To amend sections 7.10, 7.11, 7.12, 9.03, 9.06, 9.231, 9.24, 9.33, 9.331, 9.332, 9.333, 9.90, 101.15, 102.02, 105.41, 107.09, 109.02, 109.36, 109.42, 109.57, 109.572, 111.12, 111.16, 111.18, 117.101, 117.13, 118.023, 118.04, 118.05, 118.06, 118.12, 118.17, 118.99, 121.03, 121.04, 121.22, 121.37, 121.40, 121.401, 121.402, 121.403, 121.404, 122.085, 122.088, 122.0810, 122.0816, 122.0819, 122.121, 122.171, 122.65, 122.652, 122.653, 122.657, 122.76, 123.011, 124.09, 124.23, 124.231, 124.24, 124.25, 124.26, 124.27, 124.31, 124.34, 124.393, 125.021, 125.15, 125.18, 125.28, 125.89, 126.12, 126.21, 126.24, 126.50, 127.16, 131.23, 131.44, 131.51, 133.06, 133.18, 133.20, 133.55, 135.05, 135.61, 135.65, 135.66, 145.27, 149.01, 149.091, 149.11, 149.311, 153.01, 153.02, 153.03, 153.07, 153.08, 153.50, 153.51, 153.52, 153.54, 153.56, 153.57, 153.581, 153.65, 153.66, 153.67, 153.69, 153.70, 153.71, 153.80, 154.02, 154.07, 164.02, 164.04, 164.05, 164.051, 164.06, 164.08, 164.14, 164.21, 166.02, 173.14, 173.21, 173.26, 173.35, 173.351, 173.36, 173.391, 173.40, 173.401, 173.403, 173.404, 173.42, 173.45, 173.46, 173.47, 173.48, 173.501, 183.30, 183.51, 185.01, 185.03, 185.06, 185.10, 301.02, 301.15, 301.28, 306.35, 306.43, 306.70, 307.022, 307.041, 307.10, 307.12, 307.676, 307.70, 307.79, 307.791, 307.81, 307.82, 307.83, 307.86, 308.13, 317.20, 319.11, 319.301, 319.54, 321.18, 322.02, 322.021, 323.08, 323.73, 323.78, 324.02, 324.021, 340.02, 340.03, 340.05, 340.091, 340.11, 341.192, 343.08, 345.03, 349.01, 349.03, 349.04, 349.06, 349.07, 349.09, 349.14, 501.07, 503.05, 503.162, 503.41, 504.02, 504.03, 504.12, 504.21, 505.101, 505.108, 505.17, 505.264, 505.28, 505.373, 505.55, 505.73, 507.09, 511.23, 511.25, 511.28, 511.34, 513.14, 515.04, 517.12, 517.22, 521.03, 705.16, 711.35, 715.011, 715.47, 718.01, 718.09, 718.10, 719.012, 719.05, 721.03, 721.15, 721.20, 723.07, 727.011, 727.012, 727.08, 727.14, 727.46, 729.08, 729.11, 731.141, 731.20, 731.21, 731.211, 731.22, 731.23, 731.24, 731.25, 735.05, 735.20, 737.32, 742.41, 745.07, 747.05, 747.11, 747.12, 755.16, 755.29, 755.41, 755.42, 755.43, 759.47, 901.09, 924.52, 927.69, 951.11, 1309.528, 1327.46, 1327.50, 1327.51, 1327.511, 1327.54, 1327.57, 1327.62, 1327.99, 1329.04, 1329.42, 1332.24, 1501.022, 1501.40, 1503.05, 1505.01, 1505.04, 1505.06, 1505.09, 1505.11, 1505.99, 1509.01, 1509.02, 1509.021, 1509.03, 1509.04, 1509.041, 1509.05, 1509.06, 1509.061, 1509.062, 1509.07, 1509.071, 1509.072, 1509.073, 1509.08, 1509.09, 1509.10, 1509.11, 1509.12, 1509.13, 1509.14, 1509.15, 1509.17, 1509.181, 1509.19, 1509.21, 1509.22, 1509.221, 1509.222, 1509.223, 1509.224, 1509.225, 1509.226, 1509.23, 1509.24, 1509.25, 1509.26, 1509.27, 1509.28, 1509.29, 1509.31, 1509.32, 1509.33, 1509.34, 1509.36, 1509.38, 1509.40, 1509.50, 1510.01, 1510.08, 1515.08, 1515.14, 1515.24, 1517.02, 1531.04, 1541.03, 1541.05, 1545.09, 1545.12, 1547.302, 1551.311, 1551.32, 1551.33, 1551.35, 1555.02, 1555.03, 1555.04, 1555.05, 1555.06, 1555.08, 1555.17, 1561.06, 1561.12, 1561.13, 1561.35, 1561.49, 1563.06, 1563.24, 1563.28, 1571.01, 1571.02, 1571.03, 1571.04, 1571.05, 1571.06, 1571.08, 1571.09, 1571.10, 1571.11, 1571.14, 1571.16, 1571.18, 1571.99, 1701.07, 1702.59, 1703.031, 1703.07, 1707.11, 1707.17, 1711.05, 1711.07, 1711.18, 1711.30, 1728.06, 1728.07, 1751.01, 1751.04, 1751.11, 1751.111, 1751.12, 1751.13, 1751.15, 1751.17, 1751.20, 1751.31, 1751.34, 1751.60, 1761.04, 1776.83, 1785.06, 1901.18, 1909.11, 1923.01, 1923.02, 1923.061, 1923.15, 2101.08, 2105.09, 2151.011, 2151.312, 2151.354, 2151.412, 2151.421, 2151.424, 2152.26, 2152.72, 2301.03, 2301.18, 2301.20, 2301.21, 2301.22, 2301.23, 2301.24, 2301.25, 2301.26, 2305.01, 2317.02, 2317.422, 2319.27, 2329.26, 2335.05, 2335.06, 2501.16, 2501.17, 2743.09, 2744.05, 2903.33, 2919.271, 2939.11, 2945.371, 2945.38, 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, 2945.402, 2949.14, 3109.16, 3109.17, 3111.04, 3113.06, 3119.54, 3121.48, 3123.44, 3123.45, 3123.55, 3123.56, 3123.58, 3123.59, 3123.63, 3301.07, 3301.071, 3301.079, 3301.0710, 3301.0711, 3301.0712, 3301.16, 3301.162, 3301.70, 3302.02, 3302.031, 3302.05, 3302.07, 3304.181, 3304.182, 3306.12, 3307.20, 3307.31, 3307.64, 3309.22, 3309.41, 3309.48, 3309.51, 3310.02, 3310.03, 3310.05, 3310.08, 3310.41, 3311.05, 3311.06, 3311.19, 3311.21, 3311.213, 3311.214, 3311.29, 3311.50, 3311.52, 3311.53, 3311.73, 3311.76, 3313.12, 3313.29, 3313.33, 3313.372, 3313.41, 3313.46, 3313.482, 3313.533, 3313.55, 3313.603, 3313.61, 3313.611, 3313.612, 3313.614, 3313.64, 3313.6410, 3313.65, 3313.75, 3313.842, 3313.843, 3313.845, 3313.911, 3313.975, 3313.978, 3313.981, 3314.01, 3314.013, 3314.015, 3314.02, 3314.021, 3314.026, 3314.03, 3314.04, 3314.05, 3314.06, 3314.07, 3314.08, 3314.087, 3314.088, 3314.091, 3314.10, 3314.13, 3314.19, 3314.22, 3314.26, 3314.35, 3314.36, 3315.01, 3316.041, 3316.06, 3316.20, 3317.01, 3317.013, 3317.014, 3317.018, 3317.02, 3317.021, 3317.022, 3317.023, 3317.024, 3317.025, 3317.0210, 3317.0211, 3317.03, 3317.031, 3317.05, 3317.051, 3317.053, 3317.06, 3317.061, 3317.07, 3317.08, 3317.081, 3317.082, 3317.09, 3317.11, 3317.12, 3317.13, 3317.14, 3317.16, 3317.18, 3317.19, 3317.20, 3317.201, 3318.032, 3318.05, 3318.051, 3318.08, 3318.12, 3318.31, 3318.36, 3318.37, 3318.38, 3318.41, 3319.02, 3319.08, 3319.088, 3319.11, 3319.111, 3319.14, 3319.141, 3319.16, 3319.17, 3319.18, 3319.19, 3319.26, 3319.31, 3319.311, 3319.39, 3319.57, 3319.71, 3323.09, 3323.091, 3323.14, 3323.142, 3323.31, 3324.05, 3325.01, 3325.08, 3326.11, 3326.33, 3326.39, 3327.02, 3327.04, 3327.05, 3329.08, 3331.01, 3333.03, 3333.043, 3333.31, 3333.66, 3333.81, 3333.82, 3333.83, 3333.84, 3333.85, 3333.87, 3333.90, 3334.19, 3345.061, 3345.14, 3349.29, 3353.04, 3354.12, 3354.16, 3355.09, 3357.16, 3365.01, 3365.08, 3375.41, 3381.11, 3501.03, 3501.17, 3505.13, 3506.05, 3701.021, 3701.023, 3701.07, 3701.61, 3701.74, 3701.83, 3702.31, 3702.59, 3704.06, 3704.14, 3705.24, 3709.085, 3709.09, 3709.092, 3709.21, 3709.34, 3721.01, 3721.011, 3721.02, 3721.04, 3721.16, 3721.50, 3721.51, 3721.561, 3721.58, 3722.01, 3722.011, 3722.02, 3722.021, 3722.022, 3722.04, 3722.041, 3722.05, 3722.06, 3722.07, 3722.08, 3722.09, 3722.10, 3722.11, 3722.12, 3722.13, 3722.14, 3722.15, 3722.151, 3722.16, 3722.17, 3722.18, 3729.01, 3733.02, 3733.021, 3733.022, 3733.024, 3733.025, 3733.03, 3733.04, 3733.05, 3733.06, 3733.08, 3733.09, 3733.091, 3733.10, 3733.101, 3733.11, 3733.12, 3733.121, 3733.122, 3733.123, 3733.13, 3733.14, 3733.15, 3733.17, 3733.18, 3733.19, 3733.20, 3733.41, 3733.99, 3734.02, 3734.05, 3734.06, 3734.18, 3734.19, 3734.20, 3734.21, 3734.22, 3734.23, 3734.24, 3734.25, 3734.26, 3734.27, 3734.28, 3734.282, 3734.57, 3734.85, 3734.901, 3735.36, 3735.66, 3737.83, 3737.841, 3737.87, 3737.88, 3745.015, 3745.05, 3745.11, 3746.02, 3750.081, 3769.07, 3769.08, 3769.20, 3769.26, 3770.03, 3770.05, 3772.062, 3781.06, 3781.183, 3791.043, 3793.04, 3793.06, 3793.21, 3901.3814, 3903.01, 3923.28, 3923.281, 3923.30, 3924.10, 3963.01, 3963.11, 4113.11, 4113.61, 4115.03, 4115.033, 4115.034, 4115.04, 4115.10, 4115.101, 4115.16, 4116.01, 4117.01, 4117.03, 4117.06, 4123.27, 4131.03, 4141.08, 4141.11, 4141.33, 4301.12, 4301.43, 4301.62, 4301.80, 4301.81, 4303.02, 4503.06, 4503.061, 4503.062, 4503.235, 4503.70, 4503.93, 4504.02, 4504.021, 4504.15, 4504.16, 4504.18, 4506.071, 4507.111, 4507.164, 4510.037, 4510.038, 4511.191, 4511.193, 4513.62, 4517.01, 4517.04, 4517.09, 4517.10, 4517.12, 4517.13, 4517.14, 4517.23, 4517.24, 4517.44, 4582.31, 4585.10, 4705.021, 4709.13, 4725.34, 4725.48, 4725.50, 4725.52, 4725.57, 4731.65, 4731.71, 4733.15, 4733.151, 4736.12, 4743.05, 4757.31, 4781.01, 4781.02, 4781.04, 4781.07, 4781.09, 4781.14, 4781.15, 4781.99, 4905.90, 4909.15, 4911.02, 4927.17, 4928.10, 4928.18, 4928.20, 4929.22, 4929.26, 4929.27, 4931.51, 4931.52, 4931.53, 5101.16, 5101.181, 5101.182, 5101.183, 5101.244, 5101.26, 5101.27, 5101.271, 5101.272, 5101.28, 5101.30, 5101.35, 5101.37, 5101.46, 5101.47, 5101.571, 5101.573, 5101.58, 5101.60, 5101.61, 5104.01, 5104.011, 5104.04, 5104.13, 5104.30, 5104.32, 5104.341, 5104.35, 5104.37, 5104.38, 5104.39, 5104.42, 5104.43, 5111.012, 5111.013, 5111.0112, 5111.021, 5111.023, 5111.025, 5111.031, 5111.06, 5111.113, 5111.13, 5111.151, 5111.16, 5111.162, 5111.17, 5111.172, 5111.20, 5111.21, 5111.211, 5111.222, 5111.23, 5111.231, 5111.235, 5111.24, 5111.241, 5111.244, 5111.25, 5111.251, 5111.254, 5111.258, 5111.27, 5111.28, 5111.33, 5111.35, 5111.52, 5111.65, 5111.66, 5111.67, 5111.671, 5111.672, 5111.68, 5111.681, 5111.687, 5111.689, 5111.709, 5111.85, 5111.871, 5111.872, 5111.873, 5111.874, 5111.877, 5111.88, 5111.89, 5111.891, 5111.894, 5111.911, 5111.912, 5111.913, 5111.94, 5111.941, 5111.97, 5112.30, 5112.31, 5112.37, 5112.371, 5112.39, 5112.40, 5112.41, 5112.46, 5112.99, 5119.01, 5119.02, 5119.06, 5119.16, 5119.18, 5119.22, 5119.221, 5119.61, 5119.611, 5119.613, 5119.62, 5119.621, 5119.99, 5120.135, 5120.17, 5120.28, 5120.29, 5122.01, 5122.02, 5122.15, 5122.21, 5122.27, 5122.271, 5122.29, 5122.31, 5122.32, 5123.01, 5123.0413, 5123.0417, 5123.051, 5123.092, 5123.171, 5123.18, 5123.19, 5123.191, 5123.194, 5123.35, 5123.352, 5123.45, 5123.60, 5123.61, 5123.63, 5123.64, 5123.69, 5123.701, 5123.86, 5123.99, 5126.01, 5126.029, 5126.04, 5126.042, 5126.05, 5126.054, 5126.0510, 5126.0511, 5126.0512, 5126.08, 5126.11, 5126.12, 5126.23, 5126.24, 5126.33, 5126.41, 5126.42, 5139.11, 5139.43, 5310.35, 5505.04, 5540.03, 5540.031, 5540.05, 5543.10, 5552.06, 5553.05, 5553.19, 5553.23, 5553.42, 5555.07, 5555.27, 5555.42, 5559.06, 5559.10, 5559.12, 5561.04, 5561.08, 5571.011, 5573.02, 5573.10, 5575.01, 5575.02, 5591.15, 5593.08, 5701.13, 5703.05, 5703.37, 5705.14, 5705.16, 5705.191, 5705.194, 5705.196, 5705.21, 5705.211, 5705.218, 5705.25, 5705.251, 5705.261, 5705.314, 5705.392, 5705.412, 5705.71, 5707.031, 5709.07, 5709.62, 5709.63, 5709.632, 5713.01, 5715.17, 5715.23, 5715.26, 5719.04, 5721.01, 5721.03, 5721.04, 5721.18, 5721.30, 5721.31, 5721.32, 5721.37, 5721.38, 5721.42, 5722.13, 5723.05, 5725.151, 5725.24, 5725.98, 5727.57, 5727.84, 5727.85, 5727.86, 5729.98, 5731.02, 5731.19, 5731.21, 5731.39, 5733.0610, 5733.23, 5739.02, 5739.021, 5739.022, 5739.026, 5739.101, 5747.01, 5747.058, 5747.113, 5747.451, 5747.46, 5747.51, 5748.02, 5748.021, 5748.04, 5748.08, 5751.01, 5751.011, 5751.20, 5751.21, 5751.22, 5751.23, 5751.50, 5753.01, 6101.16, 6103.04, 6103.05, 6103.06, 6103.081, 6103.31, 6105.131, 6109.21, 6111.038, 6111.044, 6111.46, 6115.01, 6115.20, 6117.05, 6117.06, 6117.07, 6117.251, 6117.49, 6119.10, 6119.18, 6119.22, 6119.25, and 6119.58; to amend, for the purpose of adopting new section numbers as indicated in parentheses, sections 173.35 (5119.69), 173.351 (5119.691), 173.36 (5119.692), 3306.12 (3317.0212), 3314.20 (3313.473), 3721.561 (3721.56), 3722.01 (5119.70), 3722.011 (5119.701), 3722.02 (5119.71), 3722.021 (5119.711), 3722.022 (5119.712), 3722.03 (5119.72), 3722.04 (5119.73), 3722.041 (5119.731), 3722.05 (5119.74), 3722.06 (5119.75), 3722.07 (5119.76), 3722.08 (5119.77), 3722.09 (5119.78), 3722.10 (5119.79), 3722.11 (5119.80), 3722.12 (5119.81), 3722.13 (5119.82), 3722.14 (5119.83), 3722.15 (5119.84), 3722.151 (5119.85), 3722.16 (5119.86), 3722.17 (5119.87), 3722.18 (5119.88), 3733.02 (4781.26), 3733.021 (4781.31), 3733.022 (4781.32), 3733.024 (4781.33), 3733.025 (4781.34), 3733.03 (4781.27), 3733.04 (4781.28), 3733.05 (4781.29), 3733.06 (4781.30), 3733.08 (4781.35), 3733.09 (4781.36), 3733.091 (4781.37), 3733.10 (4781.38), 3733.101 (4781.39), 3733.11 (4781.40), 3733.12 (4781.41), 3733.121 (4781.42), 3733.122 (4781.43), 3733.123 (4781.44), 3733.13 (4781.45), 3733.14 (4781.46), 3733.15 (4781.47), 3733.16 (4781.48), 3733.17 (4781.49), 3733.18 (4781.50), 3733.19 (4781.51), 3733.20 (4781.52), 5101.271 (5101.272), 5101.272 (5101.273), 5111.14 (5111.141), 5111.261 (5111.263), 5111.892 (5111.893), 5119.612 (5119.613), 5119.613 (5119.614), and 5123.60 (5123.601); to enact new sections 2151.56, 2151.57, 2151.58, 2151.59, 3314.016, 3319.112, 5101.271, 5111.14, 5111.261, 5111.861, 5111.892, 5119.612, 5123.60, and 5126.18, and sections 7.16, 9.031, 9.05, 9.334, 9.335, 9.482, 111.181, 111.28, 111.29, 118.025, 118.31, 124.394, 125.024, 125.182, 125.213, 126.141, 126.60, 126.601, 126.602, 126.603, 126.604, 126.605, 149.308, 153.501, 153.502, 153.53, 153.55, 153.692, 153.693, 153.694, 153.72, 153.73, 154.24, 154.25, 164.30, 173.41, 183.151, 305.23, 306.322, 306.55, 306.551, 349.17, 523.01, 523.02, 523.03, 523.04, 523.05, 523.06, 523.07, 523.08, 717.08, 1327.501, 1505.011, 1505.05, 1509.022, 1541.25, 1541.26, 1571.012, 1571.013, 1571.014, 2151.429, 2335.061, 3123.591, 3302.042, 3302.06, 3302.061, 3302.062, 3302.063, 3302.064, 3302.065, 3302.066, 3302.067, 3302.068, 3302.12, 3302.20, 3302.21, 3302.22, 3302.23, 3302.24, 3302.25, 3302.30, 3311.0510, 3313.411, 3313.617, 3313.846, 3313.88, 3314.029, 3314.38, 3314.50, 3316.21, 3317.141, 3318.054, 3318.371, 3318.48, 3318.60, 3319.113, 3319.227, 3319.58, 3323.25, 3324.08, 3328.01 to 3328.04, 3328.11 to 3328.15, 3328.17 to 3328.19, 3328.191, 3328.192, 3328.193, 3328.20 to 3328.26, 3328.41, 3328.45, 3328.50, 3328.99, 3333.43, 3345.023, 3345.81, 3353.15, 3521.04, 3701.0211, 3701.032, 3701.94, 3701.941, 3709.341, 3745.016, 3770.031, 3793.061, 3903.301, 4303.209, 4313.01, 4313.02, 4729.021, 4781.121, 4781.54, 4905.98, 4911.021, 5111.0122, 5111.0123, 5111.0124, 5111.0125, 5111.0212, 5111.0213, 5111.0214, 5111.0215, 5111.035, 5111.051, 5111.052, 5111.063, 5111.085, 5111.161, 5111.179, 5111.224, 5111.225, 5111.259, 5111.83, 5111.862, 5111.863, 5111.944, 5111.945, 5111.981, 5112.991, 5119.012, 5119.013, 5119.222, 5119.622, 5119.623, 5120.092, 5122.341, 5123.0418, 5123.0419, 5123.0420, 5501.84, 5703.059, 5725.34, and 5729.17; and to repeal sections 7.14, 9.901, 122.0818, 122.121, 122.452, 126.04, 126.501, 126.502, 126.507, 165.031, 340.08, 701.04, 1501.031, 1551.13, 2151.56, 2151.57, 2151.58, 2151.59, 2151.60, 2151.61, 2301.19, 3123.52, 3123.61, 3123.612, 3123.613, 3123.614, 3306.01, 3306.011, 3306.012, 3306.02, 3306.03, 3306.04, 3306.05, 3306.051, 3306.052, 3306.06, 3306.07, 3306.08, 3306.09, 3306.091, 3306.10, 3306.11, 3306.13, 3306.19, 3306.191, 3306.192, 3306.21, 3306.22, 3306.29, 3306.291, 3306.292, 3306.51, 3306.52, 3306.53, 3306.54, 3306.55, 3306.56, 3306.57, 3306.58, 3306.59, 3311.059, 3313.202, 3314.014, 3314.016, 3314.017, 3314.025, 3314.082, 3314.085, 3314.402, 3317.011, 3317.016, 3317.017, 3317.0216, 3317.04, 3317.17, 3319.112, 3319.161, 3329.16, 3349.242, 3706.042, 3721.56, 3722.99, 3733.01, 3733.031, 3733.07, 3923.90, 3923.91, 4115.032, 4582.37, 4981.23, 5101.5211, 5101.5212, 5101.5213, 5101.5214, 5101.5215, 5101.5216, 5111.243, 5111.34, 5111.861, 5111.893, 5111.971, 5122.36, 5123.172, 5123.181, 5123.193, 5123.211, 5123.601, 5123.602, 5123.603, 5123.604, 5123.605, 5126.18, and 5126.19 of the Revised Code; to amend Section 205.10 of Am. Sub. H.B. 114 of the 129th General Assembly, Section 125.10 of Am. Sub. H.B. 1 of the 128th General Assembly, Section 5 of Sub. H.B. 125 of the 127th General Assembly, as subsequently amended, and Section 153 of Am. Sub. H.B. 117 of the 121st General Assembly, as subsequently amended; to repeal Section 5 of Sub. H.B. 2 of the 127th General Assembly; and to amend the version of section 5111.913 of the Revised Code that results from Section 101.01 of this act on July 1, 2012; and to terminate certain provisions of this act on June 30, 2013, by repealing sections 126.60, 126.601, 126.602, 126.603, 126.604, and 126.605 on that date; to make operating appropriations for the biennium beginning July 1, 2011, and ending June 30, 2013; and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of programs, including reforms for the efficient and effective operation of state and local government.

Section 101.01. That sections 7.10, 7.11, 7.12, 9.03, 9.06, 9.231, 9.24, 9.33, 9.331, 9.332, 9.333, 9.90, 101.15, 102.02, 105.41, 107.09, 109.02, 109.36, 109.42, 109.57, 109.572, 111.12, 111.16, 111.18, 117.101, 117.13, 118.023, 118.04, 118.05, 118.06, 118.12, 118.17, 118.99, 121.03, 121.04, 121.22, 121.37, 121.40, 121.401, 121.402, 121.403, 121.404, 122.085, 122.088, 122.0810, 122.0816, 122.0819, 122.121, 122.171, 122.65, 122.652, 122.653, 122.657, 122.76, 123.011, 124.09, 124.23, 124.231, 124.24, 124.25, 124.26, 124.27, 124.31, 124.34, 124.393, 125.021, 125.15, 125.18, 125.28, 125.89, 126.12, 126.21, 126.24, 126.50, 127.16, 131.23, 131.44, 131.51, 133.06, 133.18, 133.20, 133.55, 135.05, 135.61, 135.65, 135.66, 145.27, 149.01, 149.091, 149.11, 149.311, 153.01, 153.02, 153.03, 153.07, 153.08, 153.50, 153.51, 153.52, 153.54, 153.56, 153.57, 153.581, 153.65, 153.66, 153.67, 153.69, 153.70, 153.71, 153.80, 154.02, 154.07, 164.02, 164.04, 164.05, 164.051, 164.06, 164.08, 164.14, 164.21, 166.02, 173.14, 173.21, 173.26, 173.35, 173.351, 173.36, 173.391, 173.40, 173.401, 173.403, 173.404, 173.42, 173.45, 173.46, 173.47, 173.48, 173.501, 183.30, 183.51, 185.01, 185.03, 185.06, 185.10, 301.02, 301.15, 301.28, 306.35, 306.43, 306.70, 307.022, 307.041, 307.10, 307.12, 307.676, 307.70, 307.79, 307.791, 307.81, 307.82, 307.83, 307.86, 308.13, 317.20, 319.11, 319.301, 319.54, 321.18, 322.02, 322.021, 323.08, 323.73, 323.78, 324.02, 324.021, 340.02, 340.03, 340.05, 340.091, 340.11, 341.192, 343.08, 345.03, 349.01, 349.03, 349.04, 349.06, 349.07, 349.09, 349.14, 501.07, 503.05, 503.162, 503.41, 504.02, 504.03, 504.12, 504.21, 505.101, 505.108, 505.17, 505.264, 505.28, 505.373, 505.55, 505.73, 507.09, 511.23, 511.25, 511.28, 511.34, 513.14, 515.04, 517.12, 517.22, 521.03, 705.16, 711.35, 715.011, 715.47, 718.01, 718.09, 718.10, 719.012, 719.05, 721.03, 721.15, 721.20, 723.07, 727.011, 727.012, 727.08, 727.14, 727.46, 729.08, 729.11, 731.141, 731.20, 731.21, 731.211, 731.22, 731.23, 731.24, 731.25, 735.05, 735.20, 737.32, 742.41, 745.07, 747.05, 747.11, 747.12, 755.16, 755.29, 755.41, 755.42, 755.43, 759.47, 901.09, 924.52, 927.69, 951.11, 1309.528, 1327.46, 1327.50, 1327.51, 1327.511, 1327.54, 1327.57, 1327.62, 1327.99, 1329.04, 1329.42, 1332.24, 1501.022, 1501.40, 1503.05, 1505.01, 1505.04, 1505.06, 1505.09, 1505.11, 1505.99, 1509.01, 1509.02, 1509.021, 1509.03, 1509.04, 1509.041, 1509.05, 1509.06, 1509.061, 1509.062, 1509.07, 1509.071, 1509.072, 1509.073, 1509.08, 1509.09, 1509.10, 1509.11, 1509.12, 1509.13, 1509.14, 1509.15, 1509.17, 1509.181, 1509.19, 1509.21, 1509.22, 1509.221, 1509.222, 1509.223, 1509.224, 1509.225, 1509.226, 1509.23, 1509.24, 1509.25, 1509.26, 1509.27, 1509.28, 1509.29, 1509.31, 1509.32, 1509.33, 1509.34, 1509.36, 1509.38, 1509.40, 1509.50, 1510.01, 1510.08, 1515.08, 1515.14, 1515.24, 1517.02, 1531.04, 1541.03, 1541.05, 1545.09, 1545.12, 1547.302, 1551.311, 1551.32, 1551.33, 1551.35, 1555.02, 1555.03, 1555.04, 1555.05, 1555.06, 1555.08, 1555.17, 1561.06, 1561.12, 1561.13, 1561.35, 1561.49, 1563.06, 1563.24, 1563.28, 1571.01, 1571.02, 1571.03, 1571.04, 1571.05, 1571.06, 1571.08, 1571.09, 1571.10, 1571.11, 1571.14, 1571.16, 1571.18, 1571.99, 1701.07, 1702.59, 1703.031, 1703.07, 1707.11, 1707.17, 1711.05, 1711.07, 1711.18, 1711.30, 1728.06, 1728.07, 1751.01, 1751.04, 1751.11, 1751.111, 1751.12, 1751.13, 1751.15, 1751.17, 1751.20, 1751.31, 1751.34, 1751.60, 1761.04, 1776.83, 1785.06, 1901.18, 1909.11, 1923.01, 1923.02, 1923.061, 1923.15, 2101.08, 2105.09, 2151.011, 2151.312, 2151.354, 2151.412, 2151.421, 2151.424, 2152.26, 2152.72, 2301.03, 2301.18, 2301.20, 2301.21, 2301.22, 2301.23, 2301.24, 2301.25, 2301.26, 2305.01, 2317.02, 2317.422, 2319.27, 2329.26, 2335.05, 2335.06, 2501.16, 2501.17, 2743.09, 2744.05, 2903.33, 2919.271, 2939.11, 2945.371, 2945.38, 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, 2945.402, 2949.14, 3109.16, 3109.17, 3111.04, 3113.06, 3119.54, 3121.48, 3123.44, 3123.45, 3123.55, 3123.56, 3123.58, 3123.59, 3123.63, 3301.07, 3301.071, 3301.079, 3301.0710, 3301.0711, 3301.0712, 3301.16, 3301.162, 3301.70, 3302.02, 3302.031, 3302.05, 3302.07, 3304.181, 3304.182, 3306.12, 3307.20, 3307.31, 3307.64, 3309.22, 3309.41, 3309.48, 3309.51, 3310.02, 3310.03, 3310.05, 3310.08, 3310.41, 3311.05, 3311.06, 3311.19, 3311.21, 3311.213, 3311.214, 3311.29, 3311.50, 3311.52, 3311.53, 3311.73, 3311.76, 3313.12, 3313.29, 3313.33, 3313.372, 3313.41, 3313.46, 3313.482, 3313.533, 3313.55, 3313.603, 3313.61, 3313.611, 3313.612, 3313.614, 3313.64, 3313.6410, 3313.65, 3313.75, 3313.842, 3313.843, 3313.845, 3313.911, 3313.975, 3313.978, 3313.981, 3314.01, 3314.013, 3314.015, 3314.02, 3314.021, 3314.026, 3314.03, 3314.04, 3314.05, 3314.06, 3314.07, 3314.08, 3314.087, 3314.088, 3314.091, 3314.10, 3314.13, 3314.19, 3314.22, 3314.26, 3314.35, 3314.36, 3315.01, 3316.041, 3316.06, 3316.20, 3317.01, 3317.013, 3317.014, 3317.018, 3317.02, 3317.021, 3317.022, 3317.023, 3317.024, 3317.025, 3317.0210, 3317.0211, 3317.03, 3317.031, 3317.05, 3317.051, 3317.053, 3317.06, 3317.061, 3317.07, 3317.08, 3317.081, 3317.082, 3317.09, 3317.11, 3317.12, 3317.13, 3317.14, 3317.16, 3317.18, 3317.19, 3317.20, 3317.201, 3318.032, 3318.05, 3318.051, 3318.08, 3318.12, 3318.31, 3318.36, 3318.37, 3318.38, 3318.41, 3319.02, 3319.08, 3319.088, 3319.11, 3319.111, 3319.14, 3319.141, 3319.16, 3319.17, 3319.18, 3319.19, 3319.26, 3319.31, 3319.311, 3319.39, 3319.57, 3319.71, 3323.09, 3323.091, 3323.14, 3323.142, 3323.31, 3324.05, 3325.01, 3325.08, 3326.11, 3326.33, 3326.39, 3327.02, 3327.04, 3327.05, 3329.08, 3331.01, 3333.03, 3333.043, 3333.31, 3333.66, 3333.81, 3333.82, 3333.83, 3333.84, 3333.85, 3333.87, 3333.90, 3334.19, 3345.061, 3345.14, 3349.29, 3353.04, 3354.12, 3354.16, 3355.09, 3357.16, 3365.01, 3365.08, 3375.41, 3381.11, 3501.03, 3501.17, 3505.13, 3506.05, 3701.021, 3701.023, 3701.07, 3701.61, 3701.74, 3701.83, 3702.31, 3702.59, 3704.06, 3704.14, 3705.24, 3709.085, 3709.09, 3709.092, 3709.21, 3709.34, 3721.01, 3721.011, 3721.02, 3721.04, 3721.16, 3721.50, 3721.51, 3721.561, 3721.58, 3722.01, 3722.011, 3722.02, 3722.021, 3722.022, 3722.04, 3722.041, 3722.05, 3722.06, 3722.07, 3722.08, 3722.09, 3722.10, 3722.11, 3722.12, 3722.13, 3722.14, 3722.15, 3722.151, 3722.16, 3722.17, 3722.18, 3729.01, 3733.02, 3733.021, 3733.022, 3733.024, 3733.025, 3733.03, 3733.04, 3733.05, 3733.06, 3733.08, 3733.09, 3733.091, 3733.10, 3733.101, 3733.11, 3733.12, 3733.121, 3733.122, 3733.123, 3733.13, 3733.14, 3733.15, 3733.17, 3733.18, 3733.19, 3733.20, 3733.41, 3733.99, 3734.02, 3734.05, 3734.06, 3734.18, 3734.19, 3734.20, 3734.21, 3734.22, 3734.23, 3734.24, 3734.25, 3734.26, 3734.27, 3734.28, 3734.282, 3734.57, 3734.85, 3734.901, 3735.36, 3735.66, 3737.83, 3737.841, 3737.87, 3737.88, 3745.015, 3745.05, 3745.11, 3746.02, 3750.081, 3769.07, 3769.08, 3769.20, 3769.26, 3770.03, 3770.05, 3772.062, 3781.06, 3781.183, 3791.043, 3793.04, 3793.06, 3793.21, 3901.3814, 3903.01, 3923.28, 3923.281, 3923.30, 3924.10, 3963.01, 3963.11, 4113.11, 4113.61, 4115.03, 4115.033, 4115.034, 4115.04, 4115.10, 4115.101, 4115.16, 4116.01, 4117.01, 4117.03, 4117.06, 4123.27, 4131.03, 4141.08, 4141.11, 4141.33, 4301.12, 4301.43, 4301.62, 4301.80, 4301.81, 4303.02, 4503.06, 4503.061, 4503.062, 4503.235, 4503.70, 4503.93, 4504.02, 4504.021, 4504.15, 4504.16, 4504.18, 4506.071, 4507.111, 4507.164, 4510.037, 4510.038, 4511.191, 4511.193, 4513.62, 4517.01, 4517.04, 4517.09, 4517.10, 4517.12, 4517.13, 4517.14, 4517.23, 4517.24, 4517.44, 4582.31, 4585.10, 4705.021, 4709.13, 4725.34, 4725.48, 4725.50, 4725.52, 4725.57, 4731.65, 4731.71, 4733.15, 4733.151, 4736.12, 4743.05, 4757.31, 4781.01, 4781.02, 4781.04, 4781.07, 4781.09, 4781.14, 4781.15, 4781.99, 4905.90, 4909.15, 4911.02, 4927.17, 4928.10, 4928.18, 4928.20, 4929.22, 4929.26, 4929.27, 4931.51, 4931.52, 4931.53, 5101.16, 5101.181, 5101.182, 5101.183, 5101.244, 5101.26, 5101.27, 5101.271, 5101.272, 5101.28, 5101.30, 5101.35, 5101.37, 5101.46, 5101.47, 5101.571, 5101.573, 5101.58, 5101.60, 5101.61, 5104.01, 5104.011, 5104.04, 5104.13, 5104.30, 5104.32, 5104.341, 5104.35, 5104.37, 5104.38, 5104.39, 5104.42, 5104.43, 5111.012, 5111.013, 5111.0112, 5111.021, 5111.023, 5111.025, 5111.031, 5111.06, 5111.113, 5111.13, 5111.151, 5111.16, 5111.162, 5111.17, 5111.172, 5111.20, 5111.21, 5111.211, 5111.222, 5111.23, 5111.231, 5111.235, 5111.24, 5111.241, 5111.244, 5111.25, 5111.251, 5111.254, 5111.258, 5111.27, 5111.28, 5111.33, 5111.35, 5111.52, 5111.65, 5111.66, 5111.67, 5111.671, 5111.672, 5111.68, 5111.681, 5111.687, 5111.689, 5111.709, 5111.85, 5111.871, 5111.872, 5111.873, 5111.874, 5111.877, 5111.88, 5111.89, 5111.891, 5111.894, 5111.911, 5111.912, 5111.913, 5111.94, 5111.941, 5111.97, 5112.30, 5112.31, 5112.37, 5112.371, 5112.39, 5112.40, 5112.41, 5112.46, 5112.99, 5119.01, 5119.02, 5119.06, 5119.16, 5119.18, 5119.22, 5119.221, 5119.61, 5119.611, 5119.613, 5119.62, 5119.621, 5119.99, 5120.135, 5120.17, 5120.28, 5120.29, 5122.01, 5122.02, 5122.15, 5122.21, 5122.27, 5122.271, 5122.29, 5122.31, 5122.32, 5123.01, 5123.0413, 5123.0417, 5123.051, 5123.092, 5123.171, 5123.18, 5123.19, 5123.191, 5123.194, 5123.35, 5123.352, 5123.45, 5123.60, 5123.61, 5123.63, 5123.64, 5123.69, 5123.701, 5123.86, 5123.99, 5126.01, 5126.029, 5126.04, 5126.042, 5126.05, 5126.054, 5126.0510, 5126.0511, 5126.0512, 5126.08, 5126.11, 5126.12, 5126.23, 5126.24, 5126.33, 5126.41, 5126.42, 5139.11, 5139.43, 5310.35, 5505.04, 5540.03, 5540.031, 5540.05, 5543.10, 5552.06, 5553.05, 5553.19, 5553.23, 5553.42, 5555.07, 5555.27, 5555.42, 5559.06, 5559.10, 5559.12, 5561.04, 5561.08, 5571.011, 5573.02, 5573.10, 5575.01, 5575.02, 5591.15, 5593.08, 5701.13, 5703.05, 5703.37, 5705.14, 5705.16, 5705.191, 5705.194, 5705.196, 5705.21, 5705.211, 5705.218, 5705.25, 5705.251, 5705.261, 5705.314, 5705.392, 5705.412, 5705.71, 5707.031, 5709.07, 5709.62, 5709.63, 5709.632, 5713.01, 5715.17, 5715.23, 5715.26, 5719.04, 5721.01, 5721.03, 5721.04, 5721.18, 5721.30, 5721.31, 5721.32, 5721.37, 5721.38, 5721.42, 5722.13, 5723.05, 5725.151, 5725.24, 5725.98, 5727.57, 5727.84, 5727.85, 5727.86, 5729.98, 5731.02, 5731.19, 5731.21, 5731.39, 5733.0610, 5733.23, 5739.02, 5739.021, 5739.022, 5739.026, 5739.101, 5747.01, 5747.058, 5747.113, 5747.451, 5747.46, 5747.51, 5748.02, 5748.021, 5748.04, 5748.08, 5751.01, 5751.011, 5751.20, 5751.21, 5751.22, 5751.23, 5751.50, 5753.01, 6101.16, 6103.04, 6103.05, 6103.06, 6103.081, 6103.31, 6105.131, 6109.21, 6111.038, 6111.044, 6111.46, 6115.01, 6115.20, 6117.05, 6117.06, 6117.07, 6117.251, 6117.49, 6119.10, 6119.18, 6119.22, 6119.25, and 6119.58 be amended; sections 173.35 (5119.69), 173.351 (5119.691), 173.36 (5119.692), 3306.12 (3317.0212), 3314.20 (3313.473), 3721.561 (3721.56), 3722.01 (5119.70), 3722.011 (5119.701), 3722.02 (5119.71), 3722.021 (5119.711), 3722.022 (5119.712), 3722.03 (5119.72), 3722.04 (5119.73), 3722.041 (5119.731), 3722.05 (5119.74), 3722.06 (5119.75), 3722.07 (5119.76), 3722.08 (5119.77), 3722.09 (5119.78), 3722.10 (5119.79), 3722.11 (5119.80), 3722.12 (5119.81), 3722.13 (5119.82), 3722.14 (5119.83), 3722.15 (5119.84), 3722.151 (5119.85), 3722.16 (5119.86), 3722.17 (5119.87), 3722.18 (5119.88), 3733.02 (4781.26), 3733.021 (4781.31), 3733.022 (4781.32), 3733.024 (4781.33), 3733.025 (4781.34), 3733.03 (4781.27), 3733.04 (4781.28), 3733.05 (4781.29), 3733.06 (4781.30), 3733.08 (4781.35), 3733.09 (4781.36), 3733.091 (4781.37), 3733.10 (4781.38), 3733.101 (4781.39), 3733.11 (4781.40), 3733.12 (4781.41), 3733.121 (4781.42), 3733.122 (4781.43), 3733.123 (4781.44), 3733.13 (4781.45), 3733.14 (4781.46), 3733.15 (4781.47), 3733.16 (4781.48), 3733.17 (4781.49), 3733.18 (4781.50), 3733.19 (4781.51), 3733.20 (4781.52), 5101.271 (5101.272), 5101.272 (5101.273), 5111.14 (5111.141), 5111.261 (5111.263), 5111.892 (5111.893), 5119.612 (5119.613), 5119.613 (5119.614), and 5123.60 (5123.601) be amended for the purpose of adopting new section numbers as indicated in parentheses; that new sections 2151.56, 2151.57, 2151.58, 2151.59, 3314.016, 3319.112, 5101.271, 5111.14, 5111.261, 5111.861, 5111.892, 5119.612, 5123.60, and 5126.18, and sections 7.16, 9.031, 9.05, 9.334, 9.335, 9.482, 111.181, 111.28, 111.29, 118.025, 118.31, 124.394, 125.024, 125.182, 125.213, 126.141, 126.60, 126.601, 126.602, 126.603, 126.604, 126.605, 149.308, 153.501, 153.502, 153.53, 153.55, 153.692, 153.693, 153.694, 153.72, 153.73, 154.24, 154.25, 164.30, 173.41, 183.151, 305.23, 306.322, 306.55, 306.551, 349.17, 523.01, 523.02, 523.03, 523.04, 523.05, 523.06, 523.07, 523.08, 717.08, 1327.501, 1505.011, 1505.05, 1509.022, 1541.25, 1541.26, 1571.012, 1571.013, 1571.014, 2151.429, 2335.061, 3123.591, 3302.042, 3302.06, 3302.061, 3302.062, 3302.063, 3302.064, 3302.065, 3302.066, 3302.067, 3302.068, 3302.12, 3302.20, 3302.21, 3302.22, 3302.23, 3302.24, 3302.25, 3302.30, 3311.0510, 3313.411, 3313.617, 3313.846, 3313.88, 3314.029, 3314.38, 3314.50, 3316.21, 3317.141, 3318.054, 3318.371, 3318.48, 3318.60, 3319.113, 3319.227, 3319.58, 3323.25, 3324.08, 3328.01, 3328.02, 3328.03, 3328.04, 3328.11, 3328.12, 3328.13, 3328.14, 3328.15, 3328.17, 3328.18, 3328.19, 3328.191, 3328.192, 3328.193, 3328.20, 3328.21, 3328.22, 3328.23, 3328.24, 3328.25, 3328.26, 3328.41, 3328.45, 3328.50, 3328.99, 3333.43, 3345.023, 3345.81, 3353.15, 3521.04, 3701.0211, 3701.032, 3701.94, 3701.941, 3709.341, 3745.016, 3770.031, 3793.061, 3903.301, 4303.209, 4313.01, 4313.02, 4729.021, 4781.121, 4781.54, 4905.98, 4911.021, 5111.0122, 5111.0123, 5111.0124, 5111.0125, 5111.0212, 5111.0213, 5111.0214, 5111.0215, 5111.035, 5111.051, 5111.052, 5111.063, 5111.085, 5111.161, 5111.179, 5111.224, 5111.225, 5111.259, 5111.83, 5111.862, 5111.863, 5111.944, 5111.945, 5111.981, 5112.991, 5119.012, 5119.013, 5119.222, 5119.622, 5119.623, 5120.092, 5122.341, 5123.0418, 5123.0419, 5123.0420, 5501.84, 5703.059, 5725.34, and 5729.17 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 7.10.  For the publication of advertisements, notices, and proclamations, except those relating to proposed amendments to the Ohio constitution Constitution, required to be published by a public officer of the state, county, municipal corporation, township, school, a benevolent or other public institution, or by a trustee, assignee, executor, or administrator, or by or in any court of record, except when the rate is otherwise fixed by law, publishers of newspapers may charge and receive for such advertisements, notices, and proclamations rates charged on annual contracts by them for a like amount of space to other advertisers who advertise in its general display advertising columns. Legal

