Reps. Bird, Stewart Introduce Bill Prohibiting Certain Local Elected Officials from Signing Nondisclosure Agreements

State Representatives Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) and Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) today introduced legislation prohibiting certain local elected officials from entering into nondisclosure agreements.  

The bill prohibits village mayors, county commissioners, township trustees, and members of a village council from knowingly entering into a nondisclosure agreement connected to their official duties in Ohio.  A "nondisclosure agreement" is defined as an agreement or contract that includes a provision or clause that prohibits these individuals from disclosing, discussing, describing, or commenting on matters related to their official duties.

“I believe strongly in a transparent government,” said Rep. Bird. “This bill underscores the importance of elected officials being open and honest with the people and community they are elected to serve.” 

“The use of non-disclosure agreements by elected officials violated the spirit of Ohio’s open meetings and public records laws,” said Rep. Stewart. “In 11 years as a local elected official - dealing with scores of major development projects - I never signed an NDA, and I never would. Secrecy breeds distrust amongst the taxpayers, which is detrimental to economic development efforts.” 

Under the bill, these specific local officials would be subject to a civil fine of not more than $1,000 if they are in violation of the prohibition, and the attorney general may bring an action to collect the fine. 

The legislation will receive a bill number in the coming days.