OH HB214

Enacts Section 2961.04 of the Revised Code to prohibit persons currently charged with public corruption offenses from taking office as members of the Ohio General Assembly.

Defines "public corruption offense" to include violations of specified Ohio Revised Code sections covering bribery, conflict of interest, and related crimes, plus felony conspiracy or attempt related to these offenses, and substantially equivalent felony violations under other state or federal law.

Makes a person incompetent to take office if indicted, charged with probable cause established, or charged with waived preliminary hearing for a public corruption offense, unless acquitted, charges dismissed, or convicted.

Allows an elected member who is incompetent to take office to do so if charges are resolved before the 90th day after the intended start date, but requires repayment of all salary and employment benefits received if later convicted of the corruption charge.

Declares the act an emergency measure effective immediately to preserve public faith in the integrity of the General Assembly.