For the publication of advertisements, notices, or proclamations required to be published by a public officer of a county, municipal corporation, township, school, or other political subdivision, publishers of newspapers shall establish a government rate, which shall include free publication of advertisements, notices, or proclamations on the newspaper's internet web site, if the newspaper has one. The government rate shall not exceed the lowest classified advertising rate and lowest insert rate paid by other advertisers.

Legal advertising, except that relating to proposed amendments to the Ohio constitution Constitution, shall be set up in a compact form, without unnecessary spaces, blanks, or headlines, and printed in not smaller than six-point type. The type used must be of such proportions that the body of the capital letter M is no wider than it is high and all other letters and characters are in proportion.

Except as provided in section 2701.09 of the Revised Code, all legal advertisements or notices shall be printed in newspapers published in the English language only of general circulation and also shall be posted on a newspaper's internet web site, if the newspaper has one.

Sec. 7.11.  A proclamation for an election, an order fixing the time of holding court, notice of the rates of taxation, bridge and pike notices, notice to contractors, and such other advertisements of general interest to the taxpayers as the county auditor, county treasurer, probate judge, or board of county commissioners deems proper shall be published in two newspapers a newspaper of opposite politics of general circulation, as defined in section 5721.01 7.12 of the Revised Code at the county seat if there are such newspapers published thereat. If there are not two newspapers of opposite politics and of general circulation published in said county seat, such publication shall be made in one newspaper published in said county seat and in any other newspaper of general circulation in said county as defined in section 5721.01 of the Revised Code, wherever published, without regard to the politics of such other newspaper. In counties having cities of eight thousand inhabitants or more, not the county seat of such counties, additional publication of such notice shall be made in two newspapers a newspaper of opposite politics and of general circulation in such city, as defined in such section, in such city. For purposes of this section, a newspaper independent in politics is a newspaper of opposite politics to a newspaper of designated political affiliation. Sections 7.10 to 7.13, inclusive, of the Revised Code, do not apply to the publication of notices of delinquent and forfeited land sales.

The cost of any publication authorized by this section, which is shall be printed in display form, shall be the commercial government rate charged established by such newspaper under section 7.10 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 7.12. (A) Whenever any legal publication a state agency or a political subdivision of the state is required by law to be made make any legal publication in a newspaper published in a municipal corporation, county, or other political subdivision, the newspaper shall also be a newspaper of general circulation in the municipal corporation, county, or other political subdivision, without further restriction or limitation upon a selection of the newspaper to be used. If no newspaper is published in such municipal corporation, county, or other political subdivision, such legal publication shall be made in any newspaper of general circulation therein. If there are less than two newspapers published in any municipal corporation, county, or other political subdivision in the manner defined by this section, then any legal publication required by law to be made in a newspaper published in a municipal corporation, county, or other political subdivision may be made in any newspaper regularly issued at stated intervals from a known office of publication located within the municipal corporation, county, or other political subdivision. As used in this section, a known office of publication is a public office where the business of the newspaper is transacted during the usual business hours, and such office shall be shown by the publication itself. As used in the Revised Code,

In addition to all other requirements, a "newspaper" or "newspaper of general circulation," except those publications daily law journals in existence on or before July 1, 2011, and performing the functions described in section 2701.09 of the Revised Code for a period of one year three years immediately preceding any such legal publication required to be made, shall be is a publication bearing a title or name, that is regularly issued as frequently as at least once a week for a definite price or consideration paid for by not less than fifty per cent of those to whom distribution is made, having a second class mailing privilege, being not less than four pages, published continuously during the immediately preceding one-year period, and circulated generally in the political subdivision in which it is published. Such publication must be of a type to which the general public resorts for passing events of a political, religious, commercial, and social nature, current happenings, announcements, miscellaneous reading matter, advertisements, and other notices, and that meets all of the following requirements:

(1) It is printed in the English language using standard printing methods, being not less than eight pages in the broadsheet format or sixteen pages in the tabloid format.

(2) It contains at least twenty-five per cent editorial content, which includes, but is not limited to, local news, political information, and local sports.

(3) It has been published continuously for at least three years immediately preceding legal publication by the state agency or political subdivision.

(4) The publication has the ability to add subscribers to its distribution list.

(5) The publication is circulated generally by United States mail or carrier delivery in the political subdivision responsible for legal publication or in the state, if legal publication is made by a state agency, by proof of the filing of a United States postal service "Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation" (PS form 3526) with the local postmaster, or by proof of an independent audit of the publication performed, within the twelve months immediately preceding legal publication.

(B) A person who disagrees that a publication is a "newspaper of general circulation" in which legal publication may be made under this section may deliver a written request for mediation to the publisher of the publication and to the court of common pleas of the county in which is located the political subdivision in which the publication is circulated, or in the Franklin county court of common pleas if legal publication is to be made by a state agency. The court of common pleas shall appoint a mediator, and the parties shall follow the procedures of the mediation program operated by the court.

Sec. 7.16. (A) If a section of the Revised Code requires a state agency or a political subdivision of the state to publish a notice or advertisement two or more times in a newspaper of general circulation and the section refers to this section, the first publication of the notice or advertisement shall be made in its entirety in a newspaper of general circulation and may be made in a preprinted insert in the newspaper, but the second publication otherwise required by that section may be made in abbreviated form in a newspaper of general circulation in the state or in the political subdivision, as designated in that section, and on the newspaper's internet web site, if the newspaper has one. The state agency or political subdivision may eliminate any further newspaper publications required by that section, provided that the second, abbreviated notice or advertisement meets all of the following requirements:

(1) It is published in the newspaper of general circulation in which the first publication of the notice or advertisement was made and is published on that newspaper's internet web site, if the newspaper has one.

(2) It includes a statement that the notice or advertisement is posted in its entirety on the state agency's or political subdivision's internet web site, or on the state public notice web site established under section 125.182 of the Revised Code.

(3) It includes the internet addresses on the world wide web of the state agency, political subdivision, or state public notice web site and of the newspaper.

(4) It includes instructions for accessing the notice or advertisement on the internet web sites specified in division (A)(3) of this section.

(5) It is of sufficient size that it is at least one-fourth of the size of the first publication in the newspaper.

(B) A notice or advertisement published under this section on an internet web site shall be published in its entirety in accordance with the section of the Revised Code that requires the publication.

(C) If a state agency or political subdivision does not operate and maintain, or ceases to operate and maintain, an internet web site, and if the state public notice web site established under section 125.182 of the Revised Code is not operational, the state agency or political subdivision shall not publish a notice or advertisement under this section, but instead shall comply with the publication requirements of the section of the Revised Code that refers to this section.

Sec. 9.03.  (A) As used in this section, "political subdivision" means any body corporate and politic, except a municipal corporation that has adopted a charter under Section 7 of Article XVIII, Ohio Constitution, and except a county that has adopted a charter under Sections 3 and 4 of Article X, Ohio Constitution, to which both of the following apply:

(1) It is responsible for governmental activities only in a geographic area smaller than the state.

(2) It is subject to the sovereign immunity of the state.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in division (C) of this section, the governing body of a political subdivision may use public funds to publish and distribute newsletters, or to use any other means, to communicate information about the plans, policies, and operations of the political subdivision to members of the public within the political subdivision and to other persons who may be affected by the political subdivision.

(C) Except as otherwise provided in division (A)(7) of section 340.03 or division (A)(12) of section 340.033 of the Revised Code, no governing body of a political subdivision shall use public funds to do any of the following:

(1) Publish, distribute, or otherwise communicate information that does any of the following:

(a) Contains defamatory, libelous, or obscene matter;

(b) Promotes alcoholic beverages, cigarettes or other tobacco products, or any illegal product, service, or activity;

(c) Promotes illegal discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap, age, or ancestry;

(d) Supports or opposes any labor organization or any action by, on behalf of, or against any labor organization;

(e) Supports or opposes the nomination or election of a candidate for public office, the investigation, prosecution, or recall of a public official, or the passage of a levy or bond issue.

(2) Compensate any employee of the political subdivision for time spent on any activity to influence the outcome of an election for any of the purposes described in division (C)(1)(e) of this section. Division (C)(2) of this section does not prohibit the use of public funds to compensate an employee of a political subdivision for attending a public meeting to present information about the political subdivision's finances, activities, and governmental actions in a manner that is not designed to influence the outcome of an election or the passage of a levy or bond issue, even though the election, levy, or bond issue is discussed or debated at the meeting.

(D) Nothing in this section prohibits or restricts any political subdivision from sponsoring, participating in, or doing any of the following:

(1) Charitable or public service advertising that is not commercial in nature unless the commercial advertising complies with section 9.031 of the Revised Code;

(2) Advertising of exhibitions, performances, programs, products, or services that are provided by employees of a political subdivision or are provided at or through premises owned or operated by a political subdivision;

(3) Licensing an interest in a name or mark that is owned or controlled by the political subdivision.

(E) As used in this section, "cigarettes" and "tobacco product" have the same meanings as in section 5743.01 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 9.031. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Advertising" means internet advertising, including banners and icons that may contain links to commercial internet web sites. "Advertising" does not include spyware, malware, or any viruses or programs considered to be malicious.

(2) "Political subdivision" has the meaning defined in section 9.03 of the Revised Code.

(3) "State agency" has the meaning defined in section 1.60 of the Revised Code and includes state institutions of higher education as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code.

(4) "State agency web site" means a web site, internet page, or web page of a state agency office, with respective internet addresses or subdomains, that are intended to provide the public with information about services offered by the state agency office, including relevant forms of searchable data.

(5) "Political subdivision web site" means a web site, internet page, or web page of a political subdivision office, with respective internet addresses or subdomains, that are intended to provide the public with information about services offered by the political subdivision office, including relevant forms of searchable data.

(B) A state agency or political subdivision may authorize commercial advertising on a state agency web site or political subdivision web site. A state agency shall adopt rules under section 111.15 of the Revised Code and a political subdivision shall adopt a resolution to authorize placing commercial advertising on the state agency or political subdivision web site. The rules or resolution shall include all of the following:

(1) A specification of the state agency or political subdivision office, and of the officials or employees therein, who are authorized to place commercial advertisements on the state agency or political subdivision web site;

(2) Criteria for choosing the advertisers and types of advertisements that may be placed on the state agency or political subdivision web site;

(3) Requirements and procedures for making requests for proposals for placing commercial advertising on the state agency or political subdivision web site;

(4) Any other requirements or limitations necessary to authorize commercial advertising on the state agency or political subdivision web site.

(C) A state agency or political subdivision web site on which commercial advertising is placed shall be used exclusively to provide information from the state agency or political subdivision office to the public, and shall not be used as a public forum.

Sec. 9.05.  Notwithstanding any provision of section 109.02 of the Revised Code to the contrary, the members of the apportionment board, by majority vote, may choose to be represented by either the attorney general or by private legal counsel in regard to any lawsuit challenging the constitutionality or legality of general assembly districts established under Article XI of the Ohio Constitution.

As used in this section, "apportionment board" means the persons designated in Section 1 of Article XI, Ohio Constitution, as being responsible for the apportionment of this state for members of the general assembly.

Sec. 9.06.  (A)(1) The department of rehabilitation and correction may contract for the private operation and management pursuant to this section of the initial intensive program prison established pursuant to section 5120.033 of the Revised Code, if one or more intensive program prisons are established under that section, and may contract for the private operation and management of any other facility under this section. Counties and municipal corporations to the extent authorized in sections 307.93, 341.35, 753.03, and 753.15 of the Revised Code may contract for the private operation and management of a facility under this section. A contract entered into under this section shall be for an initial term of not more than two years specified in the contract with an option to renew for additional periods of two years.

(2) The department of rehabilitation and correction, by rule, shall adopt minimum criteria and specifications that a person or entity, other than a person or entity that satisfies the criteria set forth in division (A)(3)(a) of this section and subject to division (I) of this section, must satisfy in order to apply to operate and manage as a contractor pursuant to this section the initial intensive program prison established pursuant to section 5120.033 of the Revised Code, if one or more intensive program prisons are established under that section.

(3) Subject to division (I) of this section, any person or entity that applies to operate and manage a facility as a contractor pursuant to this section shall satisfy one or more of the following criteria:

(a) The person or entity is accredited by the American correctional association and, at the time of the application, operates and manages one or more facilities accredited by the American correctional association.

(b) The person or entity satisfies all of the minimum criteria and specifications adopted by the department of rehabilitation and correction pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section, provided that this alternative shall be available only in relation to the initial intensive program prison established pursuant to section 5120.033 of the Revised Code, if one or more intensive program prisons are established under that section.

(4) Subject to division (I) of this section, before a public entity may enter into a contract under this section, the contractor shall convincingly demonstrate to the public entity that it can operate the facility with the inmate capacity required by the public entity and provide the services required in this section and realize at least a five per cent savings over the projected cost to the public entity of providing these same services to operate the facility that is the subject of the contract. No out-of-state prisoners may be housed in any facility that is the subject of a contract entered into under this section.

(B) Subject to division (I) of this section, any contract entered into under this section shall include all of the following:

(1) A requirement that the contractor retain the contractor's accreditation from the American correctional association throughout the contract term or, if the contractor applied pursuant to division (A)(3)(b) of this section, the contractor continue complying with the applicable criteria and specifications adopted by the department of rehabilitation and correction pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section;

(2) A requirement that all of the following conditions be met:

(a) The contractor begins the process of accrediting the facility with the American correctional association no later than sixty days after the facility receives its first inmate.

(b) The contractor receives accreditation of the facility within twelve months after the date the contractor applies to the American correctional association for accreditation.

(c) Once the accreditation is received, the contractor maintains it for the duration of the contract term.

(d) If the contractor does not comply with divisions (B)(2)(a) to (c) of this section, the contractor is in violation of the contract, and the public entity may revoke the contract at its discretion.

(3) A requirement that the contractor comply with all rules promulgated by the department of rehabilitation and correction that apply to the operation and management of correctional facilities, including the minimum standards for jails in Ohio and policies regarding the use of force and the use of deadly force, although the public entity may require more stringent standards, and comply with any applicable laws, rules, or regulations of the federal, state, and local governments, including, but not limited to, sanitation, food service, safety, and health regulations. The contractor shall be required to send copies of reports of inspections completed by the appropriate authorities regarding compliance with rules and regulations to the director of rehabilitation and correction or the director's designee and, if contracting with a local public entity, to the governing authority of that entity.

(4) A requirement that the contractor report for investigation all crimes in connection with the facility to the public entity, to all local law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over the place at which the facility is located, and, for a crime committed at a state correctional institution, to the state highway patrol;

(5) A requirement that the contractor immediately report all escapes from the facility, and the apprehension of all escapees, by telephone and in writing to all local law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over the place at which the facility is located, to the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the facility is located, to the state highway patrol, to a daily newspaper having general circulation in the county in which the facility is located, and, if the facility is a state correctional institution, to the department of rehabilitation and correction. The written notice may be by either facsimile transmission or mail. A failure to comply with this requirement regarding an escape is a violation of section 2921.22 of the Revised Code.

(6) A requirement that, if the facility is a state correctional institution, the contractor provide a written report within specified time limits to the director of rehabilitation and correction or the director's designee of all unusual incidents at the facility as defined in rules promulgated by the department of rehabilitation and correction or, if the facility is a local correctional institution, that the contractor provide a written report of all unusual incidents at the facility to the governing authority of the local public entity;

(7) A requirement that the contractor maintain proper control of inmates' personal funds pursuant to rules promulgated by the department of rehabilitation and correction for state correctional institutions or pursuant to the minimum standards for jails along with any additional standards established by the local public entity for local correctional institutions and that records pertaining to these funds be made available to representatives of the public entity for review or audit;

(8) A requirement that the contractor prepare and distribute to the director of rehabilitation and correction or, if contracting with a local public entity, to the governing authority of the local entity annual budget income and expenditure statements and funding source financial reports;

(9) A requirement that the public entity appoint and supervise a full-time contract monitor, that the contractor provide suitable office space for the contract monitor at the facility, and that the contractor allow the contract monitor unrestricted access to all parts of the facility and all records of the facility except the contractor's financial records;

(10) A requirement that if the facility is a state correctional institution designated department of rehabilitation and correction staff members be allowed access to the facility in accordance with rules promulgated by the department;

(11) A requirement that the contractor provide internal and perimeter security as agreed upon in the contract;

(12) If the facility is a state correctional institution, a requirement that the contractor impose discipline on inmates housed in a state correctional institution the facility only in accordance with rules promulgated by the department of rehabilitation and correction;

(13) A requirement that the facility be staffed at all times with a staffing pattern approved by the public entity and adequate both to ensure supervision of inmates and maintenance of security within the facility and to provide for programs, transportation, security, and other operational needs. In determining security needs, the contractor shall be required to consider, among other things, the proximity of the facility to neighborhoods and schools.

(14) If the contract is with a local public entity, a requirement that the contractor provide services and programs, consistent with the minimum standards for jails promulgated by the department of rehabilitation and correction under section 5120.10 of the Revised Code;

(15) A clear statement that no immunity from liability granted to the state, and no immunity from liability granted to political subdivisions under Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code, shall extend to the contractor or any of the contractor's employees;

(16) A statement that all documents and records relevant to the facility shall be maintained in the same manner required for, and subject to the same laws, rules, and regulations as apply to, the records of the public entity;

(17) Authorization for the public entity to impose a fine on the contractor from a schedule of fines included in the contract for the contractor's failure to perform its contractual duties or to cancel the contract, as the public entity considers appropriate. If a fine is imposed, the public entity may reduce the payment owed to the contractor pursuant to any invoice in the amount of the imposed fine.

(18) A statement that all services provided or goods produced at the facility shall be subject to the same regulations, and the same distribution limitations, as apply to goods and services produced at other correctional institutions;

(19) Authorization If the facility is a state correctional institution, authorization for the department to establish one or more prison industries at a the facility operated and managed by a contractor for the department;

(20) A requirement that, if the facility is an intensive program prison established pursuant to section 5120.033 of the Revised Code, the facility shall comply with all criteria for intensive program prisons of that type that are set forth in that section;

(21) If the institution facility is a state correctional institution, a requirement that the contractor provide clothing for all inmates housed in the facility that is conspicuous in its color, style, or color and style, that conspicuously identifies its wearer as an inmate, and that is readily distinguishable from clothing of a nature that normally is worn outside the facility by non-inmates, that the contractor require all inmates housed in the facility to wear the clothing so provided, and that the contractor not permit any inmate, while inside or on the premises of the facility or while being transported to or from the facility, to wear any clothing of a nature that does not conspicuously identify its wearer as an inmate and that normally is worn outside the facility by non-inmates.

(C) No contract entered into under this section may require, authorize, or imply a delegation of the authority or responsibility of the public entity to a contractor for any of the following:

(1) Developing or implementing procedures for calculating inmate release and parole eligibility dates and recommending the granting or denying of parole, although the contractor may submit written reports that have been prepared in the ordinary course of business;

(2) Developing or implementing procedures for calculating and awarding earned credits, approving the type of work inmates may perform and the wage or earned credits, if any, that may be awarded to inmates engaging in that work, and granting, denying, or revoking earned credits;

(3) For inmates serving a term imposed for a felony offense committed prior to July 1, 1996, or for a misdemeanor offense, developing or implementing procedures for calculating and awarding good time, approving the good time, if any, that may be awarded to inmates engaging in work, and granting, denying, or revoking good time;

(4) Classifying an inmate or placing an inmate in a more or a less restrictive custody than the custody ordered by the public entity;

(5) Approving inmates for work release;

(6) Contracting for local or long distance telephone services for inmates or receiving commissions from those services at a facility that is owned by or operated under a contract with the department.

(D) A contractor that has been approved to operate a facility under this section, and a person or entity that enters into a contract for specialized services, as described in division (I) of this section, relative to an intensive program prison established pursuant to section 5120.033 of the Revised Code to be operated by a contractor that has been approved to operate the prison under this section, shall provide an adequate policy of insurance specifically including, but not limited to, insurance for civil rights claims as determined by a risk management or actuarial firm with demonstrated experience in public liability for state governments. The insurance policy shall provide that the state, including all state agencies, and all political subdivisions of the state with jurisdiction over the facility or in which a facility is located are named as insured, and that the state and its political subdivisions shall be sent any notice of cancellation. The contractor may not self-insure.

A contractor that has been approved to operate a facility under this section, and a person or entity that enters into a contract for specialized services, as described in division (I) of this section, relative to an intensive program prison established pursuant to section 5120.033 of the Revised Code to be operated by a contractor that has been approved to operate the prison under this section, shall indemnify and hold harmless the state, its officers, agents, and employees, and any local government entity in the state having jurisdiction over the facility or ownership of the facility, shall reimburse the state for its costs in defending the state or any of its officers, agents, or employees, and shall reimburse any local government entity of that nature for its costs in defending the local government entity, from all of the following:

(1) Any claims or losses for services rendered by the contractor, person, or entity performing or supplying services in connection with the performance of the contract;

(2) Any failure of the contractor, person, or entity or its officers or employees to adhere to the laws, rules, regulations, or terms agreed to in the contract;

(3) Any constitutional, federal, state, or civil rights claim brought against the state related to the facility operated and managed by the contractor;

(4) Any claims, losses, demands, or causes of action arising out of the contractor's, person's, or entity's activities in this state;

(5) Any attorney's fees or court costs arising from any habeas corpus actions or other inmate suits that may arise from any event that occurred at the facility or was a result of such an event, or arise over the conditions, management, or operation of the facility, which fees and costs shall include, but not be limited to, attorney's fees for the state's representation and for any court-appointed representation of any inmate, and the costs of any special judge who may be appointed to hear those actions or suits.

(E) Private correctional officers of a contractor operating and managing a facility pursuant to a contract entered into under this section may carry and use firearms in the course of their employment only after being certified as satisfactorily completing an approved training program as described in division (A) of section 109.78 of the Revised Code.

(F) Upon notification by the contractor of an escape from, or of a disturbance at, the facility that is the subject of a contract entered into under this section, the department of rehabilitation and correction and state and local law enforcement agencies shall use all reasonable means to recapture escapees or quell any disturbance. Any cost incurred by the state or its political subdivisions relating to the apprehension of an escapee or the quelling of a disturbance at the facility shall be chargeable to and borne by the contractor. The contractor shall also reimburse the state or its political subdivisions for all reasonable costs incurred relating to the temporary detention of the escapee following recapture.

(G) Any offense that would be a crime if committed at a state correctional institution or jail, workhouse, prison, or other correctional facility shall be a crime if committed by or with regard to inmates at facilities operated pursuant to a contract entered into under this section.

(H) A contractor operating and managing a facility pursuant to a contract entered into under this section shall pay any inmate workers at the facility at the rate approved by the public entity. Inmates working at the facility shall not be considered employees of the contractor.

(I) In contracting for the private operation and management pursuant to division (A) of this section of any intensive program prison established pursuant to section 5120.033 of the Revised Code, the department of rehabilitation and correction may enter into a contract with a contractor for the general operation and management of the prison and may enter into one or more separate contracts with other persons or entities for the provision of specialized services for persons confined in the prison, including, but not limited to, security or training services or medical, counseling, educational, or similar treatment programs. If, pursuant to this division, the department enters into a contract with a contractor for the general operation and management of the prison and also enters into one or more specialized service contracts with other persons or entities, all of the following apply:

(1) The contract for the general operation and management shall comply with all requirements and criteria set forth in this section, and all provisions of this section apply in relation to the prison operated and managed pursuant to the contract.

(2) Divisions (A)(2), (B), and (C) of this section do not apply in relation to any specialized services contract, except to the extent that the provisions of those divisions clearly are relevant to the specialized services to be provided under the specialized services contract. Division (D) of this section applies in relation to each specialized services contract.

(J) If, on or after the effective date of this amendment, a contractor enters into a contract with the department of rehabilitation and correction under this section for the operation and management of any facility described in Section 753.10 of the act in which this amendment was adopted or with the department of youth services and department of administrative services under Section 753.30 of the act in which this amendment was adopted for the operation and management as an adult correctional facility of any facility described in that section, if the contract provides for the sale of the facility to the contractor, if the facility is sold to the contractor subsequent to the execution of the contract, and if the contractor is privately operating and managing the facility, notwithstanding the contractor's private operation and management of the facility, all of the following apply:

(1) Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this section, the facility being privately operated and managed by the contractor shall be considered for purposes of the Revised Code as being under the control of, or under the jurisdiction of, the department of rehabilitation and correction.

(2) Any reference in this section to "state correctional institution," any reference in Chapter 2967. of the Revised Code to "state correctional institution," other than the definition of that term set forth in section 2967.01 of the Revised Code, or to "prison," and any reference in Chapter 2929., 5120., 5145., 5147., or 5149. or any other provision of the Revised Code to "state correctional institution" or "prison" shall be considered to include a reference to the facility being privately operated and managed by the contractor, unless the context makes the inclusion of that facility clearly inapplicable.

(3) Upon the sale and conveyance of the facility, the facility shall be returned to the tax list and duplicate maintained by the county auditor, and the facility shall be subject to all real property taxes and assessments. No exemption from real property taxation pursuant to Chapter 5709. of the Revised Code shall apply to the facility conveyed. The gross receipts and income of the contractor to whom the facility is conveyed that are derived from operating and managing the facility under this section shall be exempt from gross receipts and income taxes levied by the state and its subdivisions, including the taxes levied pursuant to Chapters 718., 5747., 5748., and 5751. of the Revised Code.

(K) As used in this section:

(1) "Public entity" means the department of rehabilitation and correction, or a county or municipal corporation or a combination of counties and municipal corporations, that has jurisdiction over a facility that is the subject of a contract entered into under this section.

(2) "Local public entity" means a county or municipal corporation, or a combination of counties and municipal corporations, that has jurisdiction over a jail, workhouse, or other correctional facility used only for misdemeanants that is the subject of a contract entered into under this section.

(3) "Governing authority of a local public entity" means, for a county, the board of county commissioners; for a municipal corporation, the legislative authority; for a combination of counties and municipal corporations, all the boards of county commissioners and municipal legislative authorities that joined to create the facility.

(4) "Contractor" means a person or entity that enters into a contract under this section to operate and manage a jail, workhouse, or other correctional facility.

(5) "Facility" means the any of the following:

(a) The specific county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jail, workhouse, prison, or other type of correctional institution or facility used only for misdemeanants, or a that is the subject of a contract entered into under this section;

(b) Any state correctional institution, that is the subject of a contract entered into under this section, including any facility described in Section 753.10 of the act in which this amendment was adopted or under Section 753.30 of the act in which this section was adopted and used as an adult correctional facility at any time prior to or after any sale to a contractor of the state's right, title, and interest in the facility, the land situated thereon, and specified surrounding land.

(6) "Person or entity" in the case of a contract for the private operation and management of a state correctional institution, includes an employee organization, as defined in section 4117.01 of the Revised Code, that represents employees at state correctional institutions.

Sec. 9.231. (A)(1) Subject to divisions (A)(2) and (3) of this section, a governmental entity shall not disburse money totaling twenty-five thousand dollars or more to any person for the provision of services for the primary benefit of individuals or the public and not for the primary benefit of a governmental entity or the employees of a governmental entity, unless the contracting authority of the governmental entity first enters into a written contract with the person that is signed by the person or by an officer or agent of the person authorized to legally bind the person and that embodies all of the requirements and conditions set forth in sections 9.23 to 9.236 of the Revised Code. If the disbursement of money occurs over the course of a governmental entity's fiscal year, rather than in a lump sum, the contracting authority of the governmental entity shall enter into the written contract with the person at the point during the governmental entity's fiscal year that at least seventy-five thousand dollars has been disbursed by the governmental entity to the person. Thereafter, the contracting authority of the governmental entity shall enter into the written contract with the person at the beginning of the governmental entity's fiscal year, if, during the immediately preceding fiscal year, the governmental entity disbursed to that person an aggregate amount totaling at least seventy-five thousand dollars.

(2) If the money referred to in division (A)(1) of this section is disbursed by or through more than one state agency to the person for the provision of services to the same population, the contracting authorities of those agencies shall determine which one of them will enter into the written contract with the person.

(3) The requirements and conditions set forth in divisions (A), (B), (C), and (F) of section 9.232, divisions (A)(1) and (2) and (B) of section 9.234, divisions (A)(2) and (B) of section 9.235, and sections 9.233 and 9.236 of the Revised Code do not apply with respect to the following:

(a) Contracts to which all of the following apply:

(i) The amount received for the services is a set fee for each time the services are provided, is determined in accordance with a fixed rate per unit of time or per service, or is a capitated rate, and the fee or rate is established by competitive bidding or by a market rate survey of similar services provided in a defined market area. The market rate survey may be one conducted by or on behalf of the governmental entity or an independent survey accepted by the governmental entity as statistically valid and reliable.

(ii) The services are provided in accordance with standards established by state or federal law, or by rules or regulations adopted thereunder, for their delivery, which standards are enforced by the federal government, a governmental entity, or an accrediting organization recognized by the federal government or a governmental entity.

(iii) Payment for the services is made after the services are delivered and upon submission to the governmental entity of an invoice or other claim for payment as required by any applicable local, state, or federal law or, if no such law applies, by the terms of the contract.

(b) Contracts under which the services are reimbursed through or in a manner consistent with a federal program that meets all of the following requirements:

(i) The program calculates the reimbursement rate on the basis of the previous year's experience or in accordance with an alternative method set forth in rules adopted by the Ohio department of job and family services.

(ii) The reimbursement rate is derived from a breakdown of direct and indirect costs.

(iii) The program's guidelines describe types of expenditures that are allowable and not allowable under the program and delineate which costs are acceptable as direct costs for purposes of calculating the reimbursement rate.

(iv) The program includes a uniform cost reporting system with specific audit requirements.

(c) Contracts under which the services are reimbursed through or in a manner consistent with a federal program that calculates the reimbursement rate on a fee for service basis in compliance with United States office of management and budget Circular A-87, as revised May 10, 2004.

(d) Contracts for services that are paid pursuant to the earmarking of an appropriation made by the general assembly for that purpose.

(B) Division (A) of this section does not apply if the money is disbursed to a person pursuant to a contract with the United States or a governmental entity under any of the following circumstances:

(1) The person receives the money directly or indirectly from the United States, and no governmental entity exercises any oversight or control over the use of the money.

(2) The person receives the money solely in return for the performance of one or more of the following types of services:

(a) Medical, therapeutic, or other health-related services provided by a person if the amount received is a set fee for each time the person provides the services, is determined in accordance with a fixed rate per unit of time, or is a capitated rate, and the fee or rate is reasonable and customary in the person's trade or profession;

(b) Medicaid-funded services, including administrative and management services, provided pursuant to a contract or medicaid provider agreement that meets the requirements of the medicaid program established under Chapter 5111. of the Revised Code.

(c) Services, other than administrative or management services or any of the services described in division (B)(2)(a) or (b) of this section, that are commonly purchased by the public at an hourly rate or at a set fee for each time the services are provided, unless the services are performed for the benefit of children, persons who are eligible for the services by reason of advanced age, medical condition, or financial need, or persons who are confined in a detention facility as defined in section 2921.01 of the Revised Code, and the services are intended to help promote the health, safety, or welfare of those children or persons;

(d) Educational services provided by a school to children eligible to attend that school. For purposes of division (B)(2)(d) of this section, "school" means any school operated by a school district board of education, any community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, or any nonpublic school for which the state board of education prescribes minimum education standards under section 3301.07 of the Revised Code.

(e) Services provided by a foster home as defined in section 5103.02 of the Revised Code;

(f) "Routine business services other than administrative or management services," as that term is defined by the attorney general by rule adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code;

(g) Services to protect the environment or promote environmental education that are provided by a nonprofit entity or services to protect the environment that are funded with federal grants or revolving loan funds and administered in accordance with federal law;

(h) Services, including administrative and management services, provided under the children's buy-in program established under sections 5101.5211 to 5101.5216 of the Revised Code.

(3) The person receives the money solely in return for the performance of services intended to help preserve public health or safety under circumstances requiring immediate action as a result of a natural or man-made emergency.

(C) With respect to a nonprofit association, corporation, or organization established for the purpose of providing educational, technical, consulting, training, financial, or other services to its members in exchange for membership dues and other fees, any of the services provided to a member that is a governmental entity shall, for purposes of this section, be considered services "for the primary benefit of a governmental entity or the employees of a governmental entity.

