Ohio House Passes Legislation Updating Local Government Hiring Mandates

State Representatives David Thomas (R-Jefferson) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 428 – legislation removing residency requirements for the city director of public services and the city director of public safety.

Under current Ohio law, city mayors are required to appoint a director of public services and director of public safety. The selected appointee must reside in the city at the time of their appointment or become a resident within six months. House Bill 428 would eliminate this requirement, empowering local governments and removing unnecessary barriers to hiring. Cities would still have the authority to impose a residency requirement if they choose.

“H.B. 428 answers the simple question, who is best able to determine the most qualified employee, the Statehouse or City Hall,” said Thomas. “This is a good local control bill that cleans up outdated language for our local communities.”

“House Bill 428 is about giving our communities and local leaders the flexibility to hire the most qualified person for the job, without outside mandates tying their hands,” said Williams. “In many smaller communities, the pool of candidates who meet strict residency requirements is limited. When we empower local leaders to hire the expertise their community needs, we even the playing field between small rural communities and major metropolitan areas with a deep talent base.”

House Bill 428 now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.