State Reps. Greenspan and Manning Propose Bill Protecting Taxpayer Dollars in Public Official Criminal Cases

State Reps. Dave Greenspan (R-Westlake) and Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) announce the introduction of legislation that seeks to save taxpayer dollars by adding offenses for public officials that may result in the forfeiture of their retirement or disability benefits.

“This legislation will hopefully set a precedent of holding public officials who misuse their power more accountable,” said Manning. “Not only will it hold public officials more accountable, but it’s also about protecting the taxpayers. Their hard-earned money should not be paying for the benefits of an elected official who faces federal convictions.”

Specifically, the legislation adds certain offenses that would result in the forfeiture of a future retirement, disability benefit, or termination of an existing disability benefit of a public official. The offenses include:

• Felony offenses of extortion and perjury;
• Federal offenses of racketeering activity, theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, interference with commerce by threats or violence in violation of the "Hobbs Act," and mail, wire, and honest services fraud.

Additionally, the legislation under House Bill 741, requires the Ohio Attorney General to bring an action of forfeiture or termination of a benefit if the federal court chooses not to order the forfeiture for a conviction or guilty plea to one of the offenses in question. The bill also allows the person convicted or who plead guilty to request a hearing to consider the certain forfeiture.

“Public officials who betray the trust of the people of Ohio should not be able to benefit from taxpayer dollars – it’s important we put certain checks on those who abuse their elected position within our institution,” said Greenspan.

Greenspan and Manning’s legislation awaits its first committee hearing.