Sec. 9.24. (A) Except as may be allowed under division (F) of this section, no state agency and no political subdivision shall award a contract as described in division (G)(1) of this section for goods, services, or construction, paid for in whole or in part with state funds, to a person against whom a finding for recovery has been issued by the auditor of state on and after January 1, 2001, if the finding for recovery is unresolved.

A contract is considered to be awarded when it is entered into or executed, irrespective of whether the parties to the contract have exchanged any money.

(B) For purposes of this section, a finding for recovery is unresolved unless one of the following criteria applies:

(1) The money identified in the finding for recovery is paid in full to the state agency or political subdivision to whom the money was owed;

(2) The debtor has entered into a repayment plan that is approved by the attorney general and the state agency or political subdivision to whom the money identified in the finding for recovery is owed. A repayment plan may include a provision permitting a state agency or political subdivision to withhold payment to a debtor for goods, services, or construction provided to or for the state agency or political subdivision pursuant to a contract that is entered into with the debtor after the date the finding for recovery was issued.

(3) The attorney general waives a repayment plan described in division (B)(2) of this section for good cause;

(4) The debtor and state agency or political subdivision to whom the money identified in the finding for recovery is owed have agreed to a payment plan established through an enforceable settlement agreement.

(5) The state agency or political subdivision desiring to enter into a contract with a debtor certifies, and the attorney general concurs, that all of the following are true:

(a) Essential services the state agency or political subdivision is seeking to obtain from the debtor cannot be provided by any other person besides the debtor;

(b) Awarding a contract to the debtor for the essential services described in division (B)(5)(a) of this section is in the best interest of the state;

(c) Good faith efforts have been made to collect the money identified in the finding of recovery.

(6) The debtor has commenced an action to contest the finding for recovery and a final determination on the action has not yet been reached.

(C) The attorney general shall submit an initial report to the auditor of state, not later than December 1, 2003, indicating the status of collection for all findings for recovery issued by the auditor of state for calendar years 2001, 2002, and 2003. Beginning on January 1, 2004, the attorney general shall submit to the auditor of state, on the first day of every January, April, July, and October, a list of all findings for recovery that have been resolved in accordance with division (B) of this section during the calendar quarter preceding the submission of the list and a description of the means of resolution. The attorney general shall notify the auditor of state when a judgment is issued against an entity described in division (F)(1) of this section.

(D) The auditor of state shall maintain a database, accessible to the public, listing persons against whom an unresolved finding for recovery has been issued, and the amount of the money identified in the unresolved finding for recovery. The auditor of state shall have this database operational on or before January 1, 2004. The initial database shall contain the information required under this division for calendar years 2001, 2002, and 2003.

Beginning January 15, 2004, the auditor of state shall update the database by the fifteenth day of every January, April, July, and October to reflect resolved findings for recovery that are reported to the auditor of state by the attorney general on the first day of the same month pursuant to division (C) of this section.

(E) Before awarding a contract as described in division (G)(1) of this section for goods, services, or construction, paid for in whole or in part with state funds, a state agency or political subdivision shall verify that the person to whom the state agency or political subdivision plans to award the contract has no unresolved finding for recovery issued against the person. A state agency or political subdivision shall verify that the person does not appear in the database described in division (D) of this section or shall obtain other proof that the person has no unresolved finding for recovery issued against the person.

(F) The prohibition of division (A) of this section and the requirement of division (E) of this section do not apply with respect to the companies, payments, or agreements described in divisions (F)(1) and (2) of this section, or in the circumstance described in division (F)(3) of this section.

(1) A bonding company or a company authorized to transact the business of insurance in this state, a self-insurance pool, joint self-insurance pool, risk management program, or joint risk management program, unless a court has entered a final judgment against the company and the company has not yet satisfied the final judgment.

(2) To medicaid provider agreements under Chapter 5111. of the Revised Code or payments or provider agreements under the children's buy-in program established under sections 5101.5211 to 5101.5216 of the Revised Code.

(3) When federal law dictates that a specified entity provide the goods, services, or construction for which a contract is being awarded, regardless of whether that entity would otherwise be prohibited from entering into the contract pursuant to this section.

(G)(1) This section applies only to contracts for goods, services, or construction that satisfy the criteria in either division (G)(1)(a) or (b) of this section. This section may apply to contracts for goods, services, or construction that satisfy the criteria in division (G)(1)(c) of this section, provided that the contracts also satisfy the criteria in either division (G)(1)(a) or (b) of this section.

(a) The cost for the goods, services, or construction provided under the contract is estimated to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars.

(b) The aggregate cost for the goods, services, or construction provided under multiple contracts entered into by the particular state agency and a single person or the particular political subdivision and a single person within the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year within which a contract is being entered into by that same state agency and the same single person or the same political subdivision and the same single person, exceeded fifty thousand dollars.

(c) The contract is a renewal of a contract previously entered into and renewed pursuant to that preceding contract.

(2) This section does not apply to employment contracts.

(H) As used in this section:

(1) "State agency" has the same meaning as in section 9.66 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Political subdivision" means a political subdivision as defined in section 9.82 of the Revised Code that has received more than fifty thousand dollars of state money in the current fiscal year or the preceding fiscal year.

(3) "Finding for recovery" means a determination issued by the auditor of state, contained in a report the auditor of state gives to the attorney general pursuant to section 117.28 of the Revised Code, that public money has been illegally expended, public money has been collected but not been accounted for, public money is due but has not been collected, or public property has been converted or misappropriated.

(4) "Debtor" means a person against whom a finding for recovery has been issued.

(5) "Person" means the person named in the finding for recovery.

(6) "State money" does not include funds the state receives from another source and passes through to a political subdivision.

Sec. 9.33.  As used in sections 9.33 to 9.333 9.335 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Construction manager" means a person with substantial discretion and authority to plan, coordinate, manage, and direct all phases of a project for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction of any public building, structure, or other improvement, but does not mean the person who provides the professional design services or who actually performs the construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction work on the project.

(B)(1) "Construction manager at risk" means a person with substantial discretion and authority to plan, coordinate, manage, direct, and construct all phases of a project for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction of any public building, structure, or other improvement and who provides the public authority a guaranteed maximum price as determined in section 9.334 of the Revised Code.

(2) As used in division (B)(1) of this section:

(a) "Construct" includes performing, or subcontracting for performing, construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction.

(b) "Manage" includes approving bidders and awarding subcontracts for furnishing materials regarding, or for performing, construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction.

(C) "Construction management contract" means a contract between a public authority and another person obligating the person to provide construction management services.

(D) "Construction management services" or "management services" means the range of services that either a construction manager or a construction manager at risk may provide.

(E) "Qualified" means having the following qualifications:

(1) Competence to perform the required management services as indicated by the technical training, education, and experience of the construction manager's or construction manager at risk's personnel, especially the technical training, education, and experience of the construction manager's or construction manager at risk's employees who would be assigned to perform the services;

(2) Ability in terms of workload and the availability of qualified personnel, equipment, and facilities to perform the required management services competently and expeditiously;

(3) Past performance as reflected by the evaluations of previous clients with respect to factors such as control of costs, quality of work, and meeting of deadlines;

(4) Financial responsibility as evidenced by the capability to provide a letter of credit pursuant to Chapter 1305. of the Revised Code, a surety bond, certified check, or cashier's check in an amount equal to the value of the construction management contract, or by other means acceptable to the public owner authority;

(5) Other similar factors.

(C)(F)(1) "Public owner authority" means the state, or any state institution of higher education as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, any county, township, municipal corporation, school district, or other political subdivision, or any public agency, authority, board, commission, instrumentality, or special purpose district of the state or of a political subdivision.

(2) "Public authority" does not include the Ohio turnpike commission.

(G) "Open book pricing method" means a method in which a construction manager at risk provides the public authority, at the public authority's request, all books, records, documents, and other data in its possession pertaining to the bidding, pricing, or performance of a construction management contract awarded to the construction manager at risk.

Sec. 9.331.  (A) Before entering into a contract to employ a construction manager or construction manager at risk, a public owner authority shall advertise, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the contract is to be performed, and may advertise by electronic means pursuant to rules adopted by the director of administrative services, notice of its intent to employ a construction manager or construction manager at risk. The notice shall invite interested parties to submit proposals for consideration and shall be published at least thirty days prior to the date for accepting the proposals. The public owner authority also may advertise the information contained in the notice in appropriate trade journals and otherwise notify persons believed to be interested in employment as a construction manager or construction manager at risk.

(B) The advertisement shall include a general description of the project, a statement of the specific management services required, and a description of the qualifications required for the project.

Sec. 9.332.  For every construction management contract, the Every public owner authority planning to contract for construction management services with a construction manager shall evaluate the proposals submitted and may hold discussions with individual construction managers to explore further their proposals, the scope and nature of the services they would provide, and the various technical approaches they may take regarding the project. Following this evaluation, the public owner authority shall:

(A) Select and rank no fewer than three construction managers that it considers to be the most qualified to provide the required construction management services, except when the public owner authority determines in writing that fewer than three qualified construction managers are available in which case it shall select and rank them;

(B) Negotiate a contract with the construction manager ranked most qualified to perform the required services at a compensation determined in writing to be fair and reasonable. Contract negotiations shall be directed toward:

(1) Ensuring that the construction manager and the public owner authority have a mutual understanding of the essential requirements involved in providing the required services;

(2) Determining that the construction manager will make available the necessary personnel, equipment, and facilities to perform the services within the required time.

(C) Upon failure to negotiate a contract with the construction manager ranked most qualified, the public owner authority shall inform the construction manager in writing of the termination of negotiations and enter into negotiations with the construction manager ranked next most qualified. If negotiations again fail, the same procedure shall may be followed with each next most qualified construction manager selected and ranked pursuant to division (A) of this section, in order of ranking, until a contract is negotiated.

(D) If the public owner authority fails to negotiate a contract with any of the construction managers selected pursuant to division (A) of this section, the public owner shall authority may select and rank additional construction managers, based on their qualifications, and negotiations shall may continue as with the construction managers selected and ranked initially until a contract is negotiated.

(E) Nothing in this section affects a public authority's right to accept or reject any or all proposals in whole or in part.

Sec. 9.333. (A) No public owner authority shall enter into a construction management contract with a construction manager unless the construction manager provides a letter of credit pursuant to Chapter 1305. of the Revised Code, a surety bond pursuant to sections 153.54 and 153.57 of the Revised Code, a certified check or cashier's check in an amount equal to the value of the construction management contract for the project, or provides other reasonable financial assurance of a nature and in an amount satisfactory to the owner public authority. The public owner authority may waive this requirement for good cause.

(B) Before construction begins pursuant to a construction management contract with a construction manager at risk, the construction manager at risk shall provide a surety bond to the public authority in accordance with section 153.57 of the Revised Code in an amount not less than the combined contract values of any work under contract to be constructed pursuant to the construction management contract prior to the establishment of the guaranteed maximum price or in the amount of the guaranteed maximum price as agreed to by the public authority, as the case may be.

Sec. 9.334.  (A) Every public authority planning to contract for construction management services with a construction manager at risk shall evaluate the proposals submitted and select not fewer than three construction managers at risk the public authority considers to be the most qualified to provide the required construction management services, except that the public authority shall select and rank fewer than three when the public authority determines in writing that fewer than three qualified construction managers at risk are available.

(B) The public authority shall provide each construction manager at risk selected under division (A) of this section with a description of the project, including a statement of available design detail, a description of how the guaranteed maximum price for the project shall be determined, including the estimated level of design detail upon which the guaranteed maximum price shall be based, the form of the construction management contract, and a request for a pricing proposal.

(C) The pricing proposal of each construction manager at risk shall include at least the following regarding the construction manager at risk:

(1) A list of key personnel for the project;

(2) A statement of the general conditions and contingency requirements;

(3) A fee proposal divided into a preconstruction fee, a construction fee, and the portion of the construction fee to be at risk in a guaranteed maximum price.

(D) The public authority shall evaluate the submitted pricing proposals and may hold discussions with individual construction managers at risk to explore their proposals further, including the scope and nature of the proposed services and potential technical approaches.

(E) After evaluating the pricing proposals, the public authority shall rank the selected construction managers at risk based on its evaluation of the value of each pricing proposal, with such evaluation considering the proposed cost and qualifications.

(F) The public authority shall enter into negotiations for a construction management contract with the construction manager at risk whose pricing proposal the public authority determines to be the best value under division (E) of this section. Contract negotiations shall be directed toward:

(1) Ensuring that the construction manager at risk and the public authority mutually understand the essential requirements involved in providing the required construction management services, including the provisions for the use of contingency funds and the possible distribution of savings in the final costs of the project;

(2) Ensuring that the construction manager at risk will be able to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and facilities to perform the construction management services within the time required by the construction management contract;

(3) Agreeing upon a procedure and schedule for determining a guaranteed maximum price using an open book pricing method that shall represent the total maximum amount to be paid by the public authority to the construction manager at risk for the project and that shall include the costs of all the work, the cost of its general conditions, the contingency, and the fee payable to the construction manager at risk.

(G)(1) If the public authority fails to negotiate a construction management contract with the construction manager at risk whose pricing proposal the public authority determines to be the best value under division (E) of this section, the public authority shall inform the construction manager at risk, in writing, of the termination of negotiations.

(2) Upon terminating negotiations, the public authority may enter into negotiations as provided in this section with the construction manager at risk that the public authority ranked next highest under division (E) of this section. If negotiations fail, the public authority may enter into negotiations as provided in this section with the construction manager at risk the public authority ranked next highest under division (E) of this section.

(3) If a public authority fails to negotiate a construction management contract with a construction manager at risk whose pricing proposal the public authority determines to be the best value under division (E) of this section, the public authority may select additional construction managers at risk to provide pricing proposals to the public authority pursuant to this section or may select an alternative delivery method for the project.

(H) If the public authority and construction manager at risk fail to agree on a guaranteed maximum price, nothing in this section shall prohibit the public authority from allowing the construction manager at risk to provide the management services that a construction manager is authorized to provide.

(I) Nothing in this section affects a public authority's right to accept or reject any or all proposals in whole or in part.

Sec. 9.335.  The requirements set forth in sections 9.33 to 9.334 of the Revised Code for the bidding, selection, and award of a construction management contract by a public authority prevail in the event of any conflict with a provision of Chapter 153. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 9.482. (A) As used in this section, "political subdivision" has the meaning defined in section 2744.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) When authorized by their respective legislative authorities, a political subdivision may enter into an agreement with another political subdivision whereby a contracting political subdivision agrees to exercise any power, perform any function, or render any service for another contracting recipient political subdivision that the contracting recipient political subdivision is otherwise legally authorized to exercise, perform, or render.

In the absence in the agreement of provisions determining by what officer, office, department, agency, or other authority the powers and duties of a contracting political subdivision shall be exercised or performed, the legislative authority of the contracting political subdivision shall determine and assign the powers and duties.

An agreement shall not suspend the possession by a contracting recipient political subdivision of any power or function that is exercised or performed on its behalf by another contracting political subdivision under the agreement.

A political subdivision shall not enter into an agreement to levy any tax or to exercise, with regard to public moneys, any investment powers, perform any investment function, or render any investment service on behalf of a contracting subdivision.

(C) No power shall be exercised, no function shall be performed, and no service shall be rendered by a contracting political subdivision pursuant to an agreement entered into under this section within a political subdivision that is not a party to the agreement, without first obtaining the written consent of the political subdivision that is not a party to the agreement and within which the power is to be exercised, a function is to be performed, or a service is to be rendered.

(D) Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code, insofar as it applies to the operation of a political subdivision, applies to the political subdivisions that are parties to an agreement and to their employees when they are rendering a service outside the boundaries of their employing political subdivision under the agreement. Employees acting outside the boundaries of their employing political subdivision while providing a service under an agreement may participate in any pension or indemnity fund established by the political subdivision to the same extent as while they are acting within the boundaries of the political subdivision, and are entitled to all the rights and benefits of Chapter 4123. of the Revised Code to the same extent as while they are performing a service within the boundaries of the political subdivision.

Sec. 9.90.  (A) The governing board of any public institution of higher education, including without limitation state universities and colleges, community college districts, university branch districts, technical college districts, and municipal universities, may, in addition to all other powers provided in the Revised Code:

(1) Contract for, purchase, or otherwise procure from an insurer or insurers licensed to do business by the state of Ohio for or on behalf of such of its employees as it may determine, life insurance, or sickness, accident, annuity, endowment, health, medical, hospital, dental, or surgical coverage and benefits, or any combination thereof, by means of insurance plans or other types of coverage, family, group or otherwise, and may pay from funds under its control and available for such purpose all or any portion of the cost, premium, or charge for such insurance, coverage, or benefits. However, the governing board, in addition to or as an alternative to the authority otherwise granted by division (A)(1) of this section, may elect to procure coverage for health care services, for or on behalf of such of its employees as it may determine, by means of policies, contracts, certificates, or agreements issued by at least two health insuring corporations holding a certificate of authority under Chapter 1751. of the Revised Code and may pay from funds under the governing board's control and available for such purpose all or any portion of the cost of such coverage.

(2) Make payments to a custodial account for investment in regulated investment company stock for the purpose of providing retirement benefits as described in section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended. Such stock shall be purchased only from persons authorized to sell such stock in this state.

Any income of an employee deferred under divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section in a deferred compensation program eligible for favorable tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, shall continue to be included as regular compensation for the purpose of computing the contributions to and benefits from the retirement system of such employee. Any sum so deferred shall not be included in the computation of any federal and state income taxes withheld on behalf of any such employee.

(B) All or any portion of the cost, premium, or charge therefor may be paid in such other manner or combination of manners as the governing board may determine, including direct payment by the employee in cases under division (A)(1) of this section, and, if authorized in writing by the employee in cases under division (A)(1) or (2) of this section, by such governing board with moneys made available by deduction from or reduction in salary or wages or by the foregoing of a salary or wage increase. Nothing in section 3917.01 or section 3917.06 of the Revised Code shall prohibit the issuance or purchase of group life insurance authorized by this section by reason of payment of premiums therefor by the governing board from its funds, and such group life insurance may be so issued and purchased if otherwise consistent with the provisions of sections 3917.01 to 3917.07 of the Revised Code.

(C) The board of education of any school district may exercise any of the powers granted to the governing boards of public institutions of higher education under divisions (A) and (B) of this section, except in relation to the provision of health care benefits to employees. All health care benefits provided to persons employed by the public schools of this state shall be health care plans that contain best practices established by the school employees health care board pursuant to section 9.901 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 101.15.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Caucus" means all of the members of either house of the general assembly who are members of a committee and members of the same political party.

(2) "Committee" means any committee of either house of the general assembly, a joint committee of both houses of the general assembly, including a committee of conference, or a subcommittee of any committee listed in division (A)(2) of this section.

(3) "Meeting" means any prearranged discussion of the public business of a committee by a majority of its members.

(B)(1) Except as otherwise provided in division divisions (B)(2) and (F) of this section, all meetings of any committee are declared to be public meetings open to the public at all times. The secretary assigned to the chairperson of the committee shall prepare, file, and maintain the minutes of every regular or special meeting of a committee. The committee, at its next regular or special meeting, shall approve the minutes prepared, filed, and maintained by the secretary, or, if the minutes prepared, filed, and maintained by the secretary require correction before their approval, the committee shall correct and approve the minutes at the next following regular or special meeting. The committee shall make the minutes available for public inspection not later than seven days after the meeting the minutes reflect or not later than the committee's next regular or special meeting, whichever occurs first.

(2) Upon motion, the chairperson of a committee shall recess a meeting of the committee to enable the members of the committee who are members of the same political party to hold a caucus meeting to discuss matters that have been referred to or are under consideration by the committee. Unless the caucus determines otherwise, a caucus meeting is neither a public meeting nor open to the public at any time. During a recess for the purpose of a caucus meeting, it is not in order for the committee to take up or dispose of any matter that has been referred to or is under consideration by the committee.

(C) Each committee shall establish a reasonable method whereby any person may determine the time and place of all regularly scheduled meetings and the time, place, and purpose of all special meetings. No committee shall hold a regular or special meeting unless it gives at least twenty-four hours' advance notice to the news media that have requested notification.

The method established by each committee shall provide that, upon request and payment of a reasonable fee, any person may obtain reasonable advance notification of all meetings at which any specific type of public business will be discussed. Provisions for advance notification may include, but are not limited to, mailing the agenda of meetings to all subscribers on a mailing list or mailing notices in self-addressed stamped envelopes provided by the person who desires advance notification.

(D) Any action of a committee relating to a bill or resolution, or any other formal action of a committee, is invalid unless taken in an open meeting of the committee. Any action of a committee relating to a bill or resolution, or any other formal action of a committee, taken in an open meeting is invalid if it results from deliberations in a meeting not open to the public.

(E)(1) Any person may bring an action to enforce this section. An action under this division shall be brought within two years after the date of the alleged violation or threatened violation. Upon proof of a violation or threatened violation of this section in an action brought by any person, the court of common pleas shall issue an injunction to compel the members of the committee to comply with its provisions.

(2)(a) If the court of common pleas issues an injunction under division (E)(1) of this section, the court shall order the committee that it enjoins to pay a civil forfeiture of five hundred dollars to the party that sought the injunction and shall award to that party all court costs and, subject to reduction as described in this division, reasonable attorney's fees. The court, in its discretion, may reduce an award of attorney's fees to the party that sought the injunction or not award attorney's fees to that party if the court determines both of the following:

(i) That, based on the ordinary application of statutory law and case law as it existed at the time of the violation or threatened violation that was the basis of the injunction, a well-informed committee reasonably would believe that the committee was not violating or threatening to violate this section;

(ii) That a well-informed committee reasonably would believe that the conduct or threatened conduct that was the basis of the injunction would serve the public policy that underlies the authority that is asserted as permitting that conduct or threatened conduct.

(b) If the court of common pleas does not issue an injunction under division (E)(1) of this section and the court determines at that time that the bringing of the action was frivolous conduct as defined in division (A) of section 2323.51 of the Revised Code, the court shall award to the committee all court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, as determined by the court.

(3) Irreparable harm and prejudice to the party that sought the injunction shall be conclusively and irrebuttably presumed upon proof of a violation or threatened violation of this section.

(4) A member of a committee who knowingly violates an injunction issued under division (E)(1) of this section may be removed from office by an action brought in the court of common pleas for that purpose by the prosecuting attorney of Franklin county or by the attorney general.

(5) The remedies described in divisions (E)(1) to (4) of this section shall be the exclusive remedies for a violation of this section.

(F) This section does not apply to or affect either of the following:

(1) All meetings of the joint legislative ethics committee created under section 101.34 of the Revised Code other than a meeting that is held for any of the following purposes:

(a) To consider the adoption, amendment, or recission of any rule that the joint legislative ethics committee is authorized to adopt pursuant to division (B)(11) of section 101.34, division (E) of section 101.78, division (B) of section 102.02, or division (E) of section 121.68 of the Revised Code;

(b) To discuss and consider changes to any administrative operation of the joint legislative ethics committee other than any matter described in division (G) of section 121.22 of the Revised Code;

(c) To discuss pending or proposed legislation.

(2) Meetings of a caucus, except as provided in division (B)(2) of this section.

(G) For purposes of division (F)(1)(a) of this section, an advisory opinion, written opinion, or decision relative to a complaint is not a rule.

Sec. 102.02.  (A) Except as otherwise provided in division (H) of this section, all of the following shall file with the appropriate ethics commission the disclosure statement described in this division on a form prescribed by the appropriate commission: every person who is elected to or is a candidate for a state, county, or city office and every person who is appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term in such an elective office; all members of the state board of education; the director, assistant directors, deputy directors, division chiefs, or persons of equivalent rank of any administrative department of the state; the president or other chief administrative officer of every state institution of higher education as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code; the executive director and the members of the capitol square review and advisory board appointed or employed pursuant to section 105.41 of the Revised Code; all members of the Ohio casino control commission, the executive director of the commission, all professional employees of the commission, and all technical employees of the commission who perform an internal audit function; the individuals set forth in division (B)(2) of section 187.03 of the Revised Code; the chief executive officer and the members of the board of each state retirement system; each employee of a state retirement board who is a state retirement system investment officer licensed pursuant to section 1707.163 of the Revised Code; the members of the Ohio retirement study council appointed pursuant to division (C) of section 171.01 of the Revised Code; employees of the Ohio retirement study council, other than employees who perform purely administrative or clerical functions; the administrator of workers' compensation and each member of the bureau of workers' compensation board of directors; the bureau of workers' compensation director of investments; the chief investment officer of the bureau of workers' compensation; the director appointed by the workers' compensation council; all members of the board of commissioners on grievances and discipline of the supreme court and the ethics commission created under section 102.05 of the Revised Code; every business manager, treasurer, or superintendent of a city, local, exempted village, joint vocational, or cooperative education school district or an educational service center; every person who is elected to or is a candidate for the office of member of a board of education of a city, local, exempted village, joint vocational, or cooperative education school district or of a governing board of an educational service center that has a total student count of twelve thousand or more as most recently determined by the department of education pursuant to section 3317.03 of the Revised Code; every person who is appointed to the board of education of a municipal school district pursuant to division (B) or (F) of section 3311.71 of the Revised Code; all members of the board of directors of a sanitary district that is established under Chapter 6115. of the Revised Code and organized wholly for the purpose of providing a water supply for domestic, municipal, and public use, and that includes two municipal corporations in two counties; every public official or employee who is paid a salary or wage in accordance with schedule C of section 124.15 or schedule E-2 of section 124.152 of the Revised Code; members of the board of trustees and the executive director of the southern Ohio agricultural and community development foundation; all members appointed to the Ohio livestock care standards board under section 904.02 of the Revised Code; and every other public official or employee who is designated by the appropriate ethics commission pursuant to division (B) of this section.

The disclosure statement shall include all of the following:

(1) The name of the person filing the statement and each member of the person's immediate family and all names under which the person or members of the person's immediate family do business;

(2)(a) Subject to divisions (A)(2)(b) and (c) of this section and except as otherwise provided in section 102.022 of the Revised Code, identification of every source of income, other than income from a legislative agent identified in division (A)(2)(b) of this section, received during the preceding calendar year, in the person's own name or by any other person for the person's use or benefit, by the person filing the statement, and a brief description of the nature of the services for which the income was received. If the person filing the statement is a member of the general assembly, the statement shall identify the amount of every source of income received in accordance with the following ranges of amounts: zero or more, but less than one thousand dollars; one thousand dollars or more, but less than ten thousand dollars; ten thousand dollars or more, but less than twenty-five thousand dollars; twenty-five thousand dollars or more, but less than fifty thousand dollars; fifty thousand dollars or more, but less than one hundred thousand dollars; and one hundred thousand dollars or more. Division (A)(2)(a) of this section shall not be construed to require a person filing the statement who derives income from a business or profession to disclose the individual items of income that constitute the gross income of that business or profession, except for those individual items of income that are attributable to the person's or, if the income is shared with the person, the partner's, solicitation of services or goods or performance, arrangement, or facilitation of services or provision of goods on behalf of the business or profession of clients, including corporate clients, who are legislative agents. A person who files the statement under this section shall disclose the identity of and the amount of income received from a person who the public official or employee knows or has reason to know is doing or seeking to do business of any kind with the public official's or employee's agency.

(b) If the person filing the statement is a member of the general assembly, the statement shall identify every source of income and the amount of that income that was received from a legislative agent during the preceding calendar year, in the person's own name or by any other person for the person's use or benefit, by the person filing the statement, and a brief description of the nature of the services for which the income was received. Division (A)(2)(b) of this section requires the disclosure of clients of attorneys or persons licensed under section 4732.12 of the Revised Code, or patients of persons certified under section 4731.14 of the Revised Code, if those clients or patients are legislative agents. Division (A)(2)(b) of this section requires a person filing the statement who derives income from a business or profession to disclose those individual items of income that constitute the gross income of that business or profession that are received from legislative agents.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in division (A)(2)(c) of this section, division (A)(2)(a) of this section applies to attorneys, physicians, and other persons who engage in the practice of a profession and who, pursuant to a section of the Revised Code, the common law of this state, a code of ethics applicable to the profession, or otherwise, generally are required not to reveal, disclose, or use confidences of clients, patients, or other recipients of professional services except under specified circumstances or generally are required to maintain those types of confidences as privileged communications except under specified circumstances. Division (A)(2)(a) of this section does not require an attorney, physician, or other professional subject to a confidentiality requirement as described in division (A)(2)(c) of this section to disclose the name, other identity, or address of a client, patient, or other recipient of professional services if the disclosure would threaten the client, patient, or other recipient of professional services, would reveal details of the subject matter for which legal, medical, or professional advice or other services were sought, or would reveal an otherwise privileged communication involving the client, patient, or other recipient of professional services. Division (A)(2)(a) of this section does not require an attorney, physician, or other professional subject to a confidentiality requirement as described in division (A)(2)(c) of this section to disclose in the brief description of the nature of services required by division (A)(2)(a) of this section any information pertaining to specific professional services rendered for a client, patient, or other recipient of professional services that would reveal details of the subject matter for which legal, medical, or professional advice was sought or would reveal an otherwise privileged communication involving the client, patient, or other recipient of professional services.

(3) The name of every corporation on file with the secretary of state that is incorporated in this state or holds a certificate of compliance authorizing it to do business in this state, trust, business trust, partnership, or association that transacts business in this state in which the person filing the statement or any other person for the person's use and benefit had during the preceding calendar year an investment of over one thousand dollars at fair market value as of the thirty-first day of December of the preceding calendar year, or the date of disposition, whichever is earlier, or in which the person holds any office or has a fiduciary relationship, and a description of the nature of the investment, office, or relationship. Division (A)(3) of this section does not require disclosure of the name of any bank, savings and loan association, credit union, or building and loan association with which the person filing the statement has a deposit or a withdrawable share account.

(4) All fee simple and leasehold interests to which the person filing the statement holds legal title to or a beneficial interest in real property located within the state, excluding the person's residence and property used primarily for personal recreation;

(5) The names of all persons residing or transacting business in the state to whom the person filing the statement owes, in the person's own name or in the name of any other person, more than one thousand dollars. Division (A)(5) of this section shall not be construed to require the disclosure of debts owed by the person resulting from the ordinary conduct of a business or profession or debts on the person's residence or real property used primarily for personal recreation, except that the superintendent of financial institutions shall disclose the names of all state-chartered savings and loan associations and of all service corporations subject to regulation under division (E)(2) of section 1151.34 of the Revised Code to whom the superintendent in the superintendent's own name or in the name of any other person owes any money, and that the superintendent and any deputy superintendent of banks shall disclose the names of all state-chartered banks and all bank subsidiary corporations subject to regulation under section 1109.44 of the Revised Code to whom the superintendent or deputy superintendent owes any money.

(6) The names of all persons residing or transacting business in the state, other than a depository excluded under division (A)(3) of this section, who owe more than one thousand dollars to the person filing the statement, either in the person's own name or to any person for the person's use or benefit. Division (A)(6) of this section shall not be construed to require the disclosure of clients of attorneys or persons licensed under section 4732.12 or 4732.15 of the Revised Code, or patients of persons certified under section 4731.14 of the Revised Code, nor the disclosure of debts owed to the person resulting from the ordinary conduct of a business or profession.

(7) Except as otherwise provided in section 102.022 of the Revised Code, the source of each gift of over seventy-five dollars, or of each gift of over twenty-five dollars received by a member of the general assembly from a legislative agent, received by the person in the person's own name or by any other person for the person's use or benefit during the preceding calendar year, except gifts received by will or by virtue of section 2105.06 of the Revised Code, or received from spouses, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, fathers-in-law, mothers-in-law, or any person to whom the person filing the statement stands in loco parentis, or received by way of distribution from any inter vivos or testamentary trust established by a spouse or by an ancestor;

(8) Except as otherwise provided in section 102.022 of the Revised Code, identification of the source and amount of every payment of expenses incurred for travel to destinations inside or outside this state that is received by the person in the person's own name or by any other person for the person's use or benefit and that is incurred in connection with the person's official duties, except for expenses for travel to meetings or conventions of a national or state organization to which any state agency, including, but not limited to, any legislative agency or state institution of higher education as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, pays membership dues, or any political subdivision or any office or agency of a political subdivision pays membership dues;

(9) Except as otherwise provided in section 102.022 of the Revised Code, identification of the source of payment of expenses for meals and other food and beverages, other than for meals and other food and beverages provided at a meeting at which the person participated in a panel, seminar, or speaking engagement or at a meeting or convention of a national or state organization to which any state agency, including, but not limited to, any legislative agency or state institution of higher education as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, pays membership dues, or any political subdivision or any office or agency of a political subdivision pays membership dues, that are incurred in connection with the person's official duties and that exceed one hundred dollars aggregated per calendar year;

(10) If the disclosure statement is filed by a public official or employee described in division (B)(2) of section 101.73 of the Revised Code or division (B)(2) of section 121.63 of the Revised Code who receives a statement from a legislative agent, executive agency lobbyist, or employer that contains the information described in division (F)(2) of section 101.73 of the Revised Code or division (G)(2) of section 121.63 of the Revised Code, all of the nondisputed information contained in the statement delivered to that public official or employee by the legislative agent, executive agency lobbyist, or employer under division (F)(2) of section 101.73 or (G)(2) of section 121.63 of the Revised Code.

A person may file a statement required by this section in person or by mail. A person who is a candidate for elective office shall file the statement no later than the thirtieth day before the primary, special, or general election at which the candidacy is to be voted on, whichever election occurs soonest, except that a person who is a write-in candidate shall file the statement no later than the twentieth day before the earliest election at which the person's candidacy is to be voted on. A person who holds elective office shall file the statement on or before the fifteenth day of April of each year unless the person is a candidate for office. A person who is appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term in an elective office shall file the statement within fifteen days after the person qualifies for office. Other persons shall file an annual statement on or before the fifteenth day of April or, if appointed or employed after that date, within ninety days after appointment or employment. No person shall be required to file with the appropriate ethics commission more than one statement or pay more than one filing fee for any one calendar year.

The appropriate ethics commission, for good cause, may extend for a reasonable time the deadline for filing a statement under this section.

A statement filed under this section is subject to public inspection at locations designated by the appropriate ethics commission except as otherwise provided in this section.

(B) The Ohio ethics commission, the joint legislative ethics committee, and the board of commissioners on grievances and discipline of the supreme court, using the rule-making procedures of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may require any class of public officials or employees under its jurisdiction and not specifically excluded by this section whose positions involve a substantial and material exercise of administrative discretion in the formulation of public policy, expenditure of public funds, enforcement of laws and rules of the state or a county or city, or the execution of other public trusts, to file an annual statement on or before the fifteenth day of April under division (A) of this section. The appropriate ethics commission shall send the public officials or employees written notice of the requirement by the fifteenth day of February of each year the filing is required unless the public official or employee is appointed after that date, in which case the notice shall be sent within thirty days after appointment, and the filing shall be made not later than ninety days after appointment.

Except for disclosure statements filed by members of the board of trustees and the executive director of the southern Ohio agricultural and community development foundation, disclosure statements filed under this division with the Ohio ethics commission by members of boards, commissions, or bureaus of the state for which no compensation is received other than reasonable and necessary expenses shall be kept confidential. Disclosure statements filed with the Ohio ethics commission under division (A) of this section by business managers, treasurers, and superintendents of city, local, exempted village, joint vocational, or cooperative education school districts or educational service centers shall be kept confidential, except that any person conducting an audit of any such school district or educational service center pursuant to section 115.56 or Chapter 117. of the Revised Code may examine the disclosure statement of any business manager, treasurer, or superintendent of that school district or educational service center. Disclosure statements filed with the Ohio ethics commission under division (A) of this section by the individuals set forth in division (B)(2) of section 187.03 of the Revised Code shall be kept confidential. The Ohio ethics commission shall examine each disclosure statement required to be kept confidential to determine whether a potential conflict of interest exists for the person who filed the disclosure statement. A potential conflict of interest exists if the private interests of the person, as indicated by the person's disclosure statement, might interfere with the public interests the person is required to serve in the exercise of the person's authority and duties in the person's office or position of employment. If the commission determines that a potential conflict of interest exists, it shall notify the person who filed the disclosure statement and shall make the portions of the disclosure statement that indicate a potential conflict of interest subject to public inspection in the same manner as is provided for other disclosure statements. Any portion of the disclosure statement that the commission determines does not indicate a potential conflict of interest shall be kept confidential by the commission and shall not be made subject to public inspection, except as is necessary for the enforcement of Chapters 102. and 2921. of the Revised Code and except as otherwise provided in this division.

(C) No person shall knowingly fail to file, on or before the applicable filing deadline established under this section, a statement that is required by this section.

(D) No person shall knowingly file a false statement that is required to be filed under this section.

(E)(1) Except as provided in divisions (E)(2) and (3) of this section, beginning with statements for calendar year 2011, the statement required by division (A) or (B) of this section shall be accompanied by a filing fee of forty sixty dollars.

(2) The Beginning with statements for calendar year 2011, the statement required by division (A) of this section shall be accompanied by the following filing fee to be paid by the person who is elected or appointed to, or is a candidate for, any of the following offices:

(3) No judge of a court of record or candidate for judge of a court of record, and no referee or magistrate serving a court of record, shall be required to pay the fee required under division (E)(1) or (2) or (F) of this section.

(4) For any public official who is appointed to a nonelective office of the state and for any employee who holds a nonelective position in a public agency of the state, the state agency that is the primary employer of the state official or employee shall pay the fee required under division (E)(1) or (F) of this section.

(F) If Beginning with statements for calendar year 2011, if a statement required to be filed under this section is not filed by the date on which it is required to be filed, the appropriate ethics commission shall assess the person required to file the statement a late filing fee of ten twenty dollars for each day the statement is not filed, except that the total amount of the late filing fee shall not exceed two five hundred fifty dollars.

(G)(1) The appropriate ethics commission other than the Ohio ethics commission and the joint legislative ethics committee shall deposit all fees it receives under divisions (E) and (F) of this section into the general revenue fund of the state.

(2) The Ohio ethics commission shall deposit all receipts, including, but not limited to, fees it receives under divisions (E) and (F) of this section, investigative or other fees, costs, or other funds it receives as a result of court orders, and all moneys it receives from settlements under division (G) of section 102.06 of the Revised Code, into the Ohio ethics commission fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury. All moneys credited to the fund shall be used solely for expenses related to the operation and statutory functions of the commission.

(3) The joint legislative ethics committee shall deposit all receipts it receives from the payment of financial disclosure statement filing fees under divisions (E) and (F) of this section into the joint legislative ethics committee investigative fund.

