H.B. 534 Summary

• Amends Ohio Revised Code sections 125.25, 153.02, and 5513.06 to require mandatory debarment of state vendors and contractors who engage in corrupt activity, including violations of antitrust laws, bribery, embezzlement, and falsification of records.

• Establishes debarment periods of not less than one year and not more than three years for mandatory debarments related to corrupt activity; allows rescission only for debarments under discretionary grounds (section A), not mandatory corrupt activity debarments.

• Creates separate mandatory debarment grounds (Division B) for serious violations including antitrust violations, corruption laws violations, bribery-related offenses, false statements in contracts, and admissions of corrupt activity under Ohio law.

• Maintains discretionary debarment authority (Division A) for less serious violations such as bid withdrawal, poor contract performance, and unresolved audit findings, with possible rescission at any time.

• Applies mandatory debarment requirements across three state procurement areas: the Department of Administrative Services, Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, and Department of Transportation.