State Reps. Thomas and Mathews Introduce Military Service Elected Office Protection Act

State Representatives David Thomas (R-Jefferson) and Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) today announced that they introduced a new piece of legislation, the Military Service Elected Office Protection Act, which aims to protect the seat of an elected official in Ohio should that elected member be ordered to active military service for our country.

The proposed legislation follows a situation in Parma, Ohio, involving the Parma City School Board and a member of the Board who is on deployment. Rep. Mathews and Rep. Thomas have sent a letter to the board addressing the matter and outlining the proposed legislation.

“It should not take a state law change to enforce common sense, but if that is what it takes, we are committed to supporting our military service members and their public service,” said Representative David Thomas. “The bill aims to provide clarity in these types of situations. As we await next steps on the bill, I, out of respect for our military men and women, ask you to refrain from any potential removal of this member.”

“When our service members deploy, they carry the responsibility of protecting this country. The least we can do is protect their place in the communities they were elected to serve. This legislation ensures that military duty is respected, that representation continues, and that Ohio remains a state that honors those willing to step forward when called,” said Representative Ty Mathews.

If passed, House Bill 823 would do the following:

• Prohibit any elected office from being declared vacant due to active-duty military deployment or reserve service obligations
• Affirm that military service constitutes a valid absence for purposes of attendance requirements
• Authorize and require public bodies to permit deployed members of the armed forces to attend and vote virtually in meetings when feasible

This bill awaits a committee assignment.