(H) Division (A) of this section does not apply to a person elected or appointed to the office of precinct, ward, or district committee member under Chapter 3517. of the Revised Code; a presidential elector; a delegate to a national convention; village or township officials and employees; any physician or psychiatrist who is paid a salary or wage in accordance with schedule C of section 124.15 or schedule E-2 of section 124.152 of the Revised Code and whose primary duties do not require the exercise of administrative discretion; or any member of a board, commission, or bureau of any county or city who receives less than one thousand dollars per year for serving in that position.

Sec. 105.41.  (A) There is hereby created in the legislative branch of government the capitol square review and advisory board, consisting of thirteen members as follows:

(1) Two members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate, both of whom shall not be members of the same political party;

(2) Two members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, both of whom shall not be members of the same political party;

(3) Five members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, not more than three of whom shall be members of the same political party, one of whom shall be the chief of staff of the governor's office, one of whom shall represent the Ohio arts council, one of whom shall represent the Ohio historical society, one of whom shall represent the Ohio building authority, and one of whom shall represent the public at large;

(4) One member, who shall be a former president of the senate, appointed by the current president of the senate. If the current president of the senate, in the current president's discretion, decides for any reason not to make the appointment or if no person is eligible or available to serve, the seat shall remain vacant.

(5) One member, who shall be a former speaker of the house of representatives, appointed by the current speaker of the house of representatives. If the current speaker of the house of representatives, in the current speaker's discretion, decides for any reason not to make the appointment or if no person is eligible or available to serve, the seat shall remain vacant.

(6) The clerk of the senate and the clerk of the house of representatives.

(B) Terms of office of each appointed member of the board shall be for three years, except that members of the general assembly appointed to the board shall be members of the board only so long as they are members of the general assembly and the chief of staff of the governor's office shall be a member of the board only so long as the appointing governor remains in office. Each member shall hold office from the date of the member's appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. In case of a vacancy occurring on the board, the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, or the governor, as the case may be, shall in the same manner prescribed for the regular appointment to the commission, fill the vacancy by appointing a member. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of the term. Any appointed member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

(C) The board shall hold meetings in a manner and at times prescribed by the rules adopted by the board. A majority of the board constitutes a quorum, and no action shall be taken by the board unless approved by at least six members or by at least seven members if a person is appointed under division (A)(4) or (5) of this section. At its first meeting, the board shall adopt rules for the conduct of its business and the election of its officers, and shall organize by selecting a chairperson and other officers as it considers necessary. Board members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

(D) The board may do any of the following:

(1) Employ or hire on a consulting basis professional, technical, and clerical employees as are necessary for the performance of its duties;

(2) Hold public hearings at times and places as determined by the board;

(3) Adopt, amend, or rescind rules necessary to accomplish the duties of the board as set forth in this section;

(4) Sponsor, conduct, and support such social events as the board may authorize and consider appropriate for the employees of the board, employees and members of the general assembly, employees of persons under contract with the board or otherwise engaged to perform services on the premises of capitol square, or other persons as the board may consider appropriate. Subject to the requirements of Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code, the board may provide beer, wine, and intoxicating liquor, with or without charge, for those events and may use funds only from the sale of goods and services fund to purchase the beer, wine, and intoxicating liquor the board provides;

(5) Purchase a warehouse in which to store items of the capitol collection trust and, whenever necessary, equipment or other property of the board.

(E) The board shall do all of the following:

(1) Have sole authority to coordinate and approve any improvements, additions, and renovations that are made to the capitol square. The improvements shall include, but not be limited to, the placement of monuments and sculpture on the capitol grounds.

(2) Subject to section 3353.07 of the Revised Code, operate the capitol square, and have sole authority to regulate all uses of the capitol square. The uses shall include, but not be limited to, the casual and recreational use of the capitol square.

(3) Employ, fix the compensation of, and prescribe the duties of the executive director of the board and other employees the board considers necessary for the performance of its powers and duties;

(4) Establish and maintain the capitol collection trust. The capitol collection trust shall consist of furniture, antiques, and other items of personal property that the board shall store in suitable facilities until they are ready to be displayed in the capitol square.

(5) Perform repair, construction, contracting, purchasing, maintenance, supervisory, and operating activities the board determines are necessary for the operation and maintenance of the capitol square;

(6) Maintain and preserve the capitol square, in accordance with guidelines issued by the United States secretary of the interior for application of the secretary's standards for rehabilitation adopted in 36 C.F.R. part 67;

(7) Plan and develop a center at the capitol building for the purpose of educating visitors about the history of Ohio, including its political, economic, and social development and the design and erection of the capitol building and its grounds.

(F)(1) The board shall lease capital facilities improved or financed by the Ohio building authority pursuant to Chapter 152. of the Revised Code for the use of the board, and may enter into any other agreements with the authority ancillary to improvement, financing, or leasing of those capital facilities, including, but not limited to, any agreement required by the applicable bond proceedings authorized by Chapter 152. of the Revised Code. Any lease of capital facilities authorized by this section shall be governed by division (D) of section 152.24 of the Revised Code.

(2) Fees, receipts, and revenues received by the board from the state underground parking garage constitute available receipts as defined in section 152.09 of the Revised Code, and may be pledged to the payment of bond service charges on obligations issued by the Ohio building authority pursuant to Chapter 152. of the Revised Code to improve, finance, or purchase capital facilities useful to the board. The authority may, with the consent of the board, provide in the bond proceedings for a pledge of all or a portion of those fees, receipts, and revenues as the authority determines. The authority may provide in the bond proceedings or by separate agreement with the board for the transfer of those fees, receipts, and revenues to the appropriate bond service fund or bond service reserve fund as required to pay the bond service charges when due, and any such provision for the transfer of those fees, receipts, and revenues shall be controlling notwithstanding any other provision of law pertaining to those fees, receipts, and revenues.

(3) All moneys received by the treasurer of state on account of the board and required by the applicable bond proceedings or by separate agreement with the board to be deposited, transferred, or credited to the bond service fund or bond service reserve fund established by the bond proceedings shall be transferred by the treasurer of state to such fund, whether or not it is in the custody of the treasurer of state, without necessity for further appropriation, upon receipt of notice from the Ohio building authority as prescribed in the bond proceedings.

(G) All fees, receipts, and revenues received by the board from the state underground parking garage shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the underground parking garage operating fund, which is hereby created, to be used for the purposes specified in division (F) of this section and for the operation and maintenance of the garage. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

(H) All donations received by the board shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the capitol square renovation gift fund, which is hereby created. The fund shall be used by the board as follows:

(1) To provide part or all of the funding related to construction, goods, or services for the renovation of the capitol square;

(2) To purchase art, antiques, and artifacts for display at the capitol square;

(3) To award contracts or make grants to organizations for educating the public regarding the historical background and governmental functions of the capitol square. Chapters 125., 127., and 153. and section 3517.13 of the Revised Code do not apply to purchases made exclusively from the fund, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in those chapters or that section. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

(I) Except as provided in divisions (G), (H), and (J) of this section, all fees, receipts, and revenues received by the board shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the sale of goods and services fund, which is hereby created. Money credited to the fund shall be used solely to pay costs of the board other than those specified in divisions (F) and (G) of this section. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

(J) There is hereby created in the state treasury the capitol square improvement fund, to be used by the board to pay construction, renovation, and other costs related to the capitol square for which money is not otherwise available to the board. Whenever the board determines that there is a need to incur those costs and that the unencumbered, unobligated balance to the credit of the underground parking garage operating fund exceeds the amount needed for the purposes specified in division (F) of this section and for the operation and maintenance of the garage, the board may request the director of budget and management to transfer from the underground parking garage operating fund to the capitol square improvement fund the amount needed to pay such construction, renovation, or other costs. The director then shall transfer the amount needed from the excess balance of the underground parking garage operating fund.

(K) As the operation and maintenance of the capitol square constitute essential government functions of a public purpose, the board shall not be required to pay taxes or assessments upon the square, upon any property acquired or used by the board under this section, or upon any income generated by the operation of the square.

(L) As used in this section, "capitol square" means the capitol building, senate building, capitol atrium, capitol grounds, the state underground parking garage, and the warehouse owned by the board.

(M) The capitol annex shall be known as the senate building.

Sec. 107.09.  Immediately after the determination of each decennial apportionment for members of the general assembly the governor shall cause such apportionment to be published for four consecutive weeks, or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, in three newspapers, one in Cincinnati, one in Cleveland, and one in Columbus.

Sec. 109.02.  The attorney general is the chief law officer for the state and all its departments and shall be provided with adequate office space in Columbus. Except as provided in division (E) of section 120.06 and in sections 9.05, 3517.152 to 3517.157, and 3521.04 of the Revised Code, no state officer or board, or head of a department or institution of the state shall employ, or be represented by, other counsel or attorneys at law. The attorney general shall appear for the state in the trial and argument of all civil and criminal causes in the supreme court in which the state is directly or indirectly interested. When required by the governor or the general assembly, the attorney general shall appear for the state in any court or tribunal in a cause in which the state is a party, or in which the state is directly interested. Upon the written request of the governor, the attorney general shall prosecute any person indicted for a crime.

Sec. 109.36.  As used in this section and sections 109.361 to 109.366 of the Revised Code:

(A)(1) "Officer or employee" means any of the following:

(a) A person who, at the time a cause of action against the person arises, is serving in an elected or appointed office or position with the state or is employed by the state.

(b) A person that, at the time a cause of action against the person, partnership, or corporation arises, is rendering medical, nursing, dental, podiatric, optometric, physical therapeutic, psychiatric, or psychological services pursuant to a personal services contract or purchased service contract with a department, agency, or institution of the state.

(c) A person that, at the time a cause of action against the person, partnership, or corporation arises, is rendering peer review, utilization review, or drug utilization review services in relation to medical, nursing, dental, podiatric, optometric, physical therapeutic, psychiatric, or psychological services pursuant to a personal services contract or purchased service contract with a department, agency, or institution of the state.

(d) A person who, at the time a cause of action against the person arises, is rendering medical, nursing, dental, podiatric, optometric, physical therapeutic, psychiatric, or psychological services to patients in a state institution operated by the department of mental health, is a member of the institution's staff, and is performing the services pursuant to an agreement between the state institution and a board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services described in section 340.021 of the Revised Code with the department.

(2) "Officer or employee" does not include any person elected, appointed, or employed by any political subdivision of the state.

(B) "State" means the state of Ohio, including but not limited to, the general assembly, the supreme court, courts of appeals, the offices of all elected state officers, and all departments, boards, offices, commissions, agencies, institutions, and other instrumentalities of the state of Ohio. "State" does not include political subdivisions.

(C) "Political subdivisions" of the state means municipal corporations, townships, counties, school districts, and all other bodies corporate and politic responsible for governmental activities only in geographical areas smaller than that of the state.

(D) "Employer" means the general assembly, the supreme court, courts of appeals, any office of an elected state officer, or any department, board, office, commission, agency, institution, or other instrumentality of the state of Ohio that employs or contracts with an officer or employee or to which an officer or employee is elected or appointed.

Sec. 109.42.  (A) The attorney general shall prepare and have printed a pamphlet that contains a compilation of all statutes relative to victim's rights in which the attorney general lists and explains the statutes in the form of a victim's bill of rights. The attorney general shall distribute the pamphlet to all sheriffs, marshals, municipal corporation and township police departments, constables, and other law enforcement agencies, to all prosecuting attorneys, city directors of law, village solicitors, and other similar chief legal officers of municipal corporations, and to organizations that represent or provide services for victims of crime. The victim's bill of rights set forth in the pamphlet shall contain a description of all of the rights of victims that are provided for in Chapter 2930. or in any other section of the Revised Code and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) The right of a victim or a victim's representative to attend a proceeding before a grand jury, in a juvenile case, or in a criminal case pursuant to a subpoena without being discharged from the victim's or representative's employment, having the victim's or representative's employment terminated, having the victim's or representative's pay decreased or withheld, or otherwise being punished, penalized, or threatened as a result of time lost from regular employment because of the victim's or representative's attendance at the proceeding pursuant to the subpoena, as set forth in section 2151.211, 2930.18, 2939.121, or 2945.451 of the Revised Code;

(2) The potential availability pursuant to section 2151.359 or 2152.61 of the Revised Code of a forfeited recognizance to pay damages caused by a child when the delinquency of the child or child's violation of probation or community control is found to be proximately caused by the failure of the child's parent or guardian to subject the child to reasonable parental authority or to faithfully discharge the conditions of probation or community control;

(3) The availability of awards of reparations pursuant to sections 2743.51 to 2743.72 of the Revised Code for injuries caused by criminal offenses;

(4) The right of the victim in certain criminal or juvenile cases or a victim's representative to receive, pursuant to section 2930.06 of the Revised Code, notice of the date, time, and place of the trial or delinquency proceeding in the case or, if there will not be a trial or delinquency proceeding, information from the prosecutor, as defined in section 2930.01 of the Revised Code, regarding the disposition of the case;

(5) The right of the victim in certain criminal or juvenile cases or a victim's representative to receive, pursuant to section 2930.04, 2930.05, or 2930.06 of the Revised Code, notice of the name of the person charged with the violation, the case or docket number assigned to the charge, and a telephone number or numbers that can be called to obtain information about the disposition of the case;

(6) The right of the victim in certain criminal or juvenile cases or of the victim's representative pursuant to section 2930.13 or 2930.14 of the Revised Code, subject to any reasonable terms set by the court as authorized under section 2930.14 of the Revised Code, to make a statement about the victimization and, if applicable, a statement relative to the sentencing or disposition of the offender;

(7) The opportunity to obtain a court order, pursuant to section 2945.04 of the Revised Code, to prevent or stop the commission of the offense of intimidation of a crime victim or witness or an offense against the person or property of the complainant, or of the complainant's ward or child;

(8) The right of the victim in certain criminal or juvenile cases or a victim's representative pursuant to sections 2151.38, 2929.20, 2930.10, 2930.16, and 2930.17 of the Revised Code to receive notice of a pending motion for judicial release or other early release of the person who committed the offense against the victim, to make an oral or written statement at the court hearing on the motion, and to be notified of the court's decision on the motion, and the right of the victim or representative to receive a copy of any petition for release of the person submitted to a court under section 2967.19 of the Revised Code, to provide the court with written information relevant to the petition, and to be notified of the court's ruling on the petition;

(9) The right of the victim in certain criminal or juvenile cases or a victim's representative pursuant to section 2930.16, 2967.12, 2967.26, or 5139.56 of the Revised Code to receive notice of any pending commutation, pardon, parole, transitional control, discharge, other form of authorized release, post-release control, or supervised release for the person who committed the offense against the victim or any application for release of that person and to send a written statement relative to the victimization and the pending action to the adult parole authority or the release authority of the department of youth services;

(10) The right of the victim to bring a civil action pursuant to sections 2969.01 to 2969.06 of the Revised Code to obtain money from the offender's profit fund;

(11) The right, pursuant to section 3109.09 of the Revised Code, to maintain a civil action to recover compensatory damages not exceeding ten thousand dollars and costs from the parent of a minor who willfully damages property through the commission of an act that would be a theft offense, as defined in section 2913.01 of the Revised Code, if committed by an adult;

(12) The right, pursuant to section 3109.10 of the Revised Code, to maintain a civil action to recover compensatory damages not exceeding ten thousand dollars and costs from the parent of a minor who willfully and maliciously assaults a person;

(13) The possibility of receiving restitution from an offender or a delinquent child pursuant to section 2152.20, 2929.18, or 2929.28 of the Revised Code;

(14) The right of the victim in certain criminal or juvenile cases or a victim's representative, pursuant to section 2930.16 of the Revised Code, to receive notice of the escape from confinement or custody of the person who committed the offense, to receive that notice from the custodial agency of the person at the victim's last address or telephone number provided to the custodial agency, and to receive notice that, if either the victim's address or telephone number changes, it is in the victim's interest to provide the new address or telephone number to the custodial agency;

(15) The right of a victim of domestic violence to seek the issuance of a civil protection order pursuant to section 3113.31 of the Revised Code, the right of a victim of a violation of section 2903.14, 2909.06, 2909.07, 2911.12, 2911.211, or 2919.22 of the Revised Code, a violation of a substantially similar municipal ordinance, or an offense of violence who is a family or household member of the offender at the time of the offense to seek the issuance of a temporary protection order pursuant to section 2919.26 of the Revised Code, and the right of both types of victims to be accompanied by a victim advocate during court proceedings;

(16) The right of a victim of a sexually oriented offense or of a child-victim oriented offense that is committed by a person who is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is adjudicated a delinquent child for committing the offense and who is in a category specified in division (B) of section 2950.10 of the Revised Code to receive, pursuant to that section, notice that the person has registered with a sheriff under section 2950.04, 2950.041, or 2950.05 of the Revised Code and notice of the person's name, the person's residence that is registered, and the offender's school, institution of higher education, or place of employment address or addresses that are registered, the person's photograph, and a summary of the manner in which the victim must make a request to receive the notice. As used in this division, "sexually oriented offense" and "child-victim oriented offense" have the same meanings as in section 2950.01 of the Revised Code.

(17) The right of a victim of certain sexually violent offenses committed by an offender who also is convicted of or pleads guilty to a sexually violent predator specification and who is sentenced to a prison term pursuant to division (A)(3) of section 2971.03 of the Revised Code, of a victim of a violation of division (A)(1)(b) of section 2907.02 of the Revised Code committed on or after January 2, 2007, by an offender who is sentenced for the violation pursuant to division (B)(1)(a), (b), or (c) of section 2971.03 of the Revised Code, of a victim of an attempted rape committed on or after January 2, 2007, by an offender who also is convicted of or pleads guilty to a specification of the type described in section 2941.1418, 2941.1419, or 2941.1420 of the Revised Code and is sentenced for the violation pursuant to division (B)(2)(a), (b), or (c) of section 2971.03 of the Revised Code, and of a victim of an offense that is described in division (B)(3)(a), (b), (c), or (d) of section 2971.03 of the Revised Code and is committed by an offender who is sentenced pursuant to one of those divisions to receive, pursuant to section 2930.16 of the Revised Code, notice of a hearing to determine whether to modify the requirement that the offender serve the entire prison term in a state correctional facility, whether to continue, revise, or revoke any existing modification of that requirement, or whether to terminate the prison term. As used in this division, "sexually violent offense" and "sexually violent predator specification" have the same meanings as in section 2971.01 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1)(a) Subject to division (B)(1)(c) of this section, a prosecuting attorney, assistant prosecuting attorney, city director of law, assistant city director of law, village solicitor, assistant village solicitor, or similar chief legal officer of a municipal corporation or an assistant of any of those officers who prosecutes an offense committed in this state, upon first contact with the victim of the offense, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents, shall give the victim, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents a copy of the pamphlet prepared pursuant to division (A) of this section and explain, upon request, the information in the pamphlet to the victim, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents.

(b) Subject to division (B)(1)(c) of this section, a law enforcement agency that investigates an offense or delinquent act committed in this state shall give the victim of the offense or delinquent act, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents a copy of the pamphlet prepared pursuant to division (A) of this section at one of the following times:

(i) Upon first contact with the victim, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents;

(ii) If the offense or delinquent act is an offense of violence, if the circumstances of the offense or delinquent act and the condition of the victim, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents indicate that the victim, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents will not be able to understand the significance of the pamphlet upon first contact with the agency, and if the agency anticipates that it will have an additional contact with the victim, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents, upon the agency's second contact with the victim, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents.

If the agency does not give the victim, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents a copy of the pamphlet upon first contact with them and does not have a second contact with the victim, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents, the agency shall mail a copy of the pamphlet to the victim, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents at their last known address.

(c) In complying on and after December 9, 1994, with the duties imposed by division (B)(1)(a) or (b) of this section, an official or a law enforcement agency shall use copies of the pamphlet that are in the official's or agency's possession on December 9, 1994, until the official or agency has distributed all of those copies. After the official or agency has distributed all of those copies, the official or agency shall use only copies of the pamphlet that contain at least the information described in divisions (A)(1) to (17) of this section.

(2) The failure of a law enforcement agency or of a prosecuting attorney, assistant prosecuting attorney, city director of law, assistant city director of law, village solicitor, assistant village solicitor, or similar chief legal officer of a municipal corporation or an assistant to any of those officers to give, as required by division (B)(1) of this section, the victim of an offense or delinquent act, the victim's family, or the victim's dependents a copy of the pamphlet prepared pursuant to division (A) of this section does not give the victim, the victim's family, the victim's dependents, or a victim's representative any rights under section 2743.51 to 2743.72, 2945.04, 2967.12, 2969.01 to 2969.06, 3109.09, or 3109.10 of the Revised Code or under any other provision of the Revised Code and does not affect any right under those sections.

(3) A law enforcement agency, a prosecuting attorney or assistant prosecuting attorney, or a city director of law, assistant city director of law, village solicitor, assistant village solicitor, or similar chief legal officer of a municipal corporation that distributes a copy of the pamphlet prepared pursuant to division (A) of this section shall not be required to distribute a copy of an information card or other printed material provided by the clerk of the court of claims pursuant to section 2743.71 of the Revised Code.

(C) The cost of printing and distributing the pamphlet prepared pursuant to division (A) of this section shall be paid out of the reparations fund, created pursuant to section 2743.191 of the Revised Code, in accordance with division (D) of that section.

(D) As used in this section:

(1) "Victim's representative" has the same meaning as in section 2930.01 of the Revised Code;

(2) "Victim advocate" has the same meaning as in section 2919.26 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 109.57.  (A)(1) The superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall procure from wherever procurable and file for record photographs, pictures, descriptions, fingerprints, measurements, and other information that may be pertinent of all persons who have been convicted of committing within this state a felony, any crime constituting a misdemeanor on the first offense and a felony on subsequent offenses, or any misdemeanor described in division (A)(1)(a), (A)(8)(a), or (A)(10)(a) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code, of all children under eighteen years of age who have been adjudicated delinquent children for committing within this state an act that would be a felony or an offense of violence if committed by an adult or who have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to committing within this state a felony or an offense of violence, and of all well-known and habitual criminals. The person in charge of any county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jail or workhouse, community-based correctional facility, halfway house, alternative residential facility, or state correctional institution and the person in charge of any state institution having custody of a person suspected of having committed a felony, any crime constituting a misdemeanor on the first offense and a felony on subsequent offenses, or any misdemeanor described in division (A)(1)(a), (A)(8)(a), or (A)(10)(a) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code or having custody of a child under eighteen years of age with respect to whom there is probable cause to believe that the child may have committed an act that would be a felony or an offense of violence if committed by an adult shall furnish such material to the superintendent of the bureau. Fingerprints, photographs, or other descriptive information of a child who is under eighteen years of age, has not been arrested or otherwise taken into custody for committing an act that would be a felony or an offense of violence who is not in any other category of child specified in this division, if committed by an adult, has not been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act that would be a felony or an offense of violence if committed by an adult, has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to committing a felony or an offense of violence, and is not a child with respect to whom there is probable cause to believe that the child may have committed an act that would be a felony or an offense of violence if committed by an adult shall not be procured by the superintendent or furnished by any person in charge of any county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jail or workhouse, community-based correctional facility, halfway house, alternative residential facility, or state correctional institution, except as authorized in section 2151.313 of the Revised Code.

(2) Every clerk of a court of record in this state, other than the supreme court or a court of appeals, shall send to the superintendent of the bureau a weekly report containing a summary of each case involving a felony, involving any crime constituting a misdemeanor on the first offense and a felony on subsequent offenses, involving a misdemeanor described in division (A)(1)(a), (A)(8)(a), or (A)(10)(a) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code, or involving an adjudication in a case in which a child under eighteen years of age was alleged to be a delinquent child for committing an act that would be a felony or an offense of violence if committed by an adult. The clerk of the court of common pleas shall include in the report and summary the clerk sends under this division all information described in divisions (A)(2)(a) to (f) of this section regarding a case before the court of appeals that is served by that clerk. The summary shall be written on the standard forms furnished by the superintendent pursuant to division (B) of this section and shall include the following information:

(a) The incident tracking number contained on the standard forms furnished by the superintendent pursuant to division (B) of this section;

(b) The style and number of the case;

(c) The date of arrest, offense, summons, or arraignment;

(d) The date that the person was convicted of or pleaded guilty to the offense, adjudicated a delinquent child for committing the act that would be a felony or an offense of violence if committed by an adult, found not guilty of the offense, or found not to be a delinquent child for committing an act that would be a felony or an offense of violence if committed by an adult, the date of an entry dismissing the charge, an entry declaring a mistrial of the offense in which the person is discharged, an entry finding that the person or child is not competent to stand trial, or an entry of a nolle prosequi, or the date of any other determination that constitutes final resolution of the case;

(e) A statement of the original charge with the section of the Revised Code that was alleged to be violated;

(f) If the person or child was convicted, pleaded guilty, or was adjudicated a delinquent child, the sentence or terms of probation imposed or any other disposition of the offender or the delinquent child.

If the offense involved the disarming of a law enforcement officer or an attempt to disarm a law enforcement officer, the clerk shall clearly state that fact in the summary, and the superintendent shall ensure that a clear statement of that fact is placed in the bureau's records.

(3) The superintendent shall cooperate with and assist sheriffs, chiefs of police, and other law enforcement officers in the establishment of a complete system of criminal identification and in obtaining fingerprints and other means of identification of all persons arrested on a charge of a felony, any crime constituting a misdemeanor on the first offense and a felony on subsequent offenses, or a misdemeanor described in division (A)(1)(a), (A)(8)(a), or (A)(10)(a) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code and of all children under eighteen years of age arrested or otherwise taken into custody for committing an act that would be a felony or an offense of violence if committed by an adult. The superintendent also shall file for record the fingerprint impressions of all persons confined in a county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jail or workhouse, community-based correctional facility, halfway house, alternative residential facility, or state correctional institution for the violation of state laws and of all children under eighteen years of age who are confined in a county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jail or workhouse, community-based correctional facility, halfway house, alternative residential facility, or state correctional institution or in any facility for delinquent children for committing an act that would be a felony or an offense of violence if committed by an adult, and any other information that the superintendent may receive from law enforcement officials of the state and its political subdivisions.

(4) The superintendent shall carry out Chapter 2950. of the Revised Code with respect to the registration of persons who are convicted of or plead guilty to a sexually oriented offense or a child-victim oriented offense and with respect to all other duties imposed on the bureau under that chapter.

(5) The bureau shall perform centralized recordkeeping functions for criminal history records and services in this state for purposes of the national crime prevention and privacy compact set forth in section 109.571 of the Revised Code and is the criminal history record repository as defined in that section for purposes of that compact. The superintendent or the superintendent's designee is the compact officer for purposes of that compact and shall carry out the responsibilities of the compact officer specified in that compact.

(B) The superintendent shall prepare and furnish to every county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jail or workhouse, community-based correctional facility, halfway house, alternative residential facility, or state correctional institution and to every clerk of a court in this state specified in division (A)(2) of this section standard forms for reporting the information required under division (A) of this section. The standard forms that the superintendent prepares pursuant to this division may be in a tangible format, in an electronic format, or in both tangible formats and electronic formats.

(C)(1) The superintendent may operate a center for electronic, automated, or other data processing for the storage and retrieval of information, data, and statistics pertaining to criminals and to children under eighteen years of age who are adjudicated delinquent children for committing an act that would be a felony or an offense of violence if committed by an adult, criminal activity, crime prevention, law enforcement, and criminal justice, and may establish and operate a statewide communications network to be known as the Ohio law enforcement gateway to gather and disseminate information, data, and statistics for the use of law enforcement agencies and for other uses specified in this division. The superintendent may gather, store, retrieve, and disseminate information, data, and statistics that pertain to children who are under eighteen years of age and that are gathered pursuant to sections 109.57 to 109.61 of the Revised Code together with information, data, and statistics that pertain to adults and that are gathered pursuant to those sections.

(2) The superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall gather information of the nature described in division (C)(1) of this section that pertains to the offense and delinquency history of a person who has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing a sexually oriented offense or a child-victim oriented offense for inclusion in the state registry of sex offenders and child-victim offenders maintained pursuant to division (A)(1) of section 2950.13 of the Revised Code and in the internet database operated pursuant to division (A)(13) of that section and for possible inclusion in the internet database operated pursuant to division (A)(11) of that section.

(3) In addition to any other authorized use of information, data, and statistics of the nature described in division (C)(1) of this section, the superintendent or the superintendent's designee may provide and exchange the information, data, and statistics pursuant to the national crime prevention and privacy compact as described in division (A)(5) of this section.

(4) The attorney general may adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing guidelines for the operation of and participation in the Ohio law enforcement gateway. The rules may include criteria for granting and restricting access to information gathered and disseminated through the Ohio law enforcement gateway. The attorney general may appoint a steering committee to advise the attorney general in the operation of the Ohio law enforcement gateway that is comprised of persons who are representatives of the criminal justice agencies in this state that use the Ohio law enforcement gateway and is chaired by the superintendent or the superintendent's designee.

(D)(1) The following are not public records under section 149.43 of the Revised Code:

(a) Information and materials furnished to the superintendent pursuant to division (A) of this section;

(b) Information, data, and statistics gathered or disseminated through the Ohio law enforcement gateway pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section;

(c) Information and materials furnished to any board or person under division (F) or (G) of this section.

(2) The superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall gather and retain information so furnished under division (A) of this section that pertains to the offense and delinquency history of a person who has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing a sexually oriented offense or a child-victim oriented offense for the purposes described in division (C)(2) of this section.

(E) The attorney general shall adopt rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, setting forth the procedure by which a person may receive or release information gathered by the superintendent pursuant to division (A) of this section. A reasonable fee may be charged for this service. If a temporary employment service submits a request for a determination of whether a person the service plans to refer to an employment position has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense listed in division (A)(1), (3), (4), (5), or (6) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code, the request shall be treated as a single request and only one fee shall be charged.

(F)(1) As used in division (F)(2) of this section, "head start agency" means an entity in this state that has been approved to be an agency for purposes of subchapter II of the "Community Economic Development Act," 95 Stat. 489 (1981), 42 U.S.C.A. 9831, as amended.

(2)(a) In addition to or in conjunction with any request that is required to be made under section 109.572, 2151.86, 3301.32, 3301.541, 3319.39, 3319.391, 3327.10, 3701.881, 5104.012, 5104.013, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5126.281, or 5153.111 of the Revised Code or that is made under section 3314.41, 3319.392, or 3326.25, or 3328.20 of the Revised Code, the board of education of any school district; the director of developmental disabilities; any county board of developmental disabilities; any entity under contract with a county board of developmental disabilities; the chief administrator of any chartered nonpublic school; the chief administrator of any home health agency; the chief administrator of or person operating any child day-care center, type A family day-care home, or type B family day-care home licensed or certified under Chapter 5104. of the Revised Code; the administrator of any type C family day-care home certified pursuant to Section 1 of Sub. H.B. 62 of the 121st general assembly or Section 5 of Am. Sub. S.B. 160 of the 121st general assembly; the chief administrator of any head start agency; the executive director of a public children services agency; a private company described in section 3314.41, 3319.392, or 3326.25, or 3328.20 of the Revised Code; or an employer described in division (J)(2) of section 3327.10 of the Revised Code may request that the superintendent of the bureau investigate and determine, with respect to any individual who has applied for employment in any position after October 2, 1989, or any individual wishing to apply for employment with a board of education may request, with regard to the individual, whether the bureau has any information gathered under division (A) of this section that pertains to that individual. On receipt of the request, the superintendent shall determine whether that information exists and, upon request of the person, board, or entity requesting information, also shall request from the federal bureau of investigation any criminal records it has pertaining to that individual. The superintendent or the superintendent's designee also may request criminal history records from other states or the federal government pursuant to the national crime prevention and privacy compact set forth in section 109.571 of the Revised Code. Within thirty days of the date that the superintendent receives a request, the superintendent shall send to the board, entity, or person a report of any information that the superintendent determines exists, including information contained in records that have been sealed under section 2953.32 of the Revised Code, and, within thirty days of its receipt, shall send the board, entity, or person a report of any information received from the federal bureau of investigation, other than information the dissemination of which is prohibited by federal law.

(b) When a board of education is required to receive information under this section as a prerequisite to employment of an individual pursuant to section 3319.39 of the Revised Code, it may accept a certified copy of records that were issued by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation and that are presented by an individual applying for employment with the district in lieu of requesting that information itself. In such a case, the board shall accept the certified copy issued by the bureau in order to make a photocopy of it for that individual's employment application documents and shall return the certified copy to the individual. In a case of that nature, a district only shall accept a certified copy of records of that nature within one year after the date of their issuance by the bureau.

(c) Notwithstanding division (F)(2)(a) of this section, in the case of a request under section 3319.39, 3319.391, or 3327.10 of the Revised Code only for criminal records maintained by the federal bureau of investigation, the superintendent shall not determine whether any information gathered under division (A) of this section exists on the person for whom the request is made.

(3) The state board of education may request, with respect to any individual who has applied for employment after October 2, 1989, in any position with the state board or the department of education, any information that a school district board of education is authorized to request under division (F)(2) of this section, and the superintendent of the bureau shall proceed as if the request has been received from a school district board of education under division (F)(2) of this section.

(4) When the superintendent of the bureau receives a request for information under section 3319.291 of the Revised Code, the superintendent shall proceed as if the request has been received from a school district board of education and shall comply with divisions (F)(2)(a) and (c) of this section.

(5) When a recipient of a classroom reading improvement grant paid under section 3301.86 of the Revised Code requests, with respect to any individual who applies to participate in providing any program or service funded in whole or in part by the grant, the information that a school district board of education is authorized to request under division (F)(2)(a) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau shall proceed as if the request has been received from a school district board of education under division (F)(2)(a) of this section.

(G) In addition to or in conjunction with any request that is required to be made under section 3701.881, 3712.09, 3721.121, or 3722.151 5119.85 of the Revised Code with respect to an individual who has applied for employment in a position that involves providing direct care to an older adult, the chief administrator of a home health agency, hospice care program, home licensed under Chapter 3721. of the Revised Code, adult day-care program operated pursuant to rules adopted under section 3721.04 of the Revised Code, or adult care facility may request that the superintendent of the bureau investigate and determine, with respect to any individual who has applied after January 27, 1997, for employment in a position that does not involve providing direct care to an older adult, whether the bureau has any information gathered under division (A) of this section that pertains to that individual.

In addition to or in conjunction with any request that is required to be made under section 173.27 of the Revised Code with respect to an individual who has applied for employment in a position that involves providing ombudsperson services to residents of long-term care facilities or recipients of community-based long-term care services, the state long-term care ombudsperson, ombudsperson's designee, or director of health may request that the superintendent investigate and determine, with respect to any individual who has applied for employment in a position that does not involve providing such ombudsperson services, whether the bureau has any information gathered under division (A) of this section that pertains to that applicant.

In addition to or in conjunction with any request that is required to be made under section 173.394 of the Revised Code with respect to an individual who has applied for employment in a position that involves providing direct care to an individual, the chief administrator of a community-based long-term care agency may request that the superintendent investigate and determine, with respect to any individual who has applied for employment in a position that does not involve providing direct care, whether the bureau has any information gathered under division (A) of this section that pertains to that applicant.

On receipt of a request under this division, the superintendent shall determine whether that information exists and, on request of the individual requesting information, shall also request from the federal bureau of investigation any criminal records it has pertaining to the applicant. The superintendent or the superintendent's designee also may request criminal history records from other states or the federal government pursuant to the national crime prevention and privacy compact set forth in section 109.571 of the Revised Code. Within thirty days of the date a request is received, the superintendent shall send to the requester a report of any information determined to exist, including information contained in records that have been sealed under section 2953.32 of the Revised Code, and, within thirty days of its receipt, shall send the requester a report of any information received from the federal bureau of investigation, other than information the dissemination of which is prohibited by federal law.

(H) Information obtained by a government entity or person under this section is confidential and shall not be released or disseminated.

(I) The superintendent may charge a reasonable fee for providing information or criminal records under division (F)(2) or (G) of this section.

(J) As used in this section, "sexually oriented offense" and "child-victim oriented offense" have the same meanings as in section 2950.01 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 109.572. (A)(1) Upon receipt of a request pursuant to section 121.08, 3301.32, 3301.541, or 3319.39 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date, or a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a minor drug possession offense;

(b) A violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(1)(a) of this section.

(2) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 5123.081 of the Revised Code with respect to an applicant for employment in any position with the department of developmental disabilities, pursuant to section 5126.28 of the Revised Code with respect to an applicant for employment in any position with a county board of developmental disabilities, or pursuant to section 5126.281 of the Revised Code with respect to an applicant for employment in a direct services position with an entity contracting with a county board for employment, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2903.341, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.04, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.12, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code;

(b) An existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(2)(a) of this section.

(3) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 173.27, 173.394, 3712.09, 3721.121, or 3722.151 5119.85 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check with respect to any person who has applied for employment in a position for which a criminal records check is required by those sections. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.11, 2905.12, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.12, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2911.13, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.40, 2913.43, 2913.47, 2913.51, 2919.25, 2921.36, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.11, 2925.13, 2925.22, 2925.23, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code;

(b) An existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(3)(a) of this section.

(4) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 3701.881 of the Revised Code with respect to an applicant for employment with a home health agency as a person responsible for the care, custody, or control of a child, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.04, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.12, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code or a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a minor drug possession offense;

(b) An existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(4)(a) of this section.

(5) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 5111.032, 5111.033, or 5111.034 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the following, regardless of the date of the conviction, the date of entry of the guilty plea, or the date the person was found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction:

(a) A violation of section 959.13, 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.041, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.15, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.211, 2903.22, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2905.11, 2905.12, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.24, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2909.02, 2909.03, 2909.04, 2909.05, 2909.22, 2909.23, 2909.24, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2911.13, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.05, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.32, 2913.40, 2913.41, 2913.42, 2913.43, 2913.44, 2913.441, 2913.45, 2913.46, 2913.47, 2913.48, 2913.49, 2913.51, 2917.01, 2917.02, 2917.03, 2917.11, 2917.31, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.23, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2921.03, 2921.11, 2921.13, 2921.34, 2921.35, 2921.36, 2923.01, 2923.02, 2923.03, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2923.32, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, 2925.11, 2925.13, 2925.14, 2925.22, 2925.23, 2927.12, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date;

(b) A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(5)(a) of this section.

(6) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 3701.881 of the Revised Code with respect to an applicant for employment with a home health agency in a position that involves providing direct care to an older adult, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.11, 2905.12, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.12, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2911.13, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.40, 2913.43, 2913.47, 2913.51, 2919.25, 2921.36, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.11, 2925.13, 2925.22, 2925.23, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code;

(b) An existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(6)(a) of this section.

