Gross Introduces the Free to Speak Act

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) recently introduced the Free to Speak Act in the Ohio House of Representatives.

House Bill 211 will require a public body, such as school boards and city councils, to permit members of the public to comment or testify about matters of public concern before the body at its public meeting. 

“This bill promotes transparency throughout our state and aligns Ohio with the laws of our neighboring states,” said Gross. “I will always support the First Amendment and protect the voices of Ohioans.”

Currently, public bodies are not required to give members of the public an opportunity to comment or testify during public meetings. 

The Free to Speak Act is assigned to the State and Local Government Committee.