic means and to include instructions for obtaining access to the electronic meeting platform

• Declares the act an emergency measure effective immediately to provide counties flexibility during the COVID-19 disease outbreak