(7) When conducting a criminal records check upon a request pursuant to section 3319.39 of the Revised Code for an applicant who is a teacher, in addition to the determination made under division (A)(1) of this section, the superintendent shall determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any offense specified in section 3319.31 of the Revised Code.

(8) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 2151.86 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 959.13, 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.15, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.211, 2903.22, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2909.02, 2909.03, 2909.22, 2909.23, 2909.24, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2913.49, 2917.01, 2917.02, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, 2927.12, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date, a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a minor drug possession offense, two or more OVI or OVUAC violations committed within the three years immediately preceding the submission of the application or petition that is the basis of the request, or felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code;

(b) A violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(8)(a) of this section.

(9) Upon receipt of a request pursuant to section 5104.012 or 5104.013 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.22, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.041, 2913.05, 2913.06, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.32, 2913.33, 2913.34, 2913.40, 2913.41, 2913.42, 2913.43, 2913.44, 2913.441, 2913.45, 2913.46, 2913.47, 2913.48, 2913.49, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2921.11, 2921.13, 2923.01, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date, a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a minor drug possession offense, a violation of section 2923.02 or 2923.03 of the Revised Code that relates to a crime specified in this division, or a second violation of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code within five years of the date of application for licensure or certification.

(b) A violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses or violations described in division (A)(9)(a) of this section.

(10) Upon receipt of a request pursuant to section 5153.111 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2909.02, 2909.03, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date, or a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a minor drug possession offense;

(b) A violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(10)(a) of this section.

(11) On receipt of a request for a criminal records check from an individual pursuant to section 4749.03 or 4749.06 of the Revised Code, accompanied by a completed copy of the form prescribed in division (C)(1) of this section and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in a manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists indicating that the person who is the subject of the request has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony in this state or in any other state. If the individual indicates that a firearm will be carried in the course of business, the superintendent shall require information from the federal bureau of investigation as described in division (B)(2) of this section. The superintendent shall report the findings of the criminal records check and any information the federal bureau of investigation provides to the director of public safety.

(12) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 1321.37, 1321.53, 1321.531, 1322.03, 1322.031, or 4763.05 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check with respect to any person who has applied for a license, permit, or certification from the department of commerce or a division in the department. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following: a violation of section 2913.02, 2913.11, 2913.31, 2913.51, or 2925.03 of the Revised Code; any other criminal offense involving theft, receiving stolen property, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, passing bad checks, money laundering, or drug trafficking, or any criminal offense involving money or securities, as set forth in Chapters 2909., 2911., 2913., 2915., 2921., 2923., and 2925. of the Revised Code; or any existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to those offenses.

(13) On receipt of a request for a criminal records check from the treasurer of state under section 113.041 of the Revised Code or from an individual under section 4701.08, 4715.101, 4717.061, 4725.121, 4725.501, 4729.071, 4730.101, 4730.14, 4730.28, 4731.081, 4731.15, 4731.171, 4731.222, 4731.281, 4731.296, 4731.531, 4732.091, 4734.202, 4740.061, 4741.10, 4755.70, 4757.101, 4759.061, 4760.032, 4760.06, 4761.051, 4762.031, 4762.06, or 4779.091 of the Revised Code, accompanied by a completed form prescribed under division (C)(1) of this section and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense in this state or any other state. The superintendent shall send the results of a check requested under section 113.041 of the Revised Code to the treasurer of state and shall send the results of a check requested under any of the other listed sections to the licensing board specified by the individual in the request.

(14) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1733.47, or 1761.26 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense under any existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States.

(15) On receipt of a request for a criminal records check from an appointing or licensing authority under section 3772.07 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed under division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner prescribed in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to any offense under any existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is a disqualifying offense as defined in section 3772.07 of the Revised Code or substantially equivalent to such an offense.

(16) Not later than thirty days after the date the superintendent receives a request of a type described in division (A)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (14), or (15) of this section, the completed form, and the fingerprint impressions, the superintendent shall send the person, board, or entity that made the request any information, other than information the dissemination of which is prohibited by federal law, the superintendent determines exists with respect to the person who is the subject of the request that indicates that the person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any offense listed or described in division (A)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (14), or (15) of this section, as appropriate. The superintendent shall send the person, board, or entity that made the request a copy of the list of offenses specified in division (A)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (14), or (15) of this section, as appropriate. If the request was made under section 3701.881 of the Revised Code with regard to an applicant who may be both responsible for the care, custody, or control of a child and involved in providing direct care to an older adult, the superintendent shall provide a list of the offenses specified in divisions (A)(4) and (6) of this section.

Not later than thirty days after the superintendent receives a request for a criminal records check pursuant to section 113.041 of the Revised Code, the completed form, and the fingerprint impressions, the superintendent shall send the treasurer of state any information, other than information the dissemination of which is prohibited by federal law, the superintendent determines exist with respect to the person who is the subject of the request that indicates that the person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense in this state or any other state.

(B) The superintendent shall conduct any criminal records check requested under section 113.041, 121.08, 173.27, 173.394, 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1321.53, 1321.531, 1322.03, 1322.031, 1733.47, 1761.26, 2151.86, 3301.32, 3301.541, 3319.39, 3701.881, 3712.09, 3721.121, 3722.151 5119.85, 3772.07, 4701.08, 4715.101, 4717.061, 4725.121, 4725.501, 4729.071, 4730.101, 4730.14, 4730.28, 4731.081, 4731.15, 4731.171, 4731.222, 4731.281, 4731.296, 4731.531, 4732.091, 4734.202, 4740.061, 4741.10, 4749.03, 4749.06, 4755.70, 4757.101, 4759.061, 4760.032, 4760.06, 4761.051, 4762.031, 4762.06, 4763.05, 4779.091, 5104.012, 5104.013, 5111.032, 5111.033, 5111.034, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5126.281, or 5153.111 of the Revised Code as follows:

(1) The superintendent shall review or cause to be reviewed any relevant information gathered and compiled by the bureau under division (A) of section 109.57 of the Revised Code that relates to the person who is the subject of the request, including, if the criminal records check was requested under section 113.041, 121.08, 173.27, 173.394, 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1321.37, 1321.53, 1321.531, 1322.03, 1322.031, 1733.47, 1761.26, 2151.86, 3301.32, 3301.541, 3319.39, 3701.881, 3712.09, 3721.121, 3722.151 5119.85, 3772.07, 4749.03, 4749.06, 4763.05, 5104.012, 5104.013, 5111.032, 5111.033, 5111.034, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5126.281, or 5153.111 of the Revised Code, any relevant information contained in records that have been sealed under section 2953.32 of the Revised Code;

(2) If the request received by the superintendent asks for information from the federal bureau of investigation, the superintendent shall request from the federal bureau of investigation any information it has with respect to the person who is the subject of the request, including fingerprint-based checks of national crime information databases as described in 42 U.S.C. 671 if the request is made pursuant to section 2151.86, 5104.012, or 5104.013 of the Revised Code or if any other Revised Code section requires fingerprint-based checks of that nature, and shall review or cause to be reviewed any information the superintendent receives from that bureau. If a request under section 3319.39 of the Revised Code asks only for information from the federal bureau of investigation, the superintendent shall not conduct the review prescribed by division (B)(1) of this section.

(3) The superintendent or the superintendent's designee may request criminal history records from other states or the federal government pursuant to the national crime prevention and privacy compact set forth in section 109.571 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) The superintendent shall prescribe a form to obtain the information necessary to conduct a criminal records check from any person for whom a criminal records check is requested under section 113.041 of the Revised Code or required by section 121.08, 173.27, 173.394, 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1321.53, 1321.531, 1322.03, 1322.031, 1733.47, 1761.26, 2151.86, 3301.32, 3301.541, 3319.39, 3701.881, 3712.09, 3721.121, 3722.151 5119.85, 3772.07, 4701.08, 4715.101, 4717.061, 4725.121, 4725.501, 4729.071, 4730.101, 4730.14, 4730.28, 4731.081, 4731.15, 4731.171, 4731.222, 4731.281, 4731.296, 4731.531, 4732.091, 4734.202, 4740.061, 4741.10, 4749.03, 4749.06, 4755.70, 4757.101, 4759.061, 4760.032, 4760.06, 4761.051, 4762.031, 4762.06, 4763.05, 4779.091, 5104.012, 5104.013, 5111.032, 5111.033, 5111.034, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5126.281, or 5153.111 of the Revised Code. The form that the superintendent prescribes pursuant to this division may be in a tangible format, in an electronic format, or in both tangible and electronic formats.

(2) The superintendent shall prescribe standard impression sheets to obtain the fingerprint impressions of any person for whom a criminal records check is requested under section 113.041 of the Revised Code or required by section 121.08, 173.27, 173.394, 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1321.53, 1321.531, 1322.03, 1322.031, 1733.47, 1761.26, 2151.86, 3301.32, 3301.541, 3319.39, 3701.881, 3712.09, 3721.121, 3722.151 5119.85, 3772.07, 4701.08, 4715.101, 4717.061, 4725.121, 4725.501, 4729.071, 4730.101, 4730.14, 4730.28, 4731.081, 4731.15, 4731.171, 4731.222, 4731.281, 4731.296, 4731.531, 4732.091, 4734.202, 4740.061, 4741.10, 4749.03, 4749.06, 4755.70, 4757.101, 4759.061, 4760.032, 4760.06, 4761.051, 4762.031, 4762.06, 4763.05, 4779.091, 5104.012, 5104.013, 5111.032, 5111.033, 5111.034, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5126.281, or 5153.111 of the Revised Code. Any person for whom a records check is requested under or required by any of those sections shall obtain the fingerprint impressions at a county sheriff's office, municipal police department, or any other entity with the ability to make fingerprint impressions on the standard impression sheets prescribed by the superintendent. The office, department, or entity may charge the person a reasonable fee for making the impressions. The standard impression sheets the superintendent prescribes pursuant to this division may be in a tangible format, in an electronic format, or in both tangible and electronic formats.

(3) Subject to division (D) of this section, the superintendent shall prescribe and charge a reasonable fee for providing a criminal records check requested under section 113.041, 121.08, 173.27, 173.394, 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1321.53, 1321.531, 1322.03, 1322.031, 1733.47, 1761.26, 2151.86, 3301.32, 3301.541, 3319.39, 3701.881, 3712.09, 3721.121, 3722.151 5119.85, 3772.07, 4701.08, 4715.101, 4717.061, 4725.121, 4725.501, 4729.071, 4730.101, 4730.14, 4730.28, 4731.081, 4731.15, 4731.171, 4731.222, 4731.281, 4731.296, 4731.531, 4732.091, 4734.202, 4740.061, 4741.10, 4749.03, 4749.06, 4755.70, 4757.101, 4759.061, 4760.032, 4760.06, 4761.051, 4762.031, 4762.06, 4763.05, 4779.091, 5104.012, 5104.013, 5111.032, 5111.033, 5111.034, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5126.281, or 5153.111 of the Revised Code. The person making a criminal records request under any of those sections shall pay the fee prescribed pursuant to this division. A person making a request under section 3701.881 of the Revised Code for a criminal records check for an applicant who may be both responsible for the care, custody, or control of a child and involved in providing direct care to an older adult shall pay one fee for the request. In the case of a request under section 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1733.47, 1761.26, or 5111.032 of the Revised Code, the fee shall be paid in the manner specified in that section.

(4) The superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation may prescribe methods of forwarding fingerprint impressions and information necessary to conduct a criminal records check, which methods shall include, but not be limited to, an electronic method.

(D) A determination whether any information exists that indicates that a person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any offense listed or described in division (A)(1)(a) or (b), (A)(2)(a) or (b), (A)(3)(a) or (b), (A)(4)(a) or (b), (A)(5)(a) or (b), (A)(6)(a) or (b), (A)(7), (A)(8)(a) or (b), (A)(9)(a) or (b), (A)(10)(a) or (b), (A)(12), (A)(14), or (A)(15) of this section, or that indicates that a person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense in this state or any other state regarding a criminal records check of a type described in division (A)(13) of this section, and that is made by the superintendent with respect to information considered in a criminal records check in accordance with this section is valid for the person who is the subject of the criminal records check for a period of one year from the date upon which the superintendent makes the determination. During the period in which the determination in regard to a person is valid, if another request under this section is made for a criminal records check for that person, the superintendent shall provide the information that is the basis for the superintendent's initial determination at a lower fee than the fee prescribed for the initial criminal records check.

(E) As used in this section:

(1) "Criminal records check" means any criminal records check conducted by the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation in accordance with division (B) of this section.

(2) "Minor drug possession offense" has the same meaning as in section 2925.01 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Older adult" means a person age sixty or older.

(4) "OVI or OVUAC violation" means a violation of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code or a violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to section 4511.19 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 111.12.  (A) Except as otherwise provided in division (B) of this section, the The secretary of state shall compile and publish biennially in a paper, book, or other nonelectronic electronic format twenty-five hundred copies of the election statistics of Ohio, four thousand copies of the official roster of federal, state, and county officers, and twenty-five hundred copies of the official roster of township and municipal officers.

(B) The secretary of state may compile and publish biennially the election statistics of Ohio, the official roster of federal, state, and county officers, and the official roster of township and municipal officers in an electronic format instead of compiling and publishing these documents biennially in a paper, book, or other nonelectronic format in the numbers specified in division (A) of this section. If the secretary of state does so, the secretary of state shall maintain the ability to provide copies of the election statistics of Ohio, the official roster of federal, state, and county officers, and the official roster of township and municipal officers in accordance with section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 111.16.  The secretary of state shall charge and collect, for the benefit of the state, the following fees:

(A) For filing and recording articles of incorporation of a domestic corporation, including designation of agent:

(1) Wherein the corporation shall not be authorized to issue any shares of capital stock, one hundred twenty-five dollars;

(2) Wherein the corporation shall be authorized to issue shares of capital stock, with or without par value:

(a) Ten cents for each share authorized up to and including one thousand shares;

(b) Five cents for each share authorized in excess of one thousand shares up to and including ten thousand shares;

(c) Two cents for each share authorized in excess of ten thousand shares up to and including fifty thousand shares;

(d) One cent for each share authorized in excess of fifty thousand shares up to and including one hundred thousand shares;

(e) One-half cent for each share authorized in excess of one hundred thousand shares up to and including five hundred thousand shares;

(f) One-quarter cent for each share authorized in excess of five hundred thousand shares; provided no fee shall be less than one hundred twenty-five dollars or greater than one hundred thousand dollars.

(B) For filing and recording a certificate of amendment to or amended articles of incorporation of a domestic corporation, or for filing and recording a certificate of reorganization, a certificate of dissolution, or an amendment to a foreign license application:

(1) If the domestic corporation is not authorized to issue any shares of capital stock, fifty dollars;

(2) If the domestic corporation is authorized to issue shares of capital stock, fifty dollars, and in case of any increase in the number of shares authorized to be issued, a further sum computed in accordance with the schedule set forth in division (A)(2) of this section less a credit computed in the same manner for the number of shares previously authorized to be issued by the corporation; provided no fee under division (B)(2) of this section shall be greater than one hundred thousand dollars;

(3) If the foreign corporation is not authorized to issue any shares of capital stock, fifty dollars;

(4) If the foreign corporation is authorized to issue shares of capital stock, fifty dollars.

(C) For filing and recording articles of incorporation of a savings and loan association, one hundred twenty-five dollars; and for filing and recording a certificate of amendment to or amended articles of incorporation of a savings and loan association, fifty dollars;

(D) For filing and recording a certificate of conversion, including a designation of agent, a certificate of merger, or a certificate of consolidation, one hundred twenty-five dollars and, in the case of any new corporation resulting from a consolidation or any surviving corporation that has an increased number of shares authorized to be issued resulting from a merger, an additional sum computed in accordance with the schedule set forth in division (A)(2) of this section less a credit computed in the same manner for the number of shares previously authorized to be issued or represented in this state by each of the corporations for which a consolidation or merger is effected by the certificate;

(E) For filing and recording articles of incorporation of a credit union or the American credit union guaranty association, one hundred twenty-five dollars, and for filing and recording a certificate of increase in capital stock or any other amendment of the articles of incorporation of a credit union or the association, fifty dollars;

(F) For filing and recording articles of organization of a limited liability company, for filing and recording an application to become a registered foreign limited liability company, for filing and recording a registration application to become a domestic limited liability partnership, or for filing and recording an application to become a registered foreign limited liability partnership, one hundred twenty-five dollars;

(G) For filing and recording a certificate of limited partnership or an application for registration as a foreign limited partnership, or for filing an initial statement of partnership authority pursuant to section 1776.33 of the Revised Code, one hundred twenty-five dollars.

(H) For filing a copy of papers evidencing the incorporation of a municipal corporation or of annexation of territory by a municipal corporation, five dollars, to be paid by the municipal corporation, the petitioners therefor, or their agent;

(I) For filing and recording any of the following:

(1) A license to transact business in this state by a foreign corporation for profit pursuant to section 1703.04 of the Revised Code or a foreign nonprofit corporation pursuant to section 1703.27 of the Revised Code, one hundred twenty-five dollars;

(2) A biennial report or biennial statement pursuant to section 1775.63, 1776.83, or 1785.06 of the Revised Code, twenty-five dollars;

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this section or any other section of the Revised Code, any other certificate or paper that is required to be filed and recorded or is permitted to be filed and recorded by any provision of the Revised Code with the secretary of state, twenty-five dollars.

(J) For filing any certificate or paper not required to be recorded, five dollars;

(K)(1) For making copies of any certificate or other paper filed in the office of the secretary of state, a fee not to exceed one dollar per page, except as otherwise provided in the Revised Code, and for creating and affixing the seal of the office of the secretary of state to any good standing or other certificate, five dollars. For copies of certificates or papers required by state officers for official purpose, no charge shall be made.

(2) For creating and affixing the seal of the office of the secretary of state to the certificates described in division (E) of section 1701.81, division (E) of section 1701.811, division (E) of section 1705.38, division (E) of section 1705.381, division (D) of section 1702.43, division (E) of section 1775.47, division (E) of section 1775.55, division (E) of section 1776.70, division (E) of section 1776.74, division (E) of section 1782.433, or division (E) of section 1782.4310 of the Revised Code, twenty-five dollars.

(L) For a minister's license to solemnize marriages, ten dollars;

(M) For examining documents to be filed at a later date for the purpose of advising as to the acceptability of the proposed filing, fifty dollars;

(N) Fifty dollars for filing and recording any of the following:

(1) A certificate of dissolution and accompanying documents, or a certificate of cancellation, under section 1701.86, 1702.47, 1705.43, 1776.65, or 1782.10 of the Revised Code;

(2) A notice of dissolution of a foreign licensed corporation or a certificate of surrender of license by a foreign licensed corporation under section 1703.17 of the Revised Code;

(3) The withdrawal of registration of a foreign or domestic limited liability partnership under section 1775.61, 1775.64, 1776.81, or 1776.86 of the Revised Code, or the certificate of cancellation of registration of a foreign limited liability company under section 1705.57 of the Revised Code;

(4) The filing of a statement of denial under section 1776.34 of the Revised Code, a statement of dissociation under section 1776.57 of the Revised Code, a statement of disclaimer of general partner status under Chapter 1782. of the Revised Code, or a cancellation of disclaimer of general partner status under Chapter 1782. of the Revised Code.

(O) For filing a statement of continued existence by a nonprofit corporation, twenty-five dollars;

(P) For filing a restatement under section 1705.08 or 1782.09 of the Revised Code, an amendment to a certificate of cancellation under section 1782.10 of the Revised Code, an amendment under section 1705.08 or 1782.09 of the Revised Code, or a correction under section 1705.55, 1775.61, 1775.64, 1776.12, or 1782.52 of the Revised Code, fifty dollars;

(Q) For filing for reinstatement of an entity cancelled by operation of law, by the secretary of state, by order of the department of taxation, or by order of a court, twenty-five dollars;

(R) For filing a and recording any of the following:

(1) A change of agent, resignation of agent, or change of agent's address under section 1701.07, 1702.06, 1703.041, 1703.27, 1705.06, 1705.55, 1746.04, 1747.03, 1776.07, or 1782.04 of the Revised Code, twenty-five dollars;

(2) A multiple change of agent name or address, standardization of agent address, or resignation of agent under section 1701.07, 1702.06, 1703.041, 1703.27, 1705.06, 1705.55, 1746.04, 1747.03, 1776.07, or 1782.04 of the Revised Code, one hundred twenty-five dollars, plus three dollars per entity record being changed, by the multiple agent update.

(S) For filing and recording any of the following:

(1) An application for the exclusive right to use a name or an application to reserve a name for future use under section 1701.05, 1702.05, 1703.31, 1705.05, or 1746.06 of the Revised Code, fifty dollars;

(2) A trade name or fictitious name registration or report, fifty dollars;

(3) An application to renew any item covered by division (S)(1) or (2) of this section that is permitted to be renewed, twenty-five dollars;

(4) An assignment of rights for use of a name covered by division (S)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, the cancellation of a name registration or name reservation that is so covered, or notice of a change of address of the registrant of a name that is so covered, twenty-five dollars.

(T) For filing and recording a report to operate a business trust or a real estate investment trust, either foreign or domestic, one hundred twenty-five dollars; and for filing and recording an amendment to a report or associated trust instrument, or a surrender of authority, to operate a business trust or real estate investment trust, fifty dollars;

(U)(1) For filing and recording the registration of a trademark, service mark, or mark of ownership, one hundred twenty-five dollars;

(2) For filing and recording the change of address of a registrant, the assignment of rights to a registration, a renewal of a registration, or the cancellation of a registration associated with a trademark, service mark, or mark of ownership, twenty-five dollars.

(V) For filing a service of process with the secretary of state, five dollars, except as otherwise provided in any section of the Revised Code.

Fees specified in this section may be paid by cash, check, or money order, by credit card in accordance with section 113.40 of the Revised Code, or by an alternative payment program in accordance with division (B) of section 111.18 of the Revised Code. Any credit card number or the expiration date of any credit card is not subject to disclosure under Chapter 149. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 111.18.  (A) The secretary of state shall keep a record of all fees collected by the secretary of state and, subject to division (B) of section 1309.528 of the Revised Code and except as otherwise provided in the Revised Code, shall pay them into the state treasury to the credit of the corporate and uniform commercial code filing fund created by section 1309.528 of the Revised Code.

(B) The secretary of state may implement alternative payment programs that permit payment of any fee charged by the secretary of state by means other than cash, check, money order, or credit card; an alternative payment program may include, but is not limited to, one that permits a fee to be paid by electronic means of transmission. Fees paid under an alternative payment program shall be deposited to the credit of the secretary of state alternative payment program fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury. Any investment income of the secretary of state alternative payment program fund shall be credited to that fund and used to operate the alternative payment program. Within two working days following the deposit of funds to the credit of the secretary of state alternative payment program fund, the secretary of state shall pay those funds to the credit of the corporate and uniform commercial code filing fund, subject to division (B) of section 1309.401 of the Revised Code and except as otherwise provided in the Revised Code.

The secretary of state shall adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this division.

Sec. 111.181. There is hereby created in the state treasury the information systems fund. The fund shall receive revenues from fees charged to customers for special database requests, including corporate and uniform commercial code filings. The secretary of state shall use the fund for information technology related expenses of the office.

Sec. 111.28.  (A) There is hereby created in the state treasury the help America vote act (HAVA) fund. All moneys received by the secretary of state from the United States election assistance commission shall be credited to the fund. The secretary of state shall use the moneys credited to the fund for activities conducted pursuant to the "Help America Vote Act of 2002," Pub. L. No. 107-252, 116 Stat. 1666. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

(B) There is hereby created in the state treasury the election reform/health and human services fund. All moneys received by the secretary of state from the United States department of health and human services shall be credited to the fund. The secretary of state shall use the moneys credited to the fund for activities conducted pursuant to grants awarded to the state under Title II, Subtitle D, Sections 261 to 265 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to assure access for individuals with disabilities. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

Sec. 111.29.  There is hereby created in the state treasury the citizen education fund. The fund shall receive gifts, grants, fees, and donations from private individuals and entities for voter education purposes. The secretary of state shall use the moneys credited to the fund for preparing, printing, and distributing voter registration and educational materials and for conducting related workshops and conferences for public education.

Sec. 117.101.  The auditor of state shall provide, operate, and maintain a uniform and compatible computerized financial management and accounting system known as the uniform accounting network. The network shall be designed to provide public offices, other than state agencies and the Ohio education computer network and public school districts, with efficient and economical access to data processing and management information facilities and expertise. In accordance with this objective, activities of the network shall include, but not be limited to, provision, maintenance, and operation of the following facilities and services:

(A) A cooperative program of technical assistance for public offices, other than state agencies and the Ohio education computer network and public school districts, including, but not limited to, an adequate computer software system and a data base;

(B) An information processing service center providing approved computerized financial accounting and reporting services to participating public offices.

The auditor of state and any public office, other than a state agency and the Ohio education computer network and public school districts, may enter into any necessary agreements, without advertisement or bidding, for the provision of necessary goods, materials, supplies, and services to such public offices by the auditor of state through the network.

The auditor of state may, by rule, provide for a system of user fees to be charged participating public offices for goods, materials, supplies, and services received from the network. All such fees shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the uniform accounting network fund, which is hereby created. The fund shall be used by the auditor of state to pay the costs of establishing and maintaining the network. The fund shall be assessed a proportionate share of the auditor of state's administrative costs in accordance with procedures prescribed by the auditor of state and approved by the director of budget and management.

Sec. 117.13.  (A) The costs of audits of state agencies shall be recovered by the auditor of state in the following manner:

(1) The costs of all audits of state agencies shall be paid to the auditor of state on statements rendered by the auditor of state. Money so received by the auditor of state shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the public audit expense fund--intrastate, which is hereby created, and shall be used to pay costs related to such audits. The costs of audits of a state agency shall be charged to the state agency being audited. The costs of any assistant auditor, employee, or expert employed pursuant to section 117.09 of the Revised Code called upon to testify in any legal proceedings in regard to any audit, or called upon to review or discuss any matter related to any audit, may be charged to the state agency to which the audit relates.

(2) The auditor of state shall establish by rule rates to be charged to state agencies for recovering the costs of audits of state agencies.

(B) As used in this division, "government auditing standards" means the government auditing standards published by the comptroller general of the United States general accounting office.

(1) Except as provided in divisions (B)(2) and (3) of this section, any costs of an audit of a private institution, association, board, or corporation receiving public money for its use shall be charged to the public office providing the public money in the same manner as costs of an audit of the public office.

(2) If an audit of a private child placing agency or private noncustodial agency receiving public money from a public children services agency for providing child welfare or child protection services sets forth that money has been illegally expended, converted, misappropriated, or is unaccounted for, the costs of the audit shall be charged to the agency being audited in the same manner as costs of an audit of a public office, unless the findings are inconsequential, as defined by government auditing standards.

(3) If such an audit does not set forth that money has been illegally expended, converted, misappropriated, or is unaccounted for or sets forth findings that are inconsequential, as defined by government auditing standards, the costs of the audit shall be charged as follows:

(a) One-third of the costs to the agency being audited;

(b) One-third of the costs to the public children services agency that provided the public money to the agency being audited;

(c) One-third of the costs to the department of job and family services.

(C) The costs of audits of local public offices shall be recovered by the auditor of state in the following manner:

(1) The total amount of compensation paid assistant auditors of state, their expenses, the cost of employees assigned to assist the assistant auditors of state, the cost of experts employed pursuant to section 117.09 of the Revised Code, and the cost of typing, reviewing, and copying reports shall be borne by the public office to which such assistant auditors of state are so assigned, except that annual vacation and sick leave of assistant auditors of state, employees, and typists shall be financed from the general revenue fund. The necessary traveling and hotel expenses of the deputy inspectors and supervisors of public offices shall be paid from the state treasury. Assistant auditors of state shall be compensated by the taxing district or other public office audited for activities undertaken pursuant to division (B) of section 117.18 and section 117.24 of the Revised Code. The costs of any assistant auditor, employee, or expert employed pursuant to section 117.09 of the Revised Code called upon to testify in any legal proceedings in regard to any audit, or called upon to review or discuss any matter related to any audit, may be charged to the public office to which the audit relates.

(2) The auditor of state shall certify the amount of such compensation, expenses, cost of experts, reviewing, copying, and typing to the fiscal officer of the local public office audited. The fiscal officer of the local public office shall forthwith draw a warrant upon the general fund or other appropriate funds of the local public office to the order of the auditor of state; provided, that the auditor of state is authorized to negotiate with any local public office and, upon agreement between the auditor of state and the local public office, may adopt a schedule for payment of the amount due under this section. Money so received by the auditor of state shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the public audit expense fund--local government, which is hereby created, and shall be used to pay the compensation, expense, cost of experts and employees, reviewing, copying, and typing of reports.

(3) At the conclusion of each audit, or analysis and report made pursuant to section 117.24 of the Revised Code, the auditor of state shall furnish the fiscal officer of the local public office audited a statement showing the total cost of the audit, or of the audit and the analysis and report, and the percentage of the total cost chargeable to each fund audited. The fiscal officer may distribute such total cost to each fund audited in accordance with its percentage of the total cost.

(4) The auditor of state shall provide each local public office a statement or certification of the amount due from the public office for services performed by the auditor of state under this or any other section of the Revised Code, as well as the date upon which payment is due to the auditor of state. Any local public office that does not pay the amount due to the auditor of state by that date may be assessed by the auditor of state for interest from the date upon which the payment is due at the rate per annum prescribed by section 5703.47 of the Revised Code. All interest charges assessed by the auditor of state may be collected in the same manner as audit costs pursuant to division (D) of this section.

(5) The auditor of state shall establish by rule rates to be charged to local public offices for recovering the costs of audits of local public offices.

(D) If the auditor of state fails to receive payment for any amount due, including, but not limited to, fines, fees, and costs, from a public office for services performed under this or any other section of the Revised Code, the auditor of state may seek payment through the office of budget and management. (Amounts due include any amount due to an independent public accountant with whom the auditor has contracted to perform services, all costs and fees associated with participation in the uniform accounting network, and all costs associated with the auditor's provision of local government services.) Upon certification by the auditor of state to the director of budget and management of any such amount due, the director shall withhold from the public office any amount available, up to and including the amount certified as due, from any funds under the director's control that belong to or are lawfully payable or due to the public office. The director shall promptly pay the amount withheld to the auditor of state. If the director determines that no funds due and payable to the public office are available or that insufficient amounts of such funds are available to cover the amount due, the director shall withhold and pay to the auditor of state the amounts available and, in the case of a local public office, certify the remaining amount to the county auditor of the county in which the local public office is located. The county auditor shall withhold from the local public office any amount available, up to and including the amount certified as due, from any funds under the county auditor's control and belonging to or lawfully payable or due to the local public office. The county auditor shall promptly pay any such amount withheld to the auditor of state.

Sec. 118.023.  (A) Upon determining that one or more of the conditions described in section 118.022 of the Revised Code are present, the auditor of state shall issue a written declaration of the existence of a fiscal watch to the municipal corporation, county, or township and the county budget commission. The fiscal watch shall be in effect until the auditor of state determines that none of the conditions are any longer present and cancels the watch, or until the auditor of state determines that a state of fiscal emergency exists. The auditor of state, or a designee, shall provide such technical and support services to the municipal corporation, county, or township after a fiscal watch has been declared to exist as the auditor of state considers necessary. The controlling board shall provide sufficient funds for any costs that the auditor of state may incur in determining if a fiscal watch exists and for providing technical and support services.

(B) Within one hundred twenty days after the day a written declaration of the existence of a fiscal watch is issued under division (A) of this section, the mayor of the municipal corporation, the board of county commissioners of the county, or the board of township trustees of the township for which a fiscal watch was declared shall submit to the auditor of state a financial recovery plan that shall identify actions to be taken to eliminate all of the conditions described in section 118.022 of the Revised Code, include a schedule detailing the approximate dates for beginning and completing the actions, and include a five-year forecast reflecting the effects of the actions. The financial recovery plan is subject to review and approval by the auditor of state. The auditor of state may extend the amount of time by which a financial recovery plan is required to be filed, for good cause shown.

(C) If a feasible financial recovery plan for a municipal corporation, county, or township for which a fiscal watch was declared is not submitted within the time period prescribed by division (B) of this section, or within any extension of time thereof, the auditor of state shall declare that a fiscal emergency condition exists under section 118.04 of the Revised Code in the municipal corporation, county, or township.

Sec. 118.025.  (A) The auditor of state shall develop guidelines for identifying fiscal practices and budgetary conditions of municipal corporations, counties, and townships that, if uncorrected, could result in a future declaration of a fiscal watch or fiscal emergency.

(B) If the auditor of state determines that a municipal corporation, county, or township is engaging in any of those practices or that any of those conditions exist, the auditor of state may declare the municipal corporation, county, or township to be under a fiscal caution.

(C) When the auditor of state declares a fiscal caution, the auditor of state shall promptly notify the municipal corporation, county, or township of that declaration and shall request the municipal corporation, county, or township to provide written proposals for discontinuing or correcting the fiscal practices or budgetary conditions that prompted the declaration and for preventing the municipal corporation, county, or township from experiencing further fiscal difficulties that could result in a declaration of fiscal watch or fiscal emergency.

(D) The auditor of state, or a designee, may visit and inspect any municipal corporation, county, or township that is declared to be under a fiscal caution. The auditor of state may provide technical assistance to the municipal corporation, county, or township in implementing proposals to eliminate the practices or budgetary conditions that prompted the declaration of fiscal caution and may make recommendations concerning those proposals.

(E) If the auditor of state finds that a municipal corporation, county, or township declared to be under a fiscal caution has not made reasonable proposals or otherwise taken action to discontinue or correct the fiscal practices or budgetary conditions that prompted the declaration of fiscal caution, and if the auditor of state considers it necessary to prevent further fiscal decline, the auditor of state may determine that the municipal corporation, county, or township should be in a state of fiscal watch.

(F) The controlling board shall provide sufficient funds for any costs incurred by the auditor of state in determining if a fiscal caution exists and for providing technical and support services.

Sec. 118.04.  (A) The existence of a fiscal emergency condition constitutes a fiscal emergency. The existence of fiscal emergency conditions shall be determined by the auditor of state. Such determination, for purposes of this chapter, may be made only upon the filing with the auditor of state of a written request for such a determination by the governor, by the county budget commission, by the mayor of the municipal corporation, or by the presiding officer of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation when authorized by a majority of the members of such legislative authority, by the board of county commissioners, or by the board of township trustees, or upon initiation by the auditor of state. The request may designate in general or specific terms, but without thereby limiting the determination thereto, the condition or conditions to be examined to determine whether they constitute fiscal emergency conditions. Promptly upon receipt of such written request, or upon initiation by the auditor of state, the auditor of state shall transmit copies of such request or a written notice of such initiation to the mayor and the presiding officer of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation or to the board of county commissioners or the board of township trustees by personal service or certified mail. Such determinations shall be set forth in written reports and supplemental reports, which shall be filed with the mayor, fiscal officer, and presiding officer of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, or with the board of county commissioners or the board of township trustees, and with the treasurer of state, secretary of state, governor, director of budget and management, and county budget commission, within thirty days after the request. The auditor of state shall so file an initial report immediately upon determining the existence of any fiscal emergency condition.

(B) In making such determination, the auditor of state may rely on reports or other information filed or otherwise made available by the municipal corporation, county, or township, accountants' reports, or other sources and data the auditor of state considers reliable for such purpose. As to the status of funds or accounts, a determination that the amounts stated in section 118.03 of the Revised Code are exceeded may be made without need for determination of the specific amount of the excess. The auditor of state may engage the services of independent certified or registered public accountants, including public accountants engaged or previously engaged by the municipal corporation, county, or township, to conduct audits or make reports or render such opinions as the auditor of state considers desirable with respect to any aspect of the determinations to be made by the auditor of state.

(C) A determination by the auditor of state under this section that a fiscal emergency condition does not exist is final and conclusive and not appealable. A determination by the auditor of state under this section that a fiscal emergency exists is final, except that the mayor of any municipal corporation affected by a determination of the existence of a fiscal emergency condition under this section, when authorized by a majority of the members of the legislative authority, or the board of county commissioners or board of township trustees, may appeal the determination of the existence of a fiscal emergency condition to the court of appeals having territorial jurisdiction over the municipal corporation, county, or township. The appeal shall be heard expeditiously by the court of appeals and for good cause shown shall take precedence over all other civil matters except earlier matters of the same character. Notice of such appeal must be filed with the auditor of state and such court within thirty days after certification by the auditor of state to the mayor and presiding officer of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation or to the board of county commissioners or board of township trustees as provided for in division (A) of this section. In such appeal, determinations of the auditor of state shall be presumed to be valid and the municipal corporation, county, or township shall have the burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, that each of the determinations made by the auditor of state as to the existence of a fiscal emergency condition under section 118.03 of the Revised Code was in error. If the municipal corporation, county, or township fails, upon presentation of its case, to prove by clear and convincing evidence that each such determination by the auditor of state was in error, the court shall dismiss the appeal. The municipal corporation, county, or township and the auditor of state may introduce any evidence relevant to the existence or nonexistence of such fiscal emergency conditions at the times indicated in the applicable provisions of divisions (A) and (B) of section 118.03 of the Revised Code. The pendency of any such appeal shall not affect or impede the operations of this chapter; no restraining order, temporary injunction, or other similar restraint upon actions consistent with this chapter shall be imposed by the court or any court pending determination of such appeal; and all things may be done under this chapter that may be done regardless of the pendency of any such appeal. Any action taken or contract executed pursuant to this chapter during the pendency of such appeal is valid and enforceable among all parties, notwithstanding the decision in such appeal. If the court of appeals reverses the determination of the existence of a fiscal emergency condition by the auditor of state, the determination no longer has any effect, and any procedures undertaken as a result of the determination shall be terminated.

(D) All The auditor of state shall be reimbursed for any expenses incurred by the auditor of state relating to a determination or termination of a fiscal emergency under this section or a fiscal watch under section 118.021 of the Revised Code shall be reimbursed from an appropriation for that purpose, including technical and support services. If necessary, the controlling board shall provide sufficient funds for these purposes.

Sec. 118.05.  (A) Pursuant to the powers of the general assembly and for the purposes of this chapter, upon the occurrence of a fiscal emergency in any municipal corporation, county, or township, as determined pursuant to section 118.04 of the Revised Code, there is established, with respect to that municipal corporation, county, or township, a body both corporate and politic constituting an agency and instrumentality of the state and performing essential governmental functions of the state to be known as the "financial planning and supervision commission for ............... (name of municipal corporation, county, or township)," which, in that name, may exercise all authority vested in such a commission by this chapter. A Except as otherwise provided in division (L) of this section, a separate commission is established with respect to each municipal corporation, county, or township as to which there is a fiscal emergency as determined under this chapter.

