OH HB676

Creates twelve regional State and Local Government Accountability Appeal Boards, one in each Ohio appellate court district, to hear and resolve business disputes related to reopening and continuation of operations during the declaration of emergency (Executive Order 2020-01D).

Each board consists of five members: three appointed by the governor, one by the Speaker of the House, and one by the President of the Senate; the Common Sense Initiative director appoints an executive director to oversee all boards.

Boards handle appeals from businesses alleging that state or local government regulations or policies regarding health guidelines, business requirements, or licenses will hinder business continuation; hearings must occur within fourteen days or alternative dispute resolution may be used if both parties agree.

Board determinations are final and binding orders enforceable in court; parties may apply for reconsideration within ten days and seek judicial review in common pleas court within thirty days, with court decisions subject to appellate review.

The act takes immediate effect as an emergency measure to provide businesses a quick method to resolve issues that may hinder the continuation of business operations.