(B) A commission shall consist of the following voting members:

(1) Four ex officio members: the treasurer of state; the director of budget and management; in the case of a municipal corporation, the mayor of the municipal corporation and the presiding officer of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation; in the case of a county, the president of the board of county commissioners and the county auditor; and in the case of a township, a member of the board of township trustees; and the county auditor or county fiscal officer.

The treasurer of state may designate a deputy treasurer or director within the office of the treasurer of state or any other appropriate person who is not an employee of the treasurer of state's office; the director of budget and management may designate an individual within the office of budget and management or any other appropriate person who is not an employee of the office of budget and management; the mayor may designate a responsible official within the mayor's office or the fiscal officer of the municipal corporation; the presiding officer of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation may designate any other member of the legislative authority; the board of county commissioners may designate any other member of the board or the fiscal officer of the county; and the board of township trustees may designate any other member of the board or the fiscal officer of the township to attend the meetings of the commission when the ex officio member is absent or unable for any reason to attend. A designee, when present, shall be counted in determining whether a quorum is present at any meeting of the commission and may vote and participate in all proceedings and actions of the commission. The designations shall be in writing, executed by the ex officio member or entity making the designation, and filed with the secretary of the commission. The designations may be changed from time to time in like manner, but due regard shall be given to the need for continuity.

(2) If a municipal corporation, county, or township has a population of at least one thousand, three members nominated and appointed as follows:

The mayor and presiding officer of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, the board of county commissioners, or the board of township trustees shall, within ten days after the determination of the fiscal emergency by the auditor of state under section 118.04 of the Revised Code, submit in writing to the governor the nomination of five persons agreed to by them and meeting the qualifications set forth in this division. If the governor is not satisfied that at least three of the nominees are well qualified, the governor shall notify the mayor and presiding officer, or the board of county commissioners, or the board of township trustees to submit in writing, within five days, additional nominees agreed upon by them, not exceeding three. The governor shall appoint three members from all the agreed-upon nominees so submitted or a lesser number that the governor considers well qualified within thirty days after receipt of the nominations, and shall fill any remaining positions on the commission by appointment of any other persons meeting the qualifications set forth in this division. All appointments by the governor shall be made with the advice and consent of the senate. Each of the three appointed members shall serve during the life of the commission, subject to removal by the governor for misfeasance, nonfeasance, or malfeasance in office. In the event of the death, resignation, incapacity, removal, or ineligibility to serve of an appointed member, the governor, pursuant to the process for original appointment, shall appoint a successor.

(3) If a municipal corporation, county, or township has a population of less than one thousand, one member nominated and appointed as follows:

The mayor and presiding officer of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, the board of county commissioners, or the board of township trustees shall, within ten days after the determination of the fiscal emergency by the auditor of state under section 118.04 of the Revised Code, submit in writing to the governor the nomination of three persons agreed to by them and meeting the qualifications set forth in this division. If the governor is not satisfied that at least one of the nominees is well qualified, the governor shall notify the mayor and presiding officer, or the board of county commissioners, or the board of township trustees to submit in writing, within five days, additional nominees agreed upon by them, not exceeding three. The governor shall appoint one member from all the agreed-upon nominees so submitted or shall fill the position on the commission by appointment of any other person meeting the qualifications set forth in this division. All appointments by the governor shall be made with the advice and consent of the senate. The appointed member shall serve during the life of the commission, subject to removal by the governor for misfeasance, nonfeasance, or malfeasance in office. In the event of the death, resignation, incapacity, removal, or ineligibility to serve of the appointed member, the governor, pursuant to the process for original appointment, shall appoint a successor.

Each appointed member shall be an individual:

(a) Who has knowledge and experience in financial matters, financial management, or business organization or operations;

(b) Whose One member appointed by the governor, whose residency, office, or principal place of professional or business activity is situated within the municipal corporation, county, or township;

(c) Who shall not become a candidate for elected public office while serving as a member of the commission.

(C) Immediately after appointment of the initial appointed member or members of the commission, the governor shall call the first meeting of the commission and shall cause written notice of the time, date, and place of the first meeting to be given to each member of the commission at least forty-eight hours in advance of the meeting.

(D) The director of budget and management shall serve as chairperson of the commission. The commission shall elect one of its members to serve as vice-chairperson and may appoint a secretary and any other officers, who need not be members of the commission, it considers necessary. The chairperson may remove the member appointed by the governor if that member fails to attend three consecutive meetings. In that event, the governor shall fill the vacancy in the same manner as the original appointment.

(E) The commission may adopt and alter bylaws and rules, which shall not be subject to section 111.15 or Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, for the conduct of its affairs and for the manner, subject to this chapter, in which its powers and functions shall be exercised and embodied.

(F) Four members of a commission established pursuant to divisions (B)(1) and (2) of this section constitute a quorum of the commission. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of such a commission is necessary for any action taken by vote of the commission. Three members of a commission established pursuant to divisions (B)(1) and (3) of this section constitute a quorum of the commission. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of such a the commission is necessary for any action taken by vote of the commission. No vacancy in the membership of the commission shall impair the rights of a quorum by such vote to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the commission. Members of the commission, and their designees, are not disqualified from voting by reason of the functions of the other office they hold and are not disqualified from exercising the functions of the other office with respect to the municipal corporation, county, or township, its officers, or the commission.

(G) The auditor of state shall serve as the "financial supervisor" to the commission unless the auditor of state elects to contract for that service. As used in this chapter, "financial supervisor" means the auditor of state.

(H) At the request of the commission, the auditor of state shall designate employees of the auditor of state's office to assist the commission and the financial supervisor and to coordinate the work of the auditor of state's office and the financial supervisor. Upon the determination of a fiscal emergency in any municipal corporation, county, or township, the municipal corporation, county, or township shall provide the commission with such reasonable office space in the principal building housing city, county, or township government, where feasible, as it determines is necessary to carry out its duties under this chapter.

(I) The financial supervisor, the members of the commission, the auditor of state, and any person authorized to act on behalf of or assist them shall not be personally liable or subject to any suit, judgment, or claim for damages resulting from the exercise of or failure to exercise the powers, duties, and functions granted to them in regard to their functioning under this chapter, but the commission, the financial supervisor, the auditor of state, and those other persons shall be subject to mandamus proceedings to compel performance of their duties under this chapter and with respect to any debt obligations issued pursuant or subject to this chapter.

(J) At the request of the commission, the administrative head of any state agency shall temporarily assign personnel skilled in accounting and budgeting procedures to assist the commission or the financial supervisor in its duties as financial supervisor.

(K) The appointed members of the commission are not subject to section 102.02 of the Revised Code. Each appointed member of the commission shall file with the commission a signed written statement setting forth the general nature of sales of goods, property, or services or of loans to the municipal corporation, county, or township with respect to which that commission is established, in which the appointed member has a pecuniary interest or in which any member of the appointed member's immediate family, as defined in section 102.01 of the Revised Code, or any corporation, partnership, or enterprise of which the appointed member is an officer, director, or partner, or of which the appointed member or a member of the appointed member's immediate family, as so defined, owns more than a five per cent interest, has a pecuniary interest, and of which sale, loan, or interest such member has knowledge. The statement shall be supplemented from time to time to reflect changes in the general nature of any such sales or loans.

(L) A commission is not established with respect to any village or township with a population of less than two thousand five hundred as of the most recent federal decennial census. Upon the occurrence of a fiscal emergency in such a village or township, the auditor of state shall serve as the financial supervisor of the village or township and shall have all the powers and responsibilities of a commission.

Sec. 118.06.  (A) Within one hundred twenty days after the first meeting of the commission, the mayor of the municipal corporation or the board of county commissioners or board of township trustees shall submit to the commission a detailed financial plan, as approved or amended and approved by ordinance or resolution of the legislative authority, containing the following:

(1) Actions to be taken by the municipal corporation, county, or township to:

(a) Eliminate all fiscal emergency conditions determined to exist pursuant to section 118.04 of the Revised Code;

(b) Satisfy any judgments, past due accounts payable, and all past due and payable payroll and fringe benefits;

(c) Eliminate the deficits in all deficit funds;

(d) Restore to construction funds and other special funds moneys from such funds that were used for purposes not within the purposes of such funds, or borrowed from such construction funds by the purchase of debt obligations of the municipal corporation, county, or township with the moneys of such funds, or missing from the construction funds or such special funds and not accounted for;

(e) Balance the budgets, avoid future deficits in any funds, and maintain current payments of payroll, fringe benefits, and all accounts;

(f) Avoid any fiscal emergency condition in the future;

(g) Restore the ability of the municipal corporation, county, or township to market long-term general obligation bonds under provisions of law applicable to municipal corporations, counties, or townships generally.

(2) The legal authorities permitting the municipal corporation, county, or township to take the actions enumerated pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section;

(3) The approximate dates of the commencement, progress upon, and completion of the actions enumerated pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section, a five-year forecast reflecting the effects of those actions, and a reasonable period of time expected to be required to implement the plan. The municipal corporation, county, or township, in consultation with the commission and the financial supervisor, shall prepare a reasonable time schedule for progress toward and achievement of the requirements for the financial plan and the financial plan shall be consistent with that time schedule.

(4) The amount and purpose of any issue of debt obligations that will be issued, together with assurances that any such debt obligations that will be issued will not exceed debt limits supported by appropriate certifications by the fiscal officer of the municipal corporation, county, or township and the county auditor;

(5) Assurances that the municipal corporation, county, or township will establish monthly levels of expenditures and encumbrances pursuant to division (B)(2) of section 118.07 of the Revised Code;

(6) Assurances that the municipal corporation, county, or township will conform to statutes with respect to tax budgets and appropriation measures;

(7) The detail, the form, and the supporting information that the commission may direct.

(B) The financial plan developed pursuant to division (A) of this section shall be filed with the financial supervisor and the financial planning and supervision commission and shall be updated annually. After consultation with the financial supervisor, the commission shall either approve or reject any initial or subsequent financial plan. If the commission rejects the initial or any subsequent financial plan, it shall forthwith inform the mayor and legislative authority of the municipal corporation or the board of county commissioners or board of township trustees of the reasons for its rejection. Within thirty days after the rejection of any plan, the mayor with the approval of the legislative authority by the passage of an ordinance or resolution, or the board of county commissioners or board of township trustees, shall submit another plan meeting the requirements of divisions (A)(1) to (7) of this section, to the commission and the financial supervisor for approval or rejection by the commission.

(C) Any initial or subsequent financial plan passed by the municipal corporation, county, or township shall be approved by the commission if it complies with divisions (A)(1) to (7) of this section, and if the commission finds that the plan is bona fide and can reasonably be expected to be implemented within the period specified in the plan.

(D) Any financial plan may be amended subsequent to its adoption in the same manner as the passage and approval of the initial or subsequent plan pursuant to divisions (A) to (C) of this section.

(E) If a municipal corporation, county, or township fails to submit a financial plan as required by this section, or fails to substantially comply with an approved financial plan, upon certification of the commission, all state funding for that municipal corporation, county, or township other than benefit assistance to individuals shall be escrowed until a feasible plan is submitted and approved or substantial compliance with the plan is achieved, as the case may be.

Sec. 118.12.  (A) After the date by which the municipal corporation, county, or township is required to submit a financial plan or segment of a financial plan to the financial planning and supervision commission, if the municipal corporation, county, or township has failed to submit a financial plan or segment as required by this chapter, expenditures from the general fund of the municipal corporation, county, or township in any month may not exceed eighty-five per cent of expenditures from the general fund for such month in the preceding fiscal year, except the commission may authorize a higher per cent for any month upon justification of need by the municipal corporation, county, or township. If considered prudent by the commission, expenditures from any other fund of the municipal corporation, county, or township also may be limited.

(B) After submission of a proposed financial plan by the municipal corporation, county, or township to the commission, until approval or disapproval no expenditure may be made contrary to such proposed financial plan.

(C) After disapproval by the commission of a proposed financial plan, no expenditure may be made by the municipal corporation, county, or township inconsistent with the reasons for disapproval given pursuant to division (B) of section 118.06 of the Revised Code; and if the municipal corporation, county, or township fails to submit a revised financial plan within the time required, the expenditure limits of division (A) of this section are applicable.

(D) After approval of a financial plan, or any amendment thereof, no expenditure may be made contrary to the approved financial plan, or amendment thereof, without the advance approval of the financial supervisor. The commission, by a majority vote, may overrule the decision of the financial supervisor.

Sec. 118.17.  (A) During a fiscal emergency period and with the approval of the financial planning and supervision commission, a municipal corporation, county, or township may issue local government fund notes, in anticipation of amounts to be allocated to it pursuant to division (B) of section 5747.50 of the Revised Code or to be apportioned to it under section 5747.51 or 5747.53 of the Revised Code in a future year or years, for a period of no more than eight calendar years. The principal amount of the notes and interest on the notes due and payable in any year shall not exceed fifty per cent of the total amount of local government fund moneys so allocated or apportioned to the municipal corporation, county, or township for the year preceding the year in which the notes are issued. The notes may mature in semiannual or annual installments in such amounts as may be fixed by the commission, and need not mature in substantially equal semiannual or annual installments. The notes of a municipal corporation may be authorized and issued, subject to the approval of the commission, in the manner provided in sections 717.15 and 717.16 of the Revised Code, except that, notwithstanding division (A)(2) of section 717.16 of the Revised Code, the rate or rates of interest payable on the notes shall be the prevailing market rate or rates as determined and approved by the commission, and except that they shall not be issued in anticipation of bonds, shall not constitute general obligations of the municipal corporation, and shall not pledge the full faith and credit of the municipal corporation.

(B) The principal and interest on the notes provided for in this section shall be payable, as provided in this section, solely from the portion of the local government fund that would otherwise be apportioned to the municipal corporation, county, or township and shall not be payable from or constitute a pledge of or claim upon, or require the levy, collection, or application of, any unvoted ad valorem property taxes or other taxes, or in any manner occupy any portion of the indirect debt limit.

(C) Local government fund notes may be issued only to the extent needed to achieve one or more of the following objectives of the financial plan:

(1) Satisfying any contractual or noncontractual judgments, past due accounts payable, and all past due and payable payroll and fringe benefits to be taken into account under section 118.03 of the Revised Code;

(2) Restoring to construction funds or other restricted funds any money applied from such funds to uses not within the purposes of such funds and which could not be transferred to such use under section 5705.14 of the Revised Code;

(3) Eliminating deficit balances in all deficit funds, including funds that may be used to pay operating expenses.

In addition to the objectives set forth in divisions (C)(1) to (3) of this section, local government fund notes may be issued and the proceeds of those notes may be used for the purpose of retiring or replacing other moneys used to retire current revenue notes issued pursuant to section 118.23 of the Revised Code to the extent that the proceeds of the current revenue notes have been or are to be used directly or to replace other moneys used to achieve one or more of the objectives of the financial plan specified in divisions (C)(1) to (3) of this section. Upon authorization of the local government fund notes by the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, county, or township, the proceeds of the local government fund notes and the proceeds of any such current revenue notes shall be deemed to be appropriated, to the extent that the proceeds have been or are to be so used, for the purposes for which the revenues anticipated by any such current revenue notes are collected and appropriated within the meaning of section 133.10 of the Revised Code.

(D) The need for an issue of local government fund notes for such purposes shall be determined by taking into consideration other money and sources of moneys available therefor under this chapter or other provisions of law, and calculating the respective amounts needed therefor in accordance with section 118.03 of the Revised Code, including the deductions or offsets therein provided, for determining that a fiscal emergency condition exists, and by eliminating any duplication of amounts thereunder. The respective amounts needed to achieve such objectives and the resulting aggregate net amount shall be determined initially by a certification of the fiscal officer as and to the extent approved by the financial supervisor. The principal amount of such notes shall not exceed the aggregate net amount needed for such purposes. The aggregate amount of all issues of such notes shall not exceed three times the average of the allocation or apportionment to the municipal corporation, county, or township of moneys from the local government fund in each of the three fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which the notes are issued.

(E) The proceeds of the sale of local government fund notes shall be appropriated by the municipal corporation, county, or township for and shall be applied only to the purposes, and in the respective amounts for those purposes, set forth in the certification given pursuant to division (D) of this section, as the purposes and amounts may be modified in the approval by the commission provided for in this section. The proceeds shall be deposited in separate accounts with a fiscal agent designated in the resolution referred to in division (F) of this section and released only for such respective purposes in accordance with the procedures set forth in division (D) of section 118.20 of the Revised Code. Any amounts not needed for such purposes shall be deposited with the fiscal agent designated to receive deposits for payment of the principal of and interest due on the notes.

(F) An application for approval by the financial planning and supervision commission of an issue of local government fund notes shall be authorized by a preliminary resolution adopted by the legislative authority. The resolution may authorize the application as a part of the initial submission of the financial plan for approval or as a part of any proposed amendment to an approved financial plan or at any time after the approval of a financial plan, or amendment to a financial plan, that proposes the issue of such notes. The preliminary resolution shall designate a fiscal agent for the deposit of the proceeds of the sale of the notes, and shall contain a covenant of the municipal corporation, county, or township to comply with this chapter and the financial plan.

The commission shall review and evaluate the application and supporting certification and financial supervisor action, and shall thereupon certify its approval or disapproval, or modification and approval, of the application.

The commission shall certify the amounts, maturities, interest rates, and terms of issue of the local government fund notes approved by the commission and the purposes to which the proceeds of the sale of the notes will be applied in respective amounts.

The commission shall certify a copy of its approval, of the preliminary resolution, and of the related certification and action of the financial supervisor to the fiscal officer, the financial supervisor, the county budget commission, the county auditor, the county treasurer, and the fiscal agent designated to receive and disburse the proceeds of the sale of the notes.

(G) Upon the sale of any local government fund notes issued under this section, the commission shall determine a schedule for the deposit of local government fund distributions that are pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on the notes with the fiscal agent or trustee designated in the agreement between the municipal corporation, county, or township and the holders of the notes to receive and disburse the distributions. The amounts to be deposited shall be adequate to provide for the payment of principal and interest on the notes when due and to pay all other proper charges, costs, or expenses pertaining thereto.

The amount of the local government fund moneys apportioned to the municipal corporation, county, or township that is to be so deposited in each year shall not be included in the tax budget and appropriation measures of the municipal corporation, county, or township, or in certificates of estimated revenues, for that year.

The commission shall certify the schedule to the officers designated in division (F) of this section.

(H) Deposit of amounts with the fiscal agent or trustee pursuant to the schedule determined by the commission shall be made from local government fund distributions to or apportioned to the municipal corporation, county, or township as provided in this division. The apportionment of local government fund moneys to the municipal corporation, county, or township for any year from the undivided local government fund shall be determined as to the municipal corporation, county, or township without regard to the amounts to be deposited with the fiscal agent or trustee in that year in accordance with division (G) of this section. After the amount of the undivided local government fund apportioned to the municipal corporation, county, or township for a calendar year is determined, the county auditor and the county treasurer shall withhold from each monthly amount to be distributed to the municipal corporation, county, or township from the undivided local government fund, and transmit to the fiscal agent or trustee for deposit, one-twelfth of the amount scheduled for deposit in that year pursuant to division (G) of this section.

(I) If the commission approves the application, the municipal corporation, county, or township may proceed with the issuance of the notes as approved by the commission.

All notes issued under authority of this section are lawful investments for the entities enumerated in division (A)(1) of section 133.03 of the Revised Code and are eligible as security for the repayment of the deposit of public moneys.

Upon the issuance of any notes under this section, the fiscal officer of the municipal corporation, county, or township shall certify the fact of the issuance to the county auditor and shall also certify to the county auditor the last calendar year in which any of the notes are scheduled to mature.

(J) After the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, county, or township has passed an ordinance or resolution authorizing the issuance of local government fund notes and subsequent to the commission's preliminary or final approval of the ordinance or resolution, the director of law, prosecuting attorney, or other chief legal officer of the municipal corporation, county, or township shall certify a sample of the form and content of a note to be used to issue the local government fund notes to the commission. The commission shall determine whether the sample note is consistent with this section and the ordinance or resolution authorizing the issuance of the local government fund notes, and if the sample note is found to be consistent with this section and the ordinance, the commission shall approve the sample note for use by the municipal corporation, county, or township. The form and content of the notes to be used by the municipal corporation, county, or township in issuing the local government fund notes may be modified at any time subsequent to the commission's approval of the sample note upon the approval of the commission and the director of law, prosecuting attorney, or other chief legal officer of the municipal corporation, county, or township. The failure of the director of law, prosecuting attorney, or other chief legal officer of the municipal corporation, county, or township to make the certification required by this division shall not subject that legal officer to removal pursuant to the Revised Code or the charter of a municipal corporation. If the director of law, prosecuting attorney, or other chief legal officer fails or refuses to make the certification required by this division, or if any officer of the municipal corporation, county, or township fails or refuses to take any action required by this section or the ordinance or resolution authorizing the issuance or sale of local government fund notes, the mayor of the municipal corporation or the board of county commissioners or board of township trustees may cause the commencement of a mandamus action in the supreme court against the director of law, prosecuting attorney, or other chief legal officer to secure the certification required by this division or other action required by this section or the ordinance or resolution. If an adjudication of the matters that could be adjudicated in validation proceedings under section 133.70 of the Revised Code is necessary to a determination of the mandamus action, the mayor, the board of county commissioners, or the board of township trustees or the mayor's or board's legal counsel shall name and cause to be served as defendants to the mandamus action all of the following:

(1) The director of law, prosecuting attorney, or other chief legal officer, or other official of the municipal corporation, county, or township, whose failure or refusal to act necessitated the action;

(2) The municipal corporation, through its mayor, or the board of county commissioners or board of township trustees;

(3) The financial planning and supervision commission, through its chairperson;

(4) The prosecuting attorney and auditor of each county in which the municipal corporation, county, or township is located, in whole or in part;

(5) The auditor of state;

(6) The property owners, taxpayers, citizens of the municipal corporation, county, or township and others having or claiming any right, title, or interest in any property or funds to be affected by the issuance of the local government fund notes by the municipal corporation, county, or township, or otherwise affected in any way thereby.

Service upon all defendants described in division (J)(6) of this section shall be either by publication three times, with at least six days between each publication, in a newspaper of general circulation in Franklin county and a newspaper of general circulation in the county or counties where the municipal corporation, county, or township is located, or by publication in both such newspapers as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. The publication and the notice shall indicate that the nature of the action is in mandamus, the name of the parties to the action, and that the action may result in the validation of the subject local government fund notes. Authorization to commence such an action by the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, county, or township is not required.

A copy of the complaint in the mandamus action shall be served personally or by certified mail upon the attorney general. If the attorney general has reason to believe that the complaint is defective, insufficient, or untrue, or if in the attorney general's opinion the issuance of the local government fund notes is not lawful or has not been duly authorized, defense shall be made to the complaint as the attorney general considers proper.

(K) The action in mandamus authorized by division (J) of this section shall take priority over all other civil cases pending in the court, except habeas corpus, and shall be determined with the least possible delay. The supreme court may determine that the local government fund notes will be consistent with the purpose and effects, including not occupying the indirect debt limit, provided for in this section and will be validly issued and acquired. Such a determination shall include a finding of validation of the subject local government fund notes if the court specifically finds that:

(1) The complaint in mandamus, or subsequent pleadings, include appropriate allegations required by division (C) of section 133.70 of the Revised Code, and that the proceeding is in lieu of an action to validate under section 133.70 of the Revised Code;

(2) All parties described in divisions (J)(1) to (6) of this section have been duly served with notice or are otherwise properly before the court;

(3) Notice of the action has been published as required by division (J) of this section;

(4) The effect of validation is required to provide a complete review and determination of the controversy in mandamus, and to avoid duplication of litigation, danger of inconsistent results, or inordinate delay in light of the fiscal emergency, or that a disposition in the mandamus action would, as a practical matter, be dispositive of any subsequent validation proceedings under section 133.70 of the Revised Code.

(L) Any decision that includes a finding of validation has the same effect as a validation order established by an action under section 133.70 of the Revised Code.

(M) Divisions (J) and (K) of this section do not prevent a municipal corporation, county, or township from using section 133.70 of the Revised Code to validate local government fund notes by the filing of a petition for validation in the court of common pleas of the county in which the municipal corporation, county, or township is located, in whole or in part.

(N) It is hereby determined by the general assembly that a validation action authorized by section 133.70 of the Revised Code is not an adequate remedy at law with respect to a municipal corporation, county, or township that is a party to a mandamus action pursuant to divisions (J) and (K) of this section and in which a fiscal emergency condition has been determined to exist pursuant to section 118.04 of the Revised Code because of, but not limited to, the following reasons:

(1) It is urgently necessary for such a municipal corporation, county, or township to take prompt action to issue local government fund notes for the purposes provided in division (C) of this section;

(2) The potentially ruinous effect upon the fiscal condition of a municipal corporation, county, or township by the passage of the time required to adjudicate such a separate validation action and any appeals thereof;

(3) The reasons stated in division (K)(4) of this section.

Sec. 118.31.  (A) Upon petition of the financial supervisor and approval of the financial planning and supervision commission, if any, the attorney general shall file a court action to dissolve a municipal corporation, county, or township if all of the following conditions apply:

(1) The municipal corporation, county, or township has a population of less than five thousand as of the most recent federal decennial census.

(2) The municipal corporation, county, or township has been under a fiscal emergency for at least two consecutive years.

(3) Implementation of the financial plan of the municipal corporation, county, or township required under this chapter cannot reasonably be expected to correct and eliminate all fiscal emergency conditions within five years.

(B) If the court finds that all of the conditions described in division (A) of this section apply to the municipal corporation, county, or township, it shall enter an order removing the executive and legislative officers of the municipal corporation, county, or township and appoint a receiver to execute all management duties. The receiver, under court supervision, shall wind up the affairs of the municipal corporation, county, or township and dissolve it.

Sec. 118.99.  (A) During the fiscal emergency period, no officer or employee of the municipal corporation, county, or township shall do any of the following:

(1) Knowingly enter into any contract, financial obligation, or other liability of the municipal corporation, county, or township involving an expenditure, or make any expenditure in excess of the amount permitted by section 118.12 of the Revised Code;

(2) Knowingly enter into any contract, financial obligation, or other liability of the municipal corporation, county, or township, or knowingly execute or deliver debt obligations, or transfer, advance, or borrow moneys from one fund of the municipal corporation, county, or township to or for any other fund of the municipal corporation, county, or township where any of such actions are required to be approved by the financial planning and supervision commission unless such actions have been so approved or deemed to be approved as provided in or pursuant to this chapter;

(3) Knowingly fail or refuse to take any of the actions required by this chapter for the preparation or amendment of the financial plan, or knowingly prepare, present, or certify any information or report for the commission or any of its employees, advisory committees, task forces, or agents that is false or misleading or which is recklessly prepared or presented without due care for its accuracy, or, upon learning that any such information is false or misleading, or was recklessly prepared or presented, knowingly fail promptly to advise the commission, or the employee, advisory committee, task force, or agent to whom such information was given, of that fact;

(4) Knowingly use or cause to be used moneys of a construction fund for purposes other than the lawful purposes of the construction fund, or knowingly use or cause to be used moneys of a fund created under this chapter for the payment of principal and interest on debt obligations, or a bond retirement fund, or sinking fund for other than the payment of the principal of and interest on debt obligations or other authorized costs or payments from such funds, or knowingly fail to perform the duty of such officer or employee to cause the prompt deposit of moneys to any of the funds referred to in this division.

(B) The prohibitions set forth in division (A) of this section are in addition to any other prohibitions provided by law for a municipal corporation, county, or township, or by or pursuant to a municipal charter.

(C) In addition to any other penalty or liability provided by law for a municipal corporation, county, or township, or by or pursuant to a municipal charter, a violation of division (A)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree. Upon conviction of any officer or employee of a municipal corporation, county, or township for any violation under division (A)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section, such officer or employee shall forfeit office or employment. For the seven-year period immediately following the date of conviction, such officer shall also be ineligible to hold any public office or other position of trust in this state or be employed by any public entity in this state.

Sec. 121.03.  The following administrative department heads shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, and shall hold their offices during the term of the appointing governor, and are subject to removal at the pleasure of the governor.

(A) The director of budget and management;

(B) The director of commerce;

(C) The director of transportation;

(D) The director of agriculture;

(E) The director of job and family services;

(F) Until July 1, 1997, the director of liquor control;

(G) The director of public safety;

(H) The superintendent of insurance;

(I) The director of development;

(J) The tax commissioner;

(K) The director of administrative services;

(L) The director of natural resources;

(M) The director of mental health;

(N) The director of developmental disabilities;

(O) The director of health;

(P) The director of youth services;

(Q) The director of rehabilitation and correction;

(R) The director of environmental protection;

(S) The director of aging;

(T) The director of alcohol and drug addiction services;

(U) The administrator of workers' compensation who meets the qualifications required under division (A) of section 4121.121 of the Revised Code;

(V) The director of veterans services who meets the qualifications required under section 5902.01 of the Revised Code;

(W) The chancellor of the Ohio board of regents.

Sec. 121.04.  Offices are created within the several departments as follows:

In the department of commerce:

In the department of administrative services:

In the department of agriculture:

Chiefs of divisions as follows:

In the department of natural resources:

Chiefs of divisions as follows:

In the department of insurance:

Sec. 121.22.  (A) This section shall be liberally construed to require public officials to take official action and to conduct all deliberations upon official business only in open meetings unless the subject matter is specifically excepted by law.

(B) As used in this section:

(1) "Public body" means any of the following:

(a) Any board, commission, committee, council, or similar decision-making body of a state agency, institution, or authority, and any legislative authority or board, commission, committee, council, agency, authority, or similar decision-making body of any county, township, municipal corporation, school district, or other political subdivision or local public institution;

(b) Any committee or subcommittee of a body described in division (B)(1)(a) of this section;

(c) A court of jurisdiction of a sanitary district organized wholly for the purpose of providing a water supply for domestic, municipal, and public use when meeting for the purpose of the appointment, removal, or reappointment of a member of the board of directors of such a district pursuant to section 6115.10 of the Revised Code, if applicable, or for any other matter related to such a district other than litigation involving the district. As used in division (B)(1)(c) of this section, "court of jurisdiction" has the same meaning as "court" in section 6115.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Meeting" means any prearranged discussion of the public business of the public body by a majority of its members.

(3) "Regulated individual" means either of the following:

(a) A student in a state or local public educational institution;

(b) A person who is, voluntarily or involuntarily, an inmate, patient, or resident of a state or local institution because of criminal behavior, mental illness or retardation, disease, disability, age, or other condition requiring custodial care.

(4) "Public office" has the same meaning as in section 149.011 of the Revised Code.

(C) All meetings of any public body are declared to be public meetings open to the public at all times. A member of a public body shall be present in person at a meeting open to the public to be considered present or to vote at the meeting and for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the meeting.

The minutes of a regular or special meeting of any public body shall be promptly prepared, filed, and maintained and shall be open to public inspection. The minutes need only reflect the general subject matter of discussions in executive sessions authorized under division (G) or (J) of this section.

(D) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) A grand jury;

(2) An audit conference conducted by the auditor of state or independent certified public accountants with officials of the public office that is the subject of the audit;

(3) The adult parole authority when its hearings are conducted at a correctional institution for the sole purpose of interviewing inmates to determine parole or pardon;

(4) The organized crime investigations commission established under section 177.01 of the Revised Code;

(5) Meetings of a child fatality review board established under section 307.621 of the Revised Code and meetings conducted pursuant to sections 5153.171 to 5153.173 of the Revised Code;

(6) The state medical board when determining whether to suspend a certificate without a prior hearing pursuant to division (G) of either section 4730.25 or 4731.22 of the Revised Code;

(7) The board of nursing when determining whether to suspend a license or certificate without a prior hearing pursuant to division (B) of section 4723.281 of the Revised Code;

(8) The state board of pharmacy when determining whether to suspend a license without a prior hearing pursuant to division (D) of section 4729.16 of the Revised Code;

(9) The state chiropractic board when determining whether to suspend a license without a hearing pursuant to section 4734.37 of the Revised Code;

(10) The executive committee of the emergency response commission when determining whether to issue an enforcement order or request that a civil action, civil penalty action, or criminal action be brought to enforce Chapter 3750. of the Revised Code;

(11) The board of directors of the nonprofit corporation formed under section 187.01 of the Revised Code or any committee thereof, and the board of directors of any subsidiary of that corporation or a committee thereof;

(12) An audit conference conducted by the audit staff of the department of job and family services with officials of the public office that is the subject of that audit under section 5101.37 of the Revised Code.

(E) The controlling board, the development financing advisory council, the industrial technology and enterprise advisory council, the tax credit authority, or the minority development financing advisory board, when meeting to consider granting assistance pursuant to Chapter 122. or 166. of the Revised Code, in order to protect the interest of the applicant or the possible investment of public funds, by unanimous vote of all board, council, or authority members present, may close the meeting during consideration of the following information confidentially received by the authority, council, or board from the applicant:

(1) Marketing plans;

(2) Specific business strategy;

(3) Production techniques and trade secrets;

(4) Financial projections;

(5) Personal financial statements of the applicant or members of the applicant's immediate family, including, but not limited to, tax records or other similar information not open to public inspection.

The vote by the authority, council, or board to accept or reject the application, as well as all proceedings of the authority, council, or board not subject to this division, shall be open to the public and governed by this section.

(F) Every public body, by rule, shall establish a reasonable method whereby any person may determine the time and place of all regularly scheduled meetings and the time, place, and purpose of all special meetings. A public body shall not hold a special meeting unless it gives at least twenty-four hours' advance notice to the news media that have requested notification, except in the event of an emergency requiring immediate official action. In the event of an emergency, the member or members calling the meeting shall notify the news media that have requested notification immediately of the time, place, and purpose of the meeting.

The rule shall provide that any person, upon request and payment of a reasonable fee, may obtain reasonable advance notification of all meetings at which any specific type of public business is to be discussed. Provisions for advance notification may include, but are not limited to, mailing the agenda of meetings to all subscribers on a mailing list or mailing notices in self-addressed, stamped envelopes provided by the person.

(G) Except as provided in division (J) of this section, the members of a public body may hold an executive session only after a majority of a quorum of the public body determines, by a roll call vote, to hold an executive session and only at a regular or special meeting for the sole purpose of the consideration of any of the following matters:

(1) To consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official, or the investigation of charges or complaints against a public employee, official, licensee, or regulated individual, unless the public employee, official, licensee, or regulated individual requests a public hearing. Except as otherwise provided by law, no public body shall hold an executive session for the discipline of an elected official for conduct related to the performance of the elected official's official duties or for the elected official's removal from office. If a public body holds an executive session pursuant to division (G)(1) of this section, the motion and vote to hold that executive session shall state which one or more of the approved purposes listed in division (G)(1) of this section are the purposes for which the executive session is to be held, but need not include the name of any person to be considered at the meeting.

(2) To consider the purchase of property for public purposes, or for the sale of property at competitive bidding, if premature disclosure of information would give an unfair competitive or bargaining advantage to a person whose personal, private interest is adverse to the general public interest. No member of a public body shall use division (G)(2) of this section as a subterfuge for providing covert information to prospective buyers or sellers. A purchase or sale of public property is void if the seller or buyer of the public property has received covert information from a member of a public body that has not been disclosed to the general public in sufficient time for other prospective buyers and sellers to prepare and submit offers.

If the minutes of the public body show that all meetings and deliberations of the public body have been conducted in compliance with this section, any instrument executed by the public body purporting to convey, lease, or otherwise dispose of any right, title, or interest in any public property shall be conclusively presumed to have been executed in compliance with this section insofar as title or other interest of any bona fide purchasers, lessees, or transferees of the property is concerned.

(3) Conferences with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action;

(4) Preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment;

(5) Matters required to be kept confidential by federal law or regulations or state statutes;

(6) Details relative to the security arrangements and emergency response protocols for a public body or a public office, if disclosure of the matters discussed could reasonably be expected to jeopardize the security of the public body or public office;

(7) In the case of a county hospital operated pursuant to Chapter 339. of the Revised Code, a joint township hospital operated pursuant to Chapter 513. of the Revised Code, or a municipal hospital operated pursuant to Chapter 749. of the Revised Code, to consider trade secrets, as defined in section 1333.61 of the Revised Code.

If a public body holds an executive session to consider any of the matters listed in divisions (G)(2) to (7) of this section, the motion and vote to hold that executive session shall state which one or more of the approved matters listed in those divisions are to be considered at the executive session.

A public body specified in division (B)(1)(c) of this section shall not hold an executive session when meeting for the purposes specified in that division.

(H) A resolution, rule, or formal action of any kind is invalid unless adopted in an open meeting of the public body. A resolution, rule, or formal action adopted in an open meeting that results from deliberations in a meeting not open to the public is invalid unless the deliberations were for a purpose specifically authorized in division (G) or (J) of this section and conducted at an executive session held in compliance with this section. A resolution, rule, or formal action adopted in an open meeting is invalid if the public body that adopted the resolution, rule, or formal action violated division (F) of this section.

(I)(1) Any person may bring an action to enforce this section. An action under division (I)(1) of this section shall be brought within two years after the date of the alleged violation or threatened violation. Upon proof of a violation or threatened violation of this section in an action brought by any person, the court of common pleas shall issue an injunction to compel the members of the public body to comply with its provisions.

(2)(a) If the court of common pleas issues an injunction pursuant to division (I)(1) of this section, the court shall order the public body that it enjoins to pay a civil forfeiture of five hundred dollars to the party that sought the injunction and shall award to that party all court costs and, subject to reduction as described in division (I)(2) of this section, reasonable attorney's fees. The court, in its discretion, may reduce an award of attorney's fees to the party that sought the injunction or not award attorney's fees to that party if the court determines both of the following:

(i) That, based on the ordinary application of statutory law and case law as it existed at the time of violation or threatened violation that was the basis of the injunction, a well-informed public body reasonably would believe that the public body was not violating or threatening to violate this section;

(ii) That a well-informed public body reasonably would believe that the conduct or threatened conduct that was the basis of the injunction would serve the public policy that underlies the authority that is asserted as permitting that conduct or threatened conduct.

(b) If the court of common pleas does not issue an injunction pursuant to division (I)(1) of this section and the court determines at that time that the bringing of the action was frivolous conduct, as defined in division (A) of section 2323.51 of the Revised Code, the court shall award to the public body all court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, as determined by the court.

(3) Irreparable harm and prejudice to the party that sought the injunction shall be conclusively and irrebuttably presumed upon proof of a violation or threatened violation of this section.

(4) A member of a public body who knowingly violates an injunction issued pursuant to division (I)(1) of this section may be removed from office by an action brought in the court of common pleas for that purpose by the prosecuting attorney or the attorney general.

(J)(1) Pursuant to division (C) of section 5901.09 of the Revised Code, a veterans service commission shall hold an executive session for one or more of the following purposes unless an applicant requests a public hearing:

(a) Interviewing an applicant for financial assistance under sections 5901.01 to 5901.15 of the Revised Code;

(b) Discussing applications, statements, and other documents described in division (B) of section 5901.09 of the Revised Code;

(c) Reviewing matters relating to an applicant's request for financial assistance under sections 5901.01 to 5901.15 of the Revised Code.

(2) A veterans service commission shall not exclude an applicant for, recipient of, or former recipient of financial assistance under sections 5901.01 to 5901.15 of the Revised Code, and shall not exclude representatives selected by the applicant, recipient, or former recipient, from a meeting that the commission conducts as an executive session that pertains to the applicant's, recipient's, or former recipient's application for financial assistance.

(3) A veterans service commission shall vote on the grant or denial of financial assistance under sections 5901.01 to 5901.15 of the Revised Code only in an open meeting of the commission. The minutes of the meeting shall indicate the name, address, and occupation of the applicant, whether the assistance was granted or denied, the amount of the assistance if assistance is granted, and the votes for and against the granting of assistance.

Sec. 121.37.  (A)(1) There is hereby created the Ohio family and children first cabinet council. The council shall be composed of the superintendent of public instruction, the administrator of the rehabilitation services commission, and the directors of youth services, job and family services, mental health, health, alcohol and drug addiction services, developmental disabilities, aging, rehabilitation and correction, and budget and management. The chairperson of the council shall be the governor or the governor's designee and shall establish procedures for the council's internal control and management.

The purpose of the cabinet council is to help families seeking government services. This section shall not be interpreted or applied to usurp the role of parents, but solely to streamline and coordinate existing government services for families seeking assistance for their children.

(2) In seeking to fulfill its purpose, the council may do any of the following:

(a) Advise and make recommendations to the governor and general assembly regarding the provision of services to children;

(b) Advise and assess local governments on the coordination of service delivery to children;

(c) Hold meetings at such times and places as may be prescribed by the council's procedures and maintain records of the meetings, except that records identifying individual children are confidential and shall be disclosed only as provided by law;

(d) Develop programs and projects, including pilot projects, to encourage coordinated efforts at the state and local level to improve the state's social service delivery system;

(e) Enter into contracts with and administer grants to county family and children first councils, as well as other county or multicounty organizations to plan and coordinate service delivery between state agencies and local service providers for families and children;

(f) Enter into contracts with and apply for grants from federal agencies or private organizations;

(g) Enter into interagency agreements to encourage coordinated efforts at the state and local level to improve the state's social service delivery system. The agreements may include provisions regarding the receipt, transfer, and expenditure of funds;

(h) Identify public and private funding sources for services provided to alleged or adjudicated unruly children and children who are at risk of being alleged or adjudicated unruly children, including regulations governing access to and use of the services;

(i) Collect information provided by local communities regarding successful programs for prevention, intervention, and treatment of unruly behavior, including evaluations of the programs;

(j) Identify and disseminate publications regarding alleged or adjudicated unruly children and children who are at risk of being alleged or adjudicated unruly children and regarding programs serving those types of children;

(k) Maintain an inventory of strategic planning facilitators for use by government or nonprofit entities that serve alleged or adjudicated unruly children or children who are at risk of being alleged or adjudicated unruly children.

(3) The cabinet council shall provide for the following:

(a) Reviews of service and treatment plans for children for which such reviews are requested;

(b) Assistance as the council determines to be necessary to meet the needs of children referred by county family and children first councils;

(c) Monitoring and supervision of a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multi-disciplinary, interagency system for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities or delays and their families, as established pursuant to federal grants received and administered by the department of health for early intervention services under the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004," 20 U.S.C.A. 1400, as amended.

(4) The cabinet council shall develop and implement the following:

(a) An interagency process to select the indicators that will be used to measure progress toward increasing child well-being in the state and to update the indicators on an annual basis. The indicators shall focus on expectant parents and newborns thriving; infants and toddlers thriving; children being ready for school; children and youth succeeding in school; youth choosing healthy behaviors; and youth successfully transitioning into adulthood.

(b) An interagency system to offer guidance and monitor progress toward increasing child well-being in the state and in each county;

(c) An annual plan that identifies state-level agency efforts taken to ensure progress towards increasing child well-being in the state.

On an annual basis, the cabinet council shall submit to the governor and the general assembly a report on the status of efforts to increase child well-being in the state. This report shall be made available to any other person on request.

(B)(1) Each board of county commissioners shall establish a county family and children first council. The board may invite any local public or private agency or group that funds, advocates, or provides services to children and families to have a representative become a permanent or temporary member of its county council. Each county council must include the following individuals:

(a) At least three individuals who are not employed by an agency represented on the council and whose families are or have received services from an agency represented on the council or another county's council. Where possible, the number of members representing families shall be equal to twenty per cent of the council's membership.

(b) The director of the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services that serves the county, or, in the case of a county that has a board of alcohol and drug addiction services and a community mental health board, the directors of both boards. If a board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services covers more than one county, the director may designate a person to participate on the county's council.

(c) The health commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, of the board of health of each city and general health district in the county. If the county has two or more health districts, the health commissioner membership may be limited to the commissioners of the two districts with the largest populations.

(d) The director of the county department of job and family services;

(e) The executive director of the public children services agency;

(f) The superintendent of the county board of developmental disabilities;

(g) The superintendent of the city, exempted village, or local school district with the largest number of pupils residing in the county, as determined by the department of education, which shall notify each board of county commissioners of its determination at least biennially;

(h) A school superintendent representing all other school districts with territory in the county, as designated at a biennial meeting of the superintendents of those districts;

(i) A representative of the municipal corporation with the largest population in the county;

(j) The president of the board of county commissioners or an individual designated by the board;

(k) A representative of the regional office of the department of youth services;

(l) A representative of the county's head start agencies, as defined in section 3301.32 of the Revised Code;

(m) A representative of the county's early intervention collaborative established pursuant to the federal early intervention program operated under the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004";

(n) A representative of a local nonprofit entity that funds, advocates, or provides services to children and families.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the public members of a county council are not prohibited from serving on the council and making decisions regarding the duties of the council, including those involving the funding of joint projects and those outlined in the county's service coordination mechanism implemented pursuant to division (C) of this section.

The cabinet council shall establish a state appeals process to resolve disputes among the members of a county council concerning whether reasonable responsibilities as members are being shared. The appeals process may be accessed only by a majority vote of the council members who are required to serve on the council. Upon appeal, the cabinet council may order that state funds for services to children and families be redirected to a county's board of county commissioners.

The county's juvenile court judge senior in service or another judge of the juvenile court designated by the administrative judge or, where there is no administrative judge, by the judge senior in service shall serve as the judicial advisor to the county family and children first council. The judge may advise the county council on the court's utilization of resources, services, or programs provided by the entities represented by the members of the county council and how those resources, services, or programs assist the court in its administration of justice. Service of a judge as a judicial advisor pursuant to this section is a judicial function.

(2) The purpose of the county council is to streamline and coordinate existing government services for families seeking services for their children. In seeking to fulfill its purpose, a county council shall provide for the following:

(a) Referrals to the cabinet council of those children for whom the county council cannot provide adequate services;

(b) Development and implementation of a process that annually evaluates and prioritizes services, fills service gaps where possible, and invents new approaches to achieve better results for families and children;

(c) Participation in the development of a countywide, comprehensive, coordinated, multi-disciplinary, interagency system for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities or delays and their families, as established pursuant to federal grants received and administered by the department of health for early intervention services under the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004";

(d) Maintenance of an accountability system to monitor the county council's progress in achieving results for families and children;

(e) Establishment of a mechanism to ensure ongoing input from a broad representation of families who are receiving services within the county system.

(3) A county council shall develop and implement the following:

(a) An interagency process to establish local indicators and monitor the county's progress toward increasing child well-being in the county;

(b) An interagency process to identify local priorities to increase child well-being. The local priorities shall focus on expectant parents and newborns thriving; infants and toddlers thriving; children being ready for school; children and youth succeeding in school; youth choosing healthy behaviors; and youth successfully transitioning into adulthood and take into account the indicators established by the cabinet council under division (A)(4)(a) of this section.

(c) An annual plan that identifies the county's interagency efforts to increase child well-being in the county.

On an annual basis, the county council shall submit a report on the status of efforts by the county to increase child well-being in the county to the county's board of county commissioners and the cabinet council. This report shall be made available to any other person on request.

(4)(a) Except as provided in division (B)(4)(b) of this section, a county council shall comply with the policies, procedures, and activities prescribed by the rules or interagency agreements of a state department participating on the cabinet council whenever the county council performs a function subject to those rules or agreements.

(b) On application of a county council, the cabinet council may grant an exemption from any rules or interagency agreements of a state department participating on the council if an exemption is necessary for the council to implement an alternative program or approach for service delivery to families and children. The application shall describe the proposed program or approach and specify the rules or interagency agreements from which an exemption is necessary. The cabinet council shall approve or disapprove the application in accordance with standards and procedures it shall adopt. If an application is approved, the exemption is effective only while the program or approach is being implemented, including a reasonable period during which the program or approach is being evaluated for effectiveness.

(5)(a) Each county council shall designate an administrative agent for the council from among the following public entities: the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services, including a board of alcohol and drug addiction or a community mental health board if the county is served by separate boards; the board of county commissioners; any board of health of the county's city and general health districts; the county department of job and family services; the county agency responsible for the administration of children services pursuant to section 5153.15 of the Revised Code; the county board of developmental disabilities; any of the county's boards of education or governing boards of educational service centers; or the county's juvenile court. Any of the foregoing public entities, other than the board of county commissioners, may decline to serve as the council's administrative agent.

A county council's administrative agent shall serve as the council's appointing authority for any employees of the council. The council shall file an annual budget with its administrative agent, with copies filed with the county auditor and with the board of county commissioners, unless the board is serving as the council's administrative agent. The council's administrative agent shall ensure that all expenditures are handled in accordance with policies, procedures, and activities prescribed by state departments in rules or interagency agreements that are applicable to the council's functions.

The administrative agent of a county council shall send notice of a member's absence if a member listed in division (B)(1) of this section has been absent from either three consecutive meetings of the county council or a county council subcommittee, or from one-quarter of such meetings in a calendar year, whichever is less. The notice shall be sent to the board of county commissioners that establishes the county council and, for the members listed in divisions (B)(1)(b), (c), (e), and (l) of this section, to the governing board overseeing the respective entity; for the member listed in division (B)(1)(f) of this section, to the county board of developmental disabilities that employs the superintendent; for a member listed in division (B)(1)(g) or (h) of this section, to the school board that employs the superintendent; for the member listed in division (B)(1)(i) of this section, to the mayor of the municipal corporation; for the member listed in division (B)(1)(k) of this section, to the director of youth services; and for the member listed in division (B)(1)(n) of this section, to that member's board of trustees.

The administrative agent for a county council may do any of the following on behalf of the council:

(i) Enter into agreements or administer contracts with public or private entities to fulfill specific council business. Such agreements and contracts are exempt from the competitive bidding requirements of section 307.86 of the Revised Code if they have been approved by the county council and they are for the purchase of family and child welfare or child protection services or other social or job and family services for families and children. The approval of the county council is not required to exempt agreements or contracts entered into under section 5139.34, 5139.41, or 5139.43 of the Revised Code from the competitive bidding requirements of section 307.86 of the Revised Code.

(ii) As determined by the council, provide financial stipends, reimbursements, or both, to family representatives for expenses related to council activity;

(iii) Receive by gift, grant, devise, or bequest any moneys, lands, or other property for the purposes for which the council is established. The agent shall hold, apply, and dispose of the moneys, lands, or other property according to the terms of the gift, grant, devise, or bequest. Any interest or earnings shall be treated in the same manner and are subject to the same terms as the gift, grant, devise, or bequest from which it accrues.

(b)(i) If the county council designates the board of county commissioners as its administrative agent, the board may, by resolution, delegate any of its powers and duties as administrative agent to an executive committee the board establishes from the membership of the county council. The board shall name to the executive committee at least the individuals described in divisions (B)(1)(b) to (h) of this section and may appoint the president of the board or another individual as the chair of the executive committee. The executive committee must include at least one family county council representative who does not have a family member employed by an agency represented on the council.

(ii) The executive committee may, with the approval of the board, hire an executive director to assist the county council in administering its powers and duties. The executive director shall serve in the unclassified civil service at the pleasure of the executive committee. The executive director may, with the approval of the executive committee, hire other employees as necessary to properly conduct the county council's business.

(iii) The board may require the executive committee to submit an annual budget to the board for approval and may amend or repeal the resolution that delegated to the executive committee its authority as the county council's administrative agent.

(6) Two or more county councils may enter into an agreement to administer their county councils jointly by creating a regional family and children first council. A regional council possesses the same duties and authority possessed by a county council, except that the duties and authority apply regionally rather than to individual counties. Prior to entering into an agreement to create a regional council, the members of each county council to be part of the regional council shall meet to determine whether all or part of the members of each county council will serve as members of the regional council.

(7) A board of county commissioners may approve a resolution by a majority vote of the board's members that requires the county council to submit a statement to the board each time the council proposes to enter into an agreement, adopt a plan, or make a decision, other than a decision pursuant to section 121.38 of the Revised Code, that requires the expenditure of funds for two or more families. The statement shall describe the proposed agreement, plan, or decision.

Not later than fifteen days after the board receives the statement, it shall, by resolution approved by a majority of its members, approve or disapprove the agreement, plan, or decision. Failure of the board to pass a resolution during that time period shall be considered approval of the agreement, plan, or decision.

An agreement, plan, or decision for which a statement is required to be submitted to the board shall be implemented only if it is approved by the board.

(C) Each county shall develop a county service coordination mechanism. The county service coordination mechanism shall serve as the guiding document for coordination of services in the county. For children who also receive services under the help me grow program, the service coordination mechanism shall be consistent with rules adopted by the department of health under section 3701.61 of the Revised Code. All family service coordination plans shall be developed in accordance with the county service coordination mechanism. The mechanism shall be developed and approved with the participation of the county entities representing child welfare; mental retardation and developmental disabilities; alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services; health; juvenile judges; education; the county family and children first council; and the county early intervention collaborative established pursuant to the federal early intervention program operated under the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004." The county shall establish an implementation schedule for the mechanism. The cabinet council may monitor the implementation and administration of each county's service coordination mechanism.

Each mechanism shall include all of the following:

(1) A procedure for an agency, including a juvenile court, or a family voluntarily seeking service coordination, to refer the child and family to the county council for service coordination in accordance with the mechanism;

(2) A procedure ensuring that a family and all appropriate staff from involved agencies, including a representative from the appropriate school district, are notified of and invited to participate in all family service coordination plan meetings;

(3) A procedure that permits a family to initiate a meeting to develop or review the family's service coordination plan and allows the family to invite a family advocate, mentor, or support person of the family's choice to participate in any such meeting;

(4) A procedure for ensuring that a family service coordination plan meeting is conducted for each child who receives service coordination under the mechanism and for whom an emergency out-of-home placement has been made or for whom a nonemergency out-of-home placement is being considered. The meeting shall be conducted within ten days of an emergency out-of-home placement. The meeting shall be conducted before a nonemergency out-of-home placement. The family service coordination plan shall outline how the county council members will jointly pay for services, where applicable, and provide services in the least restrictive environment.

(5) A procedure for monitoring the progress and tracking the outcomes of each service coordination plan requested in the county including monitoring and tracking children in out-of-home placements to assure continued progress, appropriateness of placement, and continuity of care after discharge from placement with appropriate arrangements for housing, treatment, and education.

(6) A procedure for protecting the confidentiality of all personal family information disclosed during service coordination meetings or contained in the comprehensive family service coordination plan.

(7) A procedure for assessing the needs and strengths of any child or family that has been referred to the council for service coordination, including a child whose parent or custodian is voluntarily seeking services, and for ensuring that parents and custodians are afforded the opportunity to participate;

(8) A procedure for development of a family service coordination plan described in division (D) of this section;

(9) A local dispute resolution process to serve as the process that must be used first to resolve disputes among the agencies represented on the county council concerning the provision of services to children, including children who are abused, neglected, dependent, unruly, alleged unruly, or delinquent children and under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and children whose parents or custodians are voluntarily seeking services. The local dispute resolution process shall comply with sections 121.38, 121.381, and 121.382 of the Revised Code. The local dispute resolution process shall be used to resolve disputes between a child's parents or custodians and the county council regarding service coordination. The county council shall inform the parents or custodians of their right to use the dispute resolution process. Parents or custodians shall use existing local agency grievance procedures to address disputes not involving service coordination. The dispute resolution process is in addition to and does not replace other rights or procedures that parents or custodians may have under other sections of the Revised Code.

The cabinet council shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing an administrative review process to address problems that arise concerning the operation of a local dispute resolution process.

Nothing in division (C)(4) of this section shall be interpreted as overriding or affecting decisions of a juvenile court regarding an out-of-home placement, long-term placement, or emergency out-of-home placement.

(D) Each county shall develop a family service coordination plan that does all of the following:

(1) Designates service responsibilities among the various state and local agencies that provide services to children and their families, including children who are abused, neglected, dependent, unruly, or delinquent children and under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and children whose parents or custodians are voluntarily seeking services;

(2) Designates an individual, approved by the family, to track the progress of the family service coordination plan, schedule reviews as necessary, and facilitate the family service coordination plan meeting process;

(3) Ensures that assistance and services to be provided are responsive to the strengths and needs of the family, as well as the family's culture, race, and ethnic group, by allowing the family to offer information and suggestions and participate in decisions. Identified assistance and services shall be provided in the least restrictive environment possible.

(4) Includes a process for dealing with a child who is alleged to be an unruly child. The process shall include methods to divert the child from the juvenile court system;

(5) Includes timelines for completion of goals specified in the plan with regular reviews scheduled to monitor progress toward those goals;

(6) Includes a plan for dealing with short-term crisis situations and safety concerns.

(E)(1) The process provided for under division (D)(4) of this section may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) Designation of the person or agency to conduct the assessment of the child and the child's family as described in division (C)(7) of this section and designation of the instrument or instruments to be used to conduct the assessment;

(b) An emphasis on the personal responsibilities of the child and the parental responsibilities of the parents, guardian, or custodian of the child;

(c) Involvement of local law enforcement agencies and officials.

(2) The method to divert a child from the juvenile court system that must be included in the service coordination process may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) The preparation of a complaint under section 2151.27 of the Revised Code alleging that the child is an unruly child and notifying the child and the parents, guardian, or custodian that the complaint has been prepared to encourage the child and the parents, guardian, or custodian to comply with other methods to divert the child from the juvenile court system;

(b) Conducting a meeting with the child, the parents, guardian, or custodian, and other interested parties to determine the appropriate methods to divert the child from the juvenile court system;

(c) A method to provide to the child and the child's family a short-term respite from a short-term crisis situation involving a confrontation between the child and the parents, guardian, or custodian;

(d) A program to provide a mentor to the child or the parents, guardian, or custodian;

(e) A program to provide parenting education to the parents, guardian, or custodian;

(f) An alternative school program for children who are truant from school, repeatedly disruptive in school, or suspended or expelled from school;

(g) Other appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, any alternative methods to divert a child from the juvenile court system that are identified by the Ohio family and children first cabinet council.

(F) Each county may review and revise the service coordination process described in division (D) of this section based on the availability of funds under Title IV-A of the "Social Security Act," 110 Stat. 2113 (1996), 42 U.S.C.A. 601, as amended, or to the extent resources are available from any other federal, state, or local funds.

Sec. 121.40.  (A) There is hereby created the Ohio community commission on service council and volunteerism consisting of twenty-one voting members including the superintendent of public instruction or the superintendent's designee, the chancellor of the Ohio board of regents or the chancellor's designee, the director of youth services or the director's designee, the director of aging or the director's designee, the chairperson of the committee of the house of representatives dealing with education or the chairperson's designee, the chairperson of the committee of the senate dealing with education or the chairperson's designee, and fifteen members who shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate and who shall serve terms of office of three years. The appointees shall include educators, including teachers and administrators; representatives of youth organizations; students and parents; representatives of organizations engaged in volunteer program development and management throughout the state, including youth and conservation programs; and representatives of business, government, nonprofit organizations, social service agencies, veterans organizations, religious organizations, or philanthropies that support or encourage volunteerism within the state. The director of the governor's office of faith-based and community initiatives shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member of the council commission. Members of the council commission shall receive no compensation, but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(B) The council commission shall appoint an executive director for the council commission, who shall be in the unclassified civil service. The governor shall be informed of the appointment of an executive director before such an appointment is made. The executive director shall supervise the council's commission's activities and report to the council commission on the progress of those activities. The executive director shall do all things necessary for the efficient and effective implementation of the duties of the council commission.

The responsibilities assigned to the executive director do not relieve the members of the council commission from final responsibility for the proper performance of the requirements of this section.

(C) The council commission or its designee shall do all of the following:

(1) Employ, promote, supervise, and remove all employees as needed in connection with the performance of its duties under this section and may assign duties to those employees as necessary to achieve the most efficient performance of its functions, and to that end may establish, change, or abolish positions, and assign and reassign duties and responsibilities of any employee of the council commission. Personnel employed by the council commission who are subject to Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code shall retain all of their rights and benefits conferred pursuant to that chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as eliminating or interfering with Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code or the rights and benefits conferred under that chapter to public employees or to any bargaining unit.

(2) Maintain its office in Columbus, and may hold sessions at any place within the state;

(3) Acquire facilities, equipment, and supplies necessary to house the council commission, its employees, and files and records under its control, and to discharge any duty imposed upon it by law. The expense of these acquisitions shall be audited and paid for in the same manner as other state expenses. For that purpose, the council commission shall prepare and submit to the office of budget and management a budget for each biennium according to sections 101.532 and 107.03 of the Revised Code. The budget submitted shall cover the costs of the council commission and its staff in the discharge of any duty imposed upon the council commission by law. The council commission shall not delegate any authority to obligate funds.

(4) Pay its own payroll and other operating expenses from line items designated by the general assembly;

(5) Retain its fiduciary responsibility as appointing authority. Any transaction instructions shall be certified by the appointing authority or its designee.

(6) Establish the overall policy and management of the council commission in accordance with this chapter;

(7) Assist in coordinating and preparing the state application for funds under sections 101 to 184 of the "National and Community Service Act of 1990," 104 Stat. 3127 (1990), 42 U.S.C.A. 12411 to 12544, as amended, assist in administering and overseeing the "National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993," P.L. 103-82, 107 Stat. 785, and the americorps program in this state, and assist in developing objectives for a comprehensive strategy to encourage and expand community service programs throughout the state;

(8) Assist the state board of education, school districts, the chancellor of the board of regents, and institutions of higher education in coordinating community service education programs through cooperative efforts between institutions and organizations in the public and private sectors;

(9) Assist the departments of natural resources, youth services, aging, and job and family services in coordinating community service programs through cooperative efforts between institutions and organizations in the public and private sectors;

(10) Suggest individuals and organizations that are available to assist school districts, institutions of higher education, and the departments of natural resources, youth services, aging, and job and family services in the establishment of community service programs and assist in investigating sources of funding for implementing these programs;

(11) Assist in evaluating the state's efforts in providing community service programs using standards and methods that are consistent with any statewide objectives for these programs and provide information to the state board of education, school districts, the chancellor of the board of regents, institutions of higher education, and the departments of natural resources, youth services, aging, and job and family services to guide them in making decisions about these programs;

(12) Assist the state board of education in complying with section 3301.70 of the Revised Code and the chancellor of the board of regents in complying with division (B)(2) of section 3333.043 of the Revised Code;

(13) Advise, assist, consult with, and cooperate with, by contract or otherwise, agencies and political subdivisions of this state in establishing a statewide system for volunteers pursuant to section 121.404 of the Revised Code.

(D) The council commission shall in writing enter into an agreement with another state agency to serve as the council's commission's fiscal agent. Before entering into such an agreement, the council commission shall inform the governor of the terms of the agreement and of the state agency designated to serve as the council's commission's fiscal agent. The fiscal agent shall be responsible for all the council's commission's fiscal matters and financial transactions, as specified in the agreement. Services to be provided by the fiscal agent include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Preparing and processing payroll and other personnel documents that the council commission executes as the appointing authority;

(2) Maintaining ledgers of accounts and reports of account balances, and monitoring budgets and allotment plans in consultation with the council commission; and

(3) Performing other routine support services that the fiscal agent considers appropriate to achieve efficiency.

(E)(1) The council commission, in conjunction and consultation with the fiscal agent, has the following authority and responsibility relative to fiscal matters:

(a) Sole authority to draw funds for any and all federal programs in which the council commission is authorized to participate;

(b) Sole authority to expend funds from their accounts for programs and any other necessary expenses the council commission may incur and its subgrantees may incur; and

(c) Responsibility to cooperate with and inform the fiscal agent fully of all financial transactions.

(2) The council commission shall follow all state procurement, fiscal, human resources, statutory, and administrative rule requirements.

(3) The fiscal agent shall determine fees to be charged to the council commission, which shall be in proportion to the services performed for the council commission.

(4) The council commission shall pay fees owed to the fiscal agent from a general revenue fund of the council commission or from any other fund from which the operating expenses of the council commission are paid. Any amounts set aside for a fiscal year for the payment of these fees shall be used only for the services performed for the council commission by the fiscal agent in that fiscal year.

(F) The council commission may accept and administer grants from any source, public or private, to carry out any of the council's commission's functions this section establishes.

Sec. 121.401.  (A) As used in this section and section 121.402 of the Revised Code, "organization or entity" and "unsupervised access to a child" have the same meanings as in section 109.574 of the Revised Code.

(B) The Ohio community commission on service council and volunteerism shall adopt a set of "recommended best practices" for organizations or entities to follow when one or more volunteers of the organization or entity have unsupervised access to one or more children or otherwise interact with one or more children. The "recommended best practices" shall focus on, but shall not be limited to, the issue of the safety of the children and, in addition, the screening and supervision of volunteers. The "recommended best practices" shall include as a recommended best practice that the organization or entity subject to a criminal records check performed by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation pursuant to section 109.57, section 109.572, or rules adopted under division (E) of section 109.57 of the Revised Code, all of the following:

(1) All persons who apply to serve as a volunteer in a position in which the person will have unsupervised access to a child on a regular basis.

(2) All volunteers who are in a position in which the person will have unsupervised access to a child on a regular basis and who the organization or entity has not previously subjected to a criminal records check performed by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation.

(C) The set of "recommended best practices" required to be adopted by this section are in addition to the educational program required to be adopted under section 121.402 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 121.402.  (A) The Ohio community commission on service council and volunteerism shall establish and maintain an educational program that does all of the following:

(1) Makes available to parents and guardians of children notice about the provisions of sections 109.574 to 109.577, section 121.401, and section 121.402 of the Revised Code and information about how to keep children safe when they are under the care, custody, or control of a person other than the parent or guardian;

(2) Makes available to organizations and entities information regarding the best methods of screening and supervising volunteers, how to obtain a criminal records check of a volunteer, confidentiality issues relating to reports of criminal records checks, and record keeping regarding the reports;

(3) Makes available to volunteers information regarding the possibility of being subjected to a criminal records check and displaying appropriate behavior to minors;

(4) Makes available to children advice on personal safety and information on what action to take if someone takes inappropriate action towards a child.

(B) The program shall begin making the materials described in this section available not later than March 22, 2002.

Sec. 121.403. (A) The Ohio community commission on service council and volunteerism may do any of the following:

(1) Accept monetary gifts or donations;

(2) Sponsor conferences, meetings, or events in furtherance of the council's commission's purpose described in section 121.40 of the Revised Code and charge fees for participation or involvement in the conferences, meetings, or events;

(3) Sell promotional items in furtherance of the council's commission's purpose described in section 121.40 of the Revised Code.

(B) All monetary gifts and donations, funds from the sale of promotional items, contributions received from the issuance of Ohio "volunteer" license plates pursuant to section 4503.93 of the Revised Code, and any fees paid to the council commission for conferences, meetings, or events sponsored by the council commission shall be deposited into the Ohio community commission on service council and volunteerism gifts and donations fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury. Moneys in the fund may be used only as follows:

(1) To pay operating expenses of the council commission, including payroll, personal services, maintenance, equipment, and subsidy payments;

(2) To support council commission programs promoting volunteerism and community service in the state;

(3) As matching funds for federal grants.

Sec. 121.404. (A) The Ohio community commission on service council and volunteerism shall advise, assist, consult with, and cooperate with agencies and political subdivisions of this state to establish a statewide system for recruiting, registering, training, and deploying the types of volunteers the council commission considers advisable and reasonably necessary to respond to an emergency declared by the state or political subdivision.

(B) A registered volunteer is not liable in damages to any person or government entity in tort or other civil action, including an action upon a medical, dental, chiropractic, optometric, or other health-related claim or veterinary claim, for injury, death, or loss to person or property that may arise from an act or omission of that volunteer. This division applies to a registered volunteer while providing services within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities during an emergency declared by the state or political subdivision or in disaster-related exercises, testing, or other training activities, if the volunteer's act or omission does not constitute willful or wanton misconduct.

(C) The Ohio community commission on service council and volunteerism shall adopt rules pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to establish fees, procedures, standards, and requirements the council commission considers necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

(D)(1) A registered volunteer's status as a volunteer, and any information presented in summary, statistical, or aggregate form that does not identify an individual, is a public record pursuant to section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

(2) Information related to a registered volunteer's specific and unique responsibilities, assignments, or deployment plans, including but not limited to training, preparedness, readiness, or organizational assignment, is a security record for purposes of section 149.433 of the Revised Code.

(3) Information related to a registered volunteer's personal information, including but not limited to contact information, medical information, or information related to family members or dependents, is not a public record pursuant to section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

(E) As used in this section and section 121.40 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Registered volunteer" means any individual registered as a volunteer pursuant to procedures established under this section and who serves without pay or other consideration, other than the reasonable reimbursement or allowance for expenses actually incurred or the provision of incidental benefits related to the volunteer's service, such as meals, lodging, and childcare.

(2) "Political subdivision" means a county, township, or municipal corporation in this state.

Sec. 122.085.  As used in sections 122.085 to 122.0820 of the Revised Code:

(A)(1) "Allowable costs" includes costs related to the following:

(a) Acquisition of land and buildings;

(b) Building construction;

(c) Making improvements to land and buildings, including the following:

(i) Expanding, reconstructing, rehabilitating, remodeling, renovating, enlarging, modernizing, equipping, and furnishing buildings and structures, including leasehold improvements;

(ii) Site preparation, including wetland mitigation.

(d) Planning or determining feasibility or practicability;

(e) Indemnity or surety bonds and premiums on insurance;

(f) Remediation, in compliance with state and federal environmental protection laws, of environmentally contaminated property on which hazardous substances exist under conditions that have caused or would likely cause the property to be identified as contaminated by the Ohio environmental protection agency or the United States environmental protection agency;

(g) Infrastructure improvements, including the following:

(i) Demolition of buildings and other structures;

(ii) Installation or relocation of water, storm water and sanitary sewer lines, water and waste water treatment facilities, pump stations, and water storage mechanisms and other similar equipment or facilities;

(iii) Construction of roads, bridges, traffic control devices, and parking lots and facilities;

(iv) Construction of utility infrastructure such as natural gas, electric, and telecommunications, including broadband and hookups;

(v) Water and railway access improvements;

(vi) Costs of professional services.

(2) "Allowable costs" do not include administrative costs assessed by or fees paid to the recipient of a grant.

(B) "District public works Local government integrating and innovation committees" means those committees established under section 164.04 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Eligible applicant" includes any political subdivision or non-profit nonprofit economic development organization, and, with prior approval of the director of development, private, for-profit entities. "Eligible applicant" does not include public or private institutions of higher education.

(D) "Eligible project" includes projects that, upon completion, will be sites and facilities primarily intended for commercial, industrial, or manufacturing use. "Eligible projects" do not include sites and facilities intended primarily for residential, retail, or government use.

(E) "Professional services" includes legal, environmental, archeological, engineering, architectural, surveying, design, or other similar services performed in conjunction with an eligible project. "Professional services" also includes designs, plans, specifications, surveys, estimates of costs, and other work products.

Sec. 122.088.  In order to be considered for a grant under the annual competitive process, an eligible applicant shall fill out an application provided by the department of development and shall file it with the district public works local government integrating and innovation committee with jurisdiction over the area in which the eligible project is located.

Sec. 122.0810. (A) Each application for a grant pursuant to the annual competitive process received by a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee shall be evaluated by the executive committee of the district committee. In conducting the evaluation, the executive committee shall determine whether the application for the proposed eligible project is complete and whether the project meets the requirements of section 122.0815 of the Revised Code. If the application is complete and the eligible project meets the requirements of section 122.0815 of the Revised Code, the executive committee shall prioritize the eligible project pursuant to section 122.0816 of the Revised Code and pursuant to local priorities, as those priorities are determined by the executive committee, with all other eligible projects with complete applications that meet the requirements of section 122.0815 of the Revised Code. If the application is incomplete or the project does not meet the requirements of section 122.0815 of the Revised Code, the executive committee shall notify the applicant of the deficiencies and the period of time the applicant has to correct the deficiencies and submit the corrections to the executive committee. Failure to correct deficiencies within the time designated by the executive committee shall disqualify the project from consideration for a grant during the annual competitive process for that year.

The executive committee, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all its members, shall select up to three eligible projects from the projects it has prioritized each year pursuant to the annual competitive process. The executive committee shall forward the applications and any accompanying information for each of the selected eligible projects to the department of development in the time and manner required by the rules governing the annual competitive process for the job ready site program.

(B) For a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee that does not have an executive committee, the full committee shall perform the functions assigned to the executive committee under section 122.0816 of the Revised Code and division (A) of this section.

(C) An executive committee, or a district committee that does not have an executive committee, may appoint a working group of committee members and staff to perform the functions of those committees as provided in this section.

Sec. 122.0816. The department of development and the executive committees of district public works local government integrating and innovation committees shall apply the following factors to eligible projects under the annual competitive process to determine a priority order for the eligible projects subject to that process:

(A) The potential economic impact of the eligible project;

(B) The potential impact of the eligible project on economic distress;

(C) The amount of local, federal, and private funding available for the eligible project;

(D) The demonstrated need for the eligible project;

(E) The strength of the eligible project's marketing plan, if appropriate;

(F) The level of financial need;

(G) Any other factor the director of development determines should be considered.

Sec. 122.0819.  The rules adopted to govern the annual competitive process for the job ready site program may provide for recovery of the costs, or a portion thereof, incurred by district public works local government integrating and innovation committees and executive committees in conducting their duties under the program.

Sec. 122.121.  (A) If an endorsing municipality or endorsing county enters into a joinder undertaking with a site selection organization, the endorsing municipality or endorsing county may apply to the director of development, on a form and in the manner prescribed by the director, for a grant based on the projected incremental increase in the receipts from the tax imposed under section 5739.02 of the Revised Code within the market area designated under division (C) of this section, for the two-week period that ends at the end of the day after the date on which a game will be held, that is directly attributable, as determined by the director, to the preparation for and presentation of the game. The director shall determine the projected incremental increase in the tax imposed under section 5739.02 of the Revised Code from information certified to the director by the endorsing municipality or the endorsing county including, but not limited to, historical attendance and ticket sales for the game, income statements showing revenue and expenditures for the game in prior years, attendance capacity at the proposed venues, event budget at the proposed venues, and projected lodging room nights based on historical attendance, attendance capacity at the proposed venues, and duration of the game and related activities. The endorsing municipality or endorsing county is eligible to receive a grant under this section only if the projected incremental increase in receipts from the tax imposed under section 5739.02 of the Revised Code, as determined by the director, exceeds two hundred fifty thousand dollars. The amount of the grant shall be determined by the director but shall not exceed five hundred thousand dollars. The director shall not issue grants with a total value of more than one million dollars in any fiscal year, and shall not issue any grant before July 1, 2011 2013.

(B) If the director of development approves an application for an endorsing municipality or endorsing county and that endorsing municipality or endorsing county enters into a joinder agreement with a site selection organization, the endorsing municipality or endorsing county shall file a copy of the joinder agreement with the director of development, who immediately shall notify the director of budget and management of the filing. Within thirty days after receiving the notice, the director of budget and management shall establish a schedule to disburse from the general revenue fund to such endorsing municipality or endorsing county payments that total the amount certified by the director of development under division (A) of this section, but in no event shall the total amount disbursed exceed five hundred thousand dollars, and no disbursement shall be made before July 1, 2011 2013. The payments shall be used exclusively by the endorsing municipality or endorsing county to fulfill a portion of its obligations to a site selection organization under game support contracts, which obligations may include the payment of costs relating to the preparations necessary for the conduct of the game, including acquiring, renovating, or constructing facilities; to pay the costs of conducting the game; and to assist the local organizing committee, endorsing municipality, or endorsing county in providing assurances required by a site selection organization sponsoring one or more games.

(C) For the purposes of division (A) of this section, the director of development, in consultation with the tax commissioner, shall designate as a market area for a game each area in which they determine there is a reasonable likelihood of measurable economic impact directly attributable to the preparation for and presentation of the game and related events, including areas likely to provide venues, accommodations, and services in connection with the game based on the information and the copy of the joinder undertaking provided to the director under divisions (A) and (B) of this section. The director and commissioner shall determine the geographic boundaries of each market area. An endorsing municipality or endorsing county that has been selected as the site for a game must be included in a market area for the game.

(D) A local organizing committee, endorsing municipality, or endorsing county shall provide information required by the director of development and tax commissioner to enable the director and commissioner to fulfill their duties under this section, including annual audited statements of any financial records required by a site selection organization and data obtained by the local organizing committee, endorsing municipality, or endorsing county relating to attendance at a game and to the economic impact of the game. A local organizing committee, an endorsing municipality, or an endorsing county shall provide an annual audited financial statement if so required by the director and commissioner, not later than the end of the fourth month after the date the period covered by the financial statement ends.

(E) Within sixty days after the game, the endorsing municipality or the endorsing county shall report to the director of development about the economic impact of the game. The report shall be in the form and substance required by the director, including, but not limited to, a final income statement for the event showing total revenue and expenditures and revenue and expenditures in the market area for the game, and ticket sales for the game and any related activities for which admission was charged. The director of development shall determine, based on the reported information and the exercise of reasonable judgment, the incremental increase in receipts from the tax imposed under section 5739.02 of the Revised Code directly attributable to the game. If the actual incremental increase in such receipts is less than the projected incremental increase in receipts, the director may require the endorsing municipality or the endorsing county to refund to the state all or a portion of the grant.

(F) No disbursement may be made under this section if the director of development determines that it would be used for the purpose of soliciting the relocation of a professional sports franchise located in this state.

(G) This section may not be construed as creating or requiring a state guarantee of obligations imposed on an endorsing municipality or endorsing county under a game support contract or any other agreement relating to hosting one or more games in this state.

Sec. 122.171. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Capital investment project" means a plan of investment at a project site for the acquisition, construction, renovation, or repair of buildings, machinery, or equipment, or for capitalized costs of basic research and new product development determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, but does not include any of the following:

(a) Payments made for the acquisition of personal property through operating leases;

(b) Project costs paid before January 1, 2002;

(c) Payments made to a related member as defined in section 5733.042 of the Revised Code or to a consolidated elected taxpayer or a combined taxpayer as defined in section 5751.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Eligible business" means a taxpayer and its related members with Ohio operations satisfying all of the following:

(a) The taxpayer employs at least five hundred full-time equivalent employees or has an annual payroll of at least thirty-five million dollars at the time the tax credit authority grants the tax credit under this section;

(b) The taxpayer makes or causes to be made payments for the capital investment project of either one of the following:

(i) If the taxpayer is engaged at the project site primarily as a manufacturer, at least fifty million dollars in the aggregate at the project site during a period of three consecutive calendar years, including the calendar year that includes a day of the taxpayer's taxable year or tax period with respect to which the credit is granted;

(ii) If the taxpayer is engaged at the project site primarily in significant corporate administrative functions, as defined by the director of development by rule, at least twenty million dollars in the aggregate at the project site during a period of three consecutive calendar years including the calendar year that includes a day of the taxpayer's taxable year or tax period with respect to which the credit is granted;

(iii) If the taxpayer is applying to enter into an agreement for a tax credit authorized under division (B)(3) of this section, at least five million dollars in the aggregate at the project site during a period of three consecutive calendar years, including the calendar year that includes a day of the taxpayer's taxable year or tax period with respect to which the credit is granted.

(c) The taxpayer had a capital investment project reviewed and approved by the tax credit authority as provided in divisions (C), (D), and (E) of this section.

(3) "Full-time equivalent employees" means the quotient obtained by dividing the total number of hours for which employees were compensated for employment in the project by two thousand eighty. "Full-time equivalent employees" shall exclude hours that are counted for a credit under section 122.17 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Income tax revenue" means the total amount withheld under section 5747.06 of the Revised Code by the taxpayer during the taxable year, or during the calendar year that includes the tax period, from the compensation of all employees employed in the project whose hours of compensation are included in calculating the number of full-time equivalent employees.

(5) "Manufacturer" has the same meaning as in section 5739.011 of the Revised Code.

(6) "Project site" means an integrated complex of facilities in this state, as specified by the tax credit authority under this section, within a fifteen-mile radius where a taxpayer is primarily operating as an eligible business.

(7) "Related member" has the same meaning as in section 5733.042 of the Revised Code as that section existed on the effective date of its amendment by Am. Sub. H.B. 215 of the 122nd general assembly, September 29, 1997.

(8) "Taxable year" includes, in the case of a domestic or foreign insurance company, the calendar year ending on the thirty-first day of December preceding the day the superintendent of insurance is required to certify to the treasurer of state under section 5725.20 or 5729.05 of the Revised Code the amount of taxes due from insurance companies.

(B) The tax credit authority created under section 122.17 of the Revised Code may grant tax credits under this section for the purpose of fostering job retention in this state. Upon application by an eligible business and upon consideration of the recommendation of the director of budget and management, tax commissioner, the superintendent of insurance in the case of an insurance company, and director of development under division (C) of this section, the tax credit authority may grant the following credits against the tax imposed by section 5725.18, 5729.03, 5733.06, 5747.02, or 5751.02 of the Revised Code:

(1) A nonrefundable credit to an eligible business;

(2) A refundable credit to an eligible business meeting the following conditions, provided that the director of budget and management, tax commissioner, superintendent of insurance in the case of an insurance company, and director of development have recommended the granting of the credit to the tax credit authority before July 1, 2011:

(a) The business retains at least one thousand full-time equivalent employees at the project site.

(b) The business makes or causes to be made payments for a capital investment project of at least twenty-five million dollars in the aggregate at the project site during a period of three consecutive calendar years, including the calendar year that includes a day of the business' taxable year or tax period with respect to which the credit is granted.

(c) In 2010, the business received a written offer of financial incentives from another state of the United States that the director determines to be sufficient inducement for the business to relocate the business' operations from this state to that state.

(3) A refundable credit to an eligible business with a total annual payroll of at least twenty million dollars, provided that the tax credit authority grants the tax credit on or after July 1, 2011, and before January 1, 2014.

The credits authorized in divisions (B)(1) and, (2), and (3) of this section may be granted for a period up to fifteen taxable years or, in the case of the tax levied by section 5751.02 of the Revised Code, for a period of up to fifteen calendar years. The credit amount for a taxable year or a calendar year that includes the tax period for which a credit may be claimed equals the income tax revenue for that year multiplied by the percentage specified in the agreement with the tax credit authority. The percentage may not exceed seventy-five per cent. The credit shall be claimed in the order required under section 5725.98, 5729.98, 5733.98, 5747.98, or 5751.98 of the Revised Code. In determining the percentage and term of the credit, the tax credit authority shall consider both the number of full-time equivalent employees and the value of the capital investment project. The credit amount may not be based on the income tax revenue for a calendar year before the calendar year in which the tax credit authority specifies the tax credit is to begin, and the credit shall be claimed only for the taxable years or tax periods specified in the eligible business' agreement with the tax credit authority. In no event shall the credit be claimed for a taxable year or tax period terminating before the date specified in the agreement. Any credit granted under this section against the tax imposed by section 5733.06 or 5747.02 of the Revised Code, to the extent not fully utilized against such tax for taxable years ending prior to 2008, shall automatically be converted without any action taken by the tax credit authority to a credit against the tax levied under Chapter 5751. of the Revised Code for tax periods beginning on or after July 1, 2008, provided that the person to whom the credit was granted is subject to such tax. The converted credit shall apply to those calendar years in which the remaining taxable years specified in the agreement end.

If a nonrefundable credit allowed under division (B)(1) of this section for a taxable year or tax period exceeds the taxpayer's tax liability for that year or period, the excess may be carried forward for the three succeeding taxable or calendar years, but the amount of any excess credit allowed in any taxable year or tax period shall be deducted from the balance carried forward to the succeeding year or period.

(C) A taxpayer that proposes a capital investment project to retain jobs in this state may apply to the tax credit authority to enter into an agreement for a tax credit under this section. The director of development shall prescribe the form of the application. After receipt of an application, the authority shall forward copies of the application to the director of budget and management, the tax commissioner, the superintendent of insurance in the case of an insurance company, and the director of development, each of whom shall review the application to determine the economic impact the proposed project would have on the state and the affected political subdivisions and shall submit a summary of their determinations and recommendations to the authority.

(D) Upon review and consideration of the determinations and recommendations described in division (C) of this section, the tax credit authority may enter into an agreement with the taxpayer for a credit under this section if the authority determines all of the following:

(1) The taxpayer's capital investment project will result in the retention of employment in this state.

(2) The taxpayer is economically sound and has the ability to complete the proposed capital investment project.

(3) The taxpayer intends to and has the ability to maintain operations at the project site for at least the greater of (a) the term of the credit plus three years, or (b) seven years.

(4) Receiving the credit is a major factor in the taxpayer's decision to begin, continue with, or complete the project.

(5) If the taxpayer is applying to enter into an agreement for a tax credit authorized under division (B)(3) of this section, the taxpayer's capital investment project will be located in the political subdivision in which the taxpayer maintains its principal place of business.

(E) An agreement under this section shall include all of the following:

(1) A detailed description of the project that is the subject of the agreement, including the amount of the investment, the period over which the investment has been or is being made, the number of full-time equivalent employees at the project site, and the anticipated income tax revenue to be generated.

(2) The term of the credit, the percentage of the tax credit, the maximum annual value of tax credits that may be allowed each year, and the first year for which the credit may be claimed.

(3) A requirement that the taxpayer maintain operations at the project site for at least the greater of (a) the term of the credit plus three years, or (b) seven years.

(4) A requirement that the taxpayer retain a specified number of full-time equivalent employees at the project site and within this state for the term of the credit, including a requirement that the taxpayer continue to employ at least five hundred full-time equivalent employees during the entire term of the agreement in the case of a credit granted under division (B)(1) of this section, and one thousand full-time equivalent employees in the case of a credit granted under division (B)(2) of this section (a) In the case of a credit granted under division (B)(1) of this section, a requirement that the taxpayer retain at least five hundred full-time equivalent employees at the project site and within this state for the entire term of the credit, or a requirement that the taxpayer maintain an annual payroll of at least thirty-five million dollars for the entire term of the credit;

(b) In the case of a credit granted under division (B)(2) of this section, a requirement that the taxpayer retain at least one thousand full-time equivalent employees at the project site and within this state for the entire term of the credit;

(c) In the case of a credit granted under division (B)(3) of this section, a requirement that the taxpayer maintain an annual payroll of at least twenty million dollars for the entire term of the credit and either of the following:

(i) A requirement that the taxpayer retain at least five hundred full-time equivalent employees at the project site and within this state for the entire term of the credit;

(ii) A requirement that the taxpayer maintain an annual payroll of at least thirty-five million dollars for the entire term of the credit.

(5) A requirement that the taxpayer annually report to the director of development employment, tax withholding, capital investment, and other information the director needs to perform the director's duties under this section.

(6) A requirement that the director of development annually review the annual reports of the taxpayer to verify the information reported under division (E)(5) of this section and compliance with the agreement. Upon verification, the director shall issue a certificate to the taxpayer stating that the information has been verified and identifying the amount of the credit for the taxable year or calendar year that includes the tax period. In determining the number of full-time equivalent employees, no position shall be counted that is filled by an employee who is included in the calculation of a tax credit under section 122.17 of the Revised Code.

(7) A provision providing that the taxpayer may not relocate a substantial number of employment positions from elsewhere in this state to the project site unless the director of development determines that the taxpayer notified the legislative authority of the county, township, or municipal corporation from which the employment positions would be relocated.

For purposes of this section, the movement of an employment position from one political subdivision to another political subdivision shall be considered a relocation of an employment position unless the movement is confined to the project site. The transfer of an employment position from one political subdivision to another political subdivision shall not be considered a relocation of an employment position if the employment position in the first political subdivision is replaced by another employment position.

(8) A waiver by the taxpayer of any limitations periods relating to assessments or adjustments resulting from the taxpayer's failure to comply with the agreement.

(F) If a taxpayer fails to meet or comply with any condition or requirement set forth in a tax credit agreement, the tax credit authority may amend the agreement to reduce the percentage or term of the credit. The reduction of the percentage or term may take effect in the current taxable or calendar year.

(G) Financial statements and other information submitted to the department of development or the tax credit authority by an applicant for or recipient of a tax credit under this section, and any information taken for any purpose from such statements or information, are not public records subject to section 149.43 of the Revised Code. However, the chairperson of the authority may make use of the statements and other information for purposes of issuing public reports or in connection with court proceedings concerning tax credit agreements under this section. Upon the request of the tax commissioner, or the superintendent of insurance in the case of an insurance company, the chairperson of the authority shall provide to the commissioner or superintendent any statement or other information submitted by an applicant for or recipient of a tax credit in connection with the credit. The commissioner or superintendent shall preserve the confidentiality of the statement or other information.

(H) A taxpayer claiming a tax credit under this section shall submit to the tax commissioner or, in the case of an insurance company, to the superintendent of insurance, a copy of the director of development's certificate of verification under division (E)(6) of this section with the taxpayer's tax report or return for the taxable year or for the calendar year that includes the tax period. Failure to submit a copy of the certificate with the report or return does not invalidate a claim for a credit if the taxpayer submits a copy of the certificate to the commissioner or superintendent within sixty days after the commissioner or superintendent requests it.

(I) For the purposes of this section, a taxpayer may include a partnership, a corporation that has made an election under subchapter S of chapter one of subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code, or any other business entity through which income flows as a distributive share to its owners. A partnership, S-corporation, or other such business entity may elect to pass the credit received under this section through to the persons to whom the income or profit of the partnership, S-corporation, or other entity is distributed. The election shall be made on the annual report required under division (E)(5) of this section. The election applies to and is irrevocable for the credit for which the report is submitted. If the election is made, the credit shall be apportioned among those persons in the same proportions as those in which the income or profit is distributed.

(J) If the director of development determines that a taxpayer that received a tax credit under this section is not complying with the requirement under division (E)(3) of this section, the director shall notify the tax credit authority of the noncompliance. After receiving such a notice, and after giving the taxpayer an opportunity to explain the noncompliance, the authority may terminate the agreement and require the taxpayer to refund to the state all or a portion of the credit claimed in previous years, as follows:

(1) If the taxpayer maintained operations at the project site for less than or equal to the term of the credit, an amount not to exceed one hundred per cent of the sum of any tax credits allowed and received under this section.

(2) If the taxpayer maintained operations at the project site longer than the term of the credit, but less than the greater of (a) the term of the credit plus three years, or (b) seven years, the amount required to be refunded shall not exceed seventy-five per cent of the sum of any tax credits allowed and received under this section.

In determining the portion of the credit to be refunded to this state, the authority shall consider the effect of market conditions on the taxpayer's project and whether the taxpayer continues to maintain other operations in this state. After making the determination, the authority shall certify the amount to be refunded to the tax commissioner or the superintendent of insurance. If the taxpayer is not an insurance company, the commissioner shall make an assessment for that amount against the taxpayer under Chapter 5733., 5747., or 5751. of the Revised Code. If the taxpayer is an insurance company, the superintendent of insurance shall make an assessment under section 5725.222 or 5729.102 of the Revised Code. The time limitations on assessments under those chapters and sections do not apply to an assessment under this division, but the commissioner or superintendent shall make the assessment within one year after the date the authority certifies to the commissioner or superintendent the amount to be refunded.

(K) The director of development, after consultation with the tax commissioner and the superintendent of insurance and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section. The rules may provide for recipients of tax credits under this section to be charged fees to cover administrative costs of the tax credit program. The fees collected shall be credited to the tax incentive programs operating fund created in section 122.174 of the Revised Code. At the time the director gives public notice under division (A) of section 119.03 of the Revised Code of the adoption of the rules, the director shall submit copies of the proposed rules to the chairpersons of the standing committees on economic development in the senate and the house of representatives.

(L) On or before the first day of August of each year, the director of development shall submit a report to the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives on the tax credit program under this section. The report shall include information on the number of agreements that were entered into under this section during the preceding calendar year, a description of the project that is the subject of each such agreement, and an update on the status of projects under agreements entered into before the preceding calendar year.

(M)(1) The aggregate amount of tax credits issued under division (B)(1) of this section during any calendar year for capital investment projects reviewed and approved by the tax credit authority may not exceed the following amounts:

(a) For 2010, thirteen million dollars;

(b) For 2011 through 2023, the amount of the limit for the preceding calendar year plus thirteen million dollars;

(c) For 2024 and each year thereafter, one hundred ninety-five million dollars.

(2) The aggregate amount of tax credits issued authorized under division divisions (B)(2) and (3) of this section during and allowed to be claimed by taxpayers in any calendar year for capital improvement projects reviewed and approved by the tax credit authority may not exceed eight million dollars in 2011, 2012, and 2013 combined shall not exceed twenty-five million dollars. An amount equal to the aggregate amount of credits first authorized in calendar year 2011, 2012, and 2013 may be claimed annually for up to fifteen years, subject to the terms of individual tax credit agreements.

The limitations in division (M) of this section do not apply to credits for capital investment projects approved by the tax credit authority before July 1, 2009.

Sec. 122.65. As used in sections 122.65 to 122.659 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Applicable cleanup standards" means either of the following:

(1) For property to which Chapter 3734. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under it apply, the requirements for closure or corrective action established in rules adopted under section 3734.12 of the Revised Code;

(2) For property to which Chapter 3746. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under it apply, the cleanup standards that are established in rules adopted under section 3746.04 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Applicant" means a county, township, municipal corporation, port authority, or conservancy district or a park district, other similar park authority, nonprofit organization, or organization for profit that has entered into an agreement with a county, township, municipal corporation, port authority, or conservancy district to work in conjunction with that county, township, municipal corporation, port authority, or conservancy district for the purposes of sections 122.65 to 122.658 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Assessment" means a phase I and phase II property assessment conducted in accordance with section 3746.04 of the Revised Code and rules adopted under that section.

(D) "Brownfield" means an abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial, commercial, or institutional property where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by known or potential releases of hazardous substances or petroleum.

(E) "Certified professional," "hazardous substance," "petroleum," and "release" have the same meanings as in section 3746.01 of the Revised Code.

(F) "Cleanup or remediation" means any action to contain, remove, or dispose of hazardous substances or petroleum at a brownfield. "Cleanup or remediation" includes the acquisition of a brownfield, demolition performed at a brownfield, and the installation or upgrade of the minimum amount of infrastructure that is necessary to make a brownfield operational for economic development activity.

(G) "Distressed area" means either a municipal corporation with a population of at least fifty thousand or a county that meets any two of the following criteria:

(1) Its average rate of unemployment, during the most recent five-year period for which data are available, is equal to at least one hundred twenty-five per cent of the average rate of unemployment for the United States for the same period.

(2) It has a per capita income equal to or below eighty per cent of the median county per capita income of the United States as determined by the most recently available figures from the United States census bureau.

(3)(a) In the case of a municipal corporation, at least twenty per cent of the residents have a total income for the most recent census year that is below the official poverty line.

(b) In the case of a county, in intercensal years, the county has a ratio of transfer payment income to total county income equal to or greater than twenty-five per cent.

"Distressed area" includes a municipal corporation the majority of the population of which is situated in a county that is a distressed area.

(H) "Eligible area" means a distressed area, an inner city area, a labor surplus area, or a situational distress area.

(I) "Inner city area" means an area in a municipal corporation that has a population of at least one hundred thousand, is not a labor surplus area, and is a targeted investment area established by the municipal corporation that is comprised of block tracts identified in the most recently available figures from the United States census bureau in which at least twenty per cent of the population in the area is at or below the official poverty line or of contiguous block tracts meeting those criteria.

(J) "Institutional property" means property currently or formerly owned or controlled by the state that is or was used for a public or charitable purpose. However, "institutional property" does not mean property that is or was used for educational purposes.

(K) "Integrating and innovation committee" means a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee established under section 164.04 of the Revised Code.

(L) "Labor surplus area" means an area designated as a labor surplus area by the United States department of labor.

(M) "Loan" includes credit enhancement.

(N) "No further action letter" means a letter that is prepared by a certified professional when, on the basis of the best knowledge, information, and belief of the certified professional, the certified professional concludes that the cleanup or remediation of a brownfield meets the applicable cleanup standards and that contains all of the information specified in rules adopted under division (B)(7) of section 3746.04 of the Revised Code.

(O) "Nonprofit organization" means a corporation, association, group, institution, society, or other organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the "Internal Revenue Code of 1986," 100 Stat. 2085, 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3), as amended.

(P) "Property" means any parcel of real property, or portion of such a parcel, and any improvements to it.

(Q) "Public health project" means the cleanup or remediation of a release or threatened release of hazardous substances or petroleum at a property where little or no economic redevelopment potential exists.

(R) "Official poverty line" has the same meaning as in section 3923.51 of the Revised Code.

(S) "Situational distress area" means a county or a municipal corporation that has experienced or is experiencing a closing or downsizing of a major employer that will adversely affect the county or municipal corporation's economy and that has applied to the director of development to be designated as a situational distress area for not more than thirty months by demonstrating all of the following:

(1) The number of jobs lost by the closing or downsizing;

(2) The impact that the job loss has on the county or municipal corporation's unemployment rate as measured by the director of job and family services;

(3) The annual payroll associated with the job loss;

(4) The amount of state and local taxes associated with the job loss;

(5) The impact that the closing or downsizing has on suppliers located in the county or municipal corporation.

Sec. 122.652. (A)(1) An applicant seeking a grant or loan for a brownfield cleanup or remediation project from the clean Ohio revitalization fund created in section 122.658 of the Revised Code shall request an application form from the appropriate integrating and innovation committee with geographical jurisdiction over the project for which a grant or loan is sought. The applicant shall complete the application and include all of the information required by sections 122.65 to 122.658 of the Revised Code and policies and requirements established under section 122.657 of the Revised Code.

(2) In addition to the information that is required to be included in the application under division (A)(1) of this section, an applicant shall include an affidavit signed by the authorized representative of the applicant certifying that the applicant did not cause or contribute to the release of hazardous substances or petroleum at the brownfield that is the subject of the application.

No person shall submit a false affidavit under division (A)(2) of this section.

(3) After completion of the application, but prior to the submission of the application to the integrating and innovation committee under division (B) of this section, the applicant shall conduct a public meeting concerning the application and the proposed cleanup or remediation. Not later than forty-five days prior to conducting the public meeting, the applicant shall provide notice of the date, time, and location of the public meeting in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the property that is the subject of the application is located. In addition, not later than forty-five days prior to the hearing, the applicant shall post notice of the date, time, and location of the public meeting at the property on a sign that measures not less than four feet by four feet or, if the political subdivision in which the sign is to be posted prohibits a sign of that size, the maximum size of sign permitted by that political subdivision.

In addition, not later than forty-five days prior to the public meeting, the applicant shall provide a copy of the application to a public library in the vicinity of the property for public review. The submission of the application and the location of the public library shall be included in the notice required under this division. The general public may submit comments to the applicant concerning the application prior to and at the public meeting.

(B) An applicant shall submit a completed application, all required information, and an application summary to the appropriate integrating and innovation committee. Based on a review of the application summaries submitted to it, an integrating and innovation committee or, if required under division (C) of this section, the executive committee of the integrating and innovation committee shall prioritize all applications in accordance with criteria and procedures established pursuant to section 122.657 of the Revised Code. The integrating and innovation committee shall choose not more than six applications annually that it determines merit funding and shall forward those applications and all accompanying information to the clean Ohio council. In prioritizing and choosing applications under this division, an integrating and innovation committee or, if required under division (C) of this section, the executive committee of the integrating and innovation committee shall consult with local and regional economic development agencies or resources, community development agencies or organizations, local business organizations, and other appropriate entities located or operating in the geographic jurisdiction of the integrating and innovation committee.

Notwithstanding this division or division (C) of this section, if an integrating and innovation committee receives only one application in any given year, the chair of the integrating and innovation committee or, if required under division (C) of this section, the chair of the executive committee of the integrating and innovation committee may forward that application to the clean Ohio council as the district's top priority project for that year without a vote of the full integrating and innovation committee or executive committee, as applicable. However, the chair of the integrating and innovation committee or chair of the executive committee, as applicable, shall provide written notice of the chair's intent to forward the application to each member of the integrating and innovation committee or executive committee, as applicable, not later than fiftenn fifteen days prior to forwarding the application.

(C) For purposes of division (B) of this section, all decisions of an integrating and innovation committee that is required to be organized in accordance with division (A)(5) or (6) of section 164.04 of the Revised Code shall be approved by its executive committee that is required to be established under division (A)(7) or (8) of that section. The affirmative vote of at least seven members of an executive committee established under division (A)(7) of section 164.04 of the Revised Code, or of at least nine members of an executive committee established under division (A)(8) of that section, is required for any action taken by an executive committee for purposes of division (B) of this section. A decision of an executive committee may be rejected by a vote of at least two-thirds of the full membership of the applicable integrating and innovation committee not later than thirty days after the executive committee action. If an executive committee is required under this division to prioritize applications under division (B) of this section, only applications that are approved by the executive committee may be submitted to the clean Ohio council for purposes of sections 122.65 to 122.659 of the Revised Code.

(D) The clean Ohio council shall supply application forms to each integrating and innovation committee.

Sec. 122.653. (A) Upon receipt of an application from an integrating and innovation committee, the clean Ohio council shall examine the application and all accompanying information to determine if the application is complete. If the council determines that the application is not complete, the council immediately shall notify the applicant that the application is not complete, provide a description of the information that is missing from the application, and return the application and all accompanying information to the applicant. The applicant may resubmit the application directly to the council.

(B) The council shall approve or disapprove in writing applications submitted to it by integrating and innovation committees or executive committees of integrating and innovation committees for grants or loans from the clean Ohio revitalization fund. The council shall not approve a project that fails to comply with the requirements established in sections 122.65 to 122.658 of the Revised Code and policies and requirements established under section 122.657 of the Revised Code. The council also shall not approve a project if the applicant caused or contributed to the contamination at the property. In approving or disapproving applications, the council shall use the selection process established in policies and requirements established under section 122.657 of the Revised Code.

(C) If the council approves an application under this section, the council shall enter into an agreement with the applicant to award a grant or make a loan for the applicant's brownfield cleanup or remediation project. The agreement shall be executed prior to the payment or disbursement of any funds approved by the council under this section. The agreement shall contain, at a minimum, all of the following:

(1) The designation of a single officer or employee of the applicant who will serve as project manager;

(2) Procedures for the payment or disbursement of funds from the grant or loan to the applicant;

(3) A designation of the percentage of the estimated total cost of the project for which the grant or loan will provide funding, which shall not exceed seventy-five per cent of that cost as provided in section 122.658 of the Revised Code;

(4) A description of the manner by which the applicant will provide the remainder of the estimated total cost of the project, which shall equal at least twenty-five per cent of that cost as provided in section 122.658 of the Revised Code;

(5) An assurance that the applicant will clean up or remediate the brownfield to the applicable cleanup standards;

(6) A provision for the reimbursement of grant moneys or immediate repayment of the loan, as applicable, if the completed project does not comply with the applicable cleanup standards;

(7) Any other provisions that the council considers necessary in order to ensure that the project's implementation will comply with the requirements established in sections 122.65 to 122.658 of the Revised Code and policies and requirements established under section 122.657 of the Revised Code.

(D) If the council executes an agreement under this section, the council shall forward a copy of the agreement to the department of development for the purposes of section 122.658 of the Revised Code.

(E) A grant may be awarded or a loan may be made for a project under this section to an applicant to pay the costs of cleanup or remediation of a brownfield in order to comply with applicable cleanup standards.

Sec. 122.657.  For the purposes of sections 122.65 to 122.658 of the Revised Code, the director of development shall establish policies and requirements regarding all of the following:

(A) The form and content of applications for grants or loans from the clean Ohio revitalization fund under section 122.652 of the Revised Code. The policies and requirements shall require that each application include, at a minimum, all of the following:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant;

(2) The legal description of the property for which the grant or loan is requested;

(3) A summary description of the hazardous substances or petroleum present at the brownfield and a certified copy of the results of an assessment;

(4) A detailed explanation of the proposed cleanup or remediation of the brownfield, including an identification of the applicable cleanup standards, and a detailed description of the proposed use of the brownfield after completion of the cleanup or remediation;

(5) An estimate of the total cost to clean up or remediate the brownfield in order to comply with the applicable cleanup standards. The total cost shall include the cost of employing a certified professional under section 122.654 of the Revised Code.

(6) A detailed explanation of the portion of the estimated total cost of the cleanup or remediation of the brownfield that the applicant proposes to provide as required under sections 122.653 and 122.658 of the Revised Code and financial records supporting the proposal;

(7) A certified copy of a resolution or ordinance approving the project that the applicant shall obtain from the board of township trustees of the township or the legislative authority of the municipal corporation in which the property is located, whichever is applicable;

(8) A description of the estimated economic benefit that will result from a cleanup or remediation of the brownfield;

(9) An application summary for purposes of review by an integrating and innovation committee or, if applicable, the executive committee of an integrating and innovation committee under division (B) of section 122.652 of the Revised Code;

(10) With respect to applications for loans, information demonstrating that the applicant will implement a financial management plan that includes, without limitation, provisions for the satisfactory repayment of the loan;

(11) Any other provisions that the director determines should be included in an application.

(B) Procedures for conducting public meetings and providing public notice under division (A) of section 122.652 of the Revised Code;

(C) Criteria to be used by integrating and innovation committees or, if required under division (C) of section 122.652 of the Revised Code, executive committees of integrating and innovation committees when prioritizing projects under division (B) of section 122.652 of the Revised Code. The policies and requirements also shall establish procedures that integrating and innovation committees or, if required under division (C) of section 122.652 of the Revised Code, executive committees of integrating and innovation committees shall use in applying the criteria.

(D) A selection process that provides for the prioritization of brownfield cleanup or remediation projects for which grant or loan applications are submitted under section 122.652 of the Revised Code. The policies and requirements shall require the selection process to give priority to projects in which the post-cleanup or remediation use will be for a combination of residential, commercial, or industrial purposes, which may include the conversion of a portion of a brownfield to a recreation, park, or natural area that is integrated with the residential, commercial, or industrial use of the brownfield after cleanup or remediation, or will incorporate projects that are funded by grants awarded under sections 164.20 to 164.27 of the Revised Code. The policies and requirements shall require the selection process to incorporate and emphasize all of the following factors:

(1) The potential economic benefit that will result from the cleanup or remediation of a brownfield;

(2) The potential environmental improvement that will result from the cleanup or remediation of a brownfield;

(3) The amount and nature of the match provided by an applicant as required under sections 122.653 and 122.658 of the Revised Code;

(4) Funding priorities recommended by integrating and innovation committees or, if required under division (C) of section 122.652 of the Revised Code, executive committees of integrating and innovation committees under division (B) of section 122.652 of the Revised Code;

(5) The potential benefit to low-income communities, including minority communities, that will result from the cleanup or remediation of a brownfield;

(6) Any other factors that the director considers appropriate.

(E) The development of criteria that the director shall use when awarding grants under section 122.656 of the Revised Code. The criteria shall give priority to public health projects. In addition, the director, in consultation with the director of environmental protection, shall establish policies and requirements that require the criteria to include a public health project selection process that incorporates and emphasizes all of the following factors:

(1) The potential environmental improvement that will result from the cleanup or remediation;

(2) The ability of an applicant to access the property for purposes of the cleanup or remediation;

(3) The name and qualifications of the cleanup or remediation contractor;

(4) Any other factors that the director of development considers appropriate.

The director of development may develop any other policies and requirements that the director determines are necessary for the administration of section 122.656 of the Revised Code.

(F) The development of a brownfield cleanup and remediation oversight program to ensure compliance with sections 122.65 to 122.658 of the Revised Code and policies and requirements established under this section. The policies and requirements shall require the program to include, at a minimum, both of the following:

(1) Procedures for the accounting of invoices and receipts and any other documents that are necessary to demonstrate that a cleanup or remediation was properly performed;

(2) Procedures that are necessary to provide a detailed explanation of the status of the property five years after the completed cleanup or remediation.

(G) A delineation of what constitutes administrative costs for purposes of divisions (D) and (F) of section 122.658 of the Revised Code;

(H) Procedures and requirements for making loans and loan agreements that include at least all of the following:

(1) Not more than fifteen per cent of moneys annually allocated to the clean Ohio revitalization fund shall be used for loans.

(2) The loans shall be made at or below market rates of interest, including, without limitation, interest-free loans.

(3) The recipient of a loan shall identify a source of security and a source of repayment of the loan.

(4) All payments of principal and interest on a loan shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the clean Ohio revitalization revolving loan fund.

(5) The clean Ohio council may accept notes and other forms of obligation to evidence indebtedness, accept mortgages, liens, pledges, assignments, and other security interests to secure such indebtedness, and take any actions that are considered by the council to be appropriate to protect such security and safeguard against losses, including, without limitation, foreclosure and bidding on the purchase of property upon foreclosure or other sale.

(I) Any other policies and requirements that the director determines are necessary for the administration of sections 122.65 to 122.658 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 122.76.  (A) The director of development, with controlling board approval, may lend funds to minority business enterprises and to community improvement corporations, Ohio development corporations, minority contractors business assistance organizations, and minority business supplier development councils for the purpose of loaning funds to minority business enterprises and for the purpose of procuring or improving real or personal property, or both, for the establishment, location, or expansion of industrial, distribution, commercial, or research facilities in the state, and to community development corporations that predominantly benefit minority business enterprises or are located in a census tract that has a population that is sixty per cent or more minority if the director determines, in the director's sole discretion, that all of the following apply:

(1) The project is economically sound and will benefit the people of the state by increasing opportunities for employment, by strengthening the economy of the state, or expanding minority business enterprises.

(2) The proposed minority business enterprise borrower is unable to finance the proposed project through ordinary financial channels at comparable terms.

(3) The value of the project is or, upon completion, will be at least equal to the total amount of the money expended in the procurement or improvement of the project, and one or more financial institutions or other governmental entities have loaned not less than thirty per cent of that amount.

(4) The amount to be loaned by the director will not exceed sixty per cent of the total amount expended in the procurement or improvement of the project.

(5) The amount to be loaned by the director will be adequately secured by a first or second mortgage upon the project or by mortgages, leases, liens, assignments, or pledges on or of other property or contracts as the director requires, and such mortgage will not be subordinate to any other liens or mortgages except the liens securing loans or investments made by financial institutions referred to in division (A)(3) of this section, and the liens securing loans previously made by any financial institution in connection with the procurement or expansion of all or part of a project.

(B) Any proposed minority business enterprise borrower submitting an application for assistance under this section shall not have defaulted on a previous loan from the director, and no full or limited partner, major shareholder, or holder of an equity interest of the proposed minority business enterprise borrower shall have defaulted on a loan from the director.

(C) The proposed minority business enterprise borrower shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the director that it is able to successfully compete in the private sector if it obtains the necessary financial, technical, or managerial support and that support is available through the director, the minority business development office of the department of development, or other identified and acceptable sources. In determining whether a minority business enterprise borrower will be able to successfully compete, the director may give consideration to such factors as the successful completion of or participation in courses of study, recognized by the board of regents as providing financial, technical, or managerial skills related to the operation of the business, by the economically disadvantaged individual, owner, or partner, and the prior success of the individual, owner, or partner in personal, career, or business activities, as well as to other factors identified by the director.

(D) The director shall not lend funds for the purpose of procuring or improving motor vehicles or accounts receivable.

Sec. 123.011.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Construct" includes reconstruct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or otherwise alter.

(2) "Energy consumption analysis" means the evaluation of all energy consuming systems, components, and equipment by demand and type of energy, including the internal energy load imposed on a facility by its occupants and the external energy load imposed by climatic conditions.

(3) "Energy performance index" means a number describing the energy requirements of a facility per square foot of floor space or per cubic foot of occupied volume as appropriate under defined internal and external ambient conditions over an entire seasonal cycle.

(4) "Facility" means a building or other structure, or part of a building or other structure, that includes provision for a heating, refrigeration, ventilation, cooling, lighting, hot water, or other major energy consuming system, component, or equipment.

(5) "Life-cycle cost analysis" means a general approach to economic evaluation that takes into account all dollar costs related to owning, operating, maintaining, and ultimately disposing of a project over the appropriate study period.

(6) "Political subdivision" means a county, township, municipal corporation, board of education of any school district, or any other body corporate and politic that is responsible for government activities in a geographic area smaller than that of the state.

(7) "State funded" means funded in whole or in part through appropriation by the general assembly or through the use of any guarantee provided by this state.

(6)(8) "State institution of higher education" has the same meaning as in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code.

(B) There is hereby created within the department of administrative services the office of energy services. The office shall be under the supervision of a manager, who shall be appointed by the director of administrative services. The director shall assign to the office such number of employees and furnish such equipment and supplies as are necessary for the performance of the office's duties.

The office shall develop energy efficiency and conservation programs in each of the following areas:

(1) New construction design and review;

(2) Existing building audit and retrofit;

(3) Energy efficient procurement;

(4) Alternative fuel vehicles.

The office may accept and administer grants from public and private sources for carrying out any of its duties under this section.

(C) No state agency, department, division, bureau, office, unit, board, commission, authority, quasi-governmental entity, or institution, including those agencies otherwise excluded from the jurisdiction of the department under division (A)(3) of section 123.01 of the Revised Code, shall lease, construct, or cause to be leased or constructed, within the limits prescribed in this section, a state-funded facility, without having secured from the office a proper life-cycle cost analysis or, in the case of a lease, an energy consumption analysis, as computed or prepared by a qualified architect or engineer in accordance with the rules required by division (D) of this section.

Construction shall proceed only upon the disclosure to the office, for the facility chosen, of the life-cycle costs as determined in this section and the capitalization of the initial construction costs of the building. The results of life-cycle cost analysis shall be a primary consideration in the selection of a building design. That analysis shall be required only for construction of buildings with an area of five thousand square feet or greater. An energy consumption analysis for the term of a proposed lease shall be required only for the leasing of an area of twenty thousand square feet or greater within a given building boundary. That analysis shall be a primary consideration in the selection of a facility to be leased.

Nothing in this section shall deprive or limit any state agency that has review authority over design, construction, or leasing plans from requiring a life-cycle cost analysis or energy consumption analysis.

Whenever any state agency, department, division, bureau, office, unit, board, commission, authority, quasi-governmental entity, or institution requests release of capital improvement funds for any state-funded facility, it shall submit copies of all pertinent life-cycle cost analyses prepared pursuant to this section and in accordance with rules adopted under Chapters 3781. and 4101. of the Revised Code.

(D) For the purposes of assisting the department in its responsibility for state-funded facilities pursuant to section 123.01 of the Revised Code and of cost-effectively reducing the energy consumption of those and any other state-funded facilities, thereby promoting fiscal, economic, and environmental benefits to this state, the office shall promulgate rules specifying cost-effective, energy efficiency and conservation standards that may govern the lease, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all state-funded facilities, except facilities of state institutions of higher education or facilities operated by a political subdivision. The office of energy efficiency in the department of development shall cooperate in providing information and technical expertise to the office of energy services to ensure promulgation of rules of maximum effectiveness. The standards prescribed by rules promulgated under this division may draw from or incorporate, by reference or otherwise and in whole or in part, standards already developed or implemented by any competent, public or private standards organization or program. The rules also may include any of the following:

(1) Specifications for a life-cycle cost analysis that shall determine, for the economic life of such state-funded facility, the reasonably expected costs of facility ownership, operation, and maintenance including labor and materials. Life-cycle cost may be expressed as an annual cost for each year of the facility's use. Further, the life-cycle cost analysis may demonstrate for each design how the design contributes to energy efficiency and conservation with respect to any of the following:

(a) The coordination, orientation, and positioning of the facility on its physical site;

(b) The amount and type of glass employed in the facility and the directions of exposure;

(c) Thermal characteristics of materials incorporated into facility design, including insulation;

(d) Architectural features that affect energy consumption, including the solar absorption and reflection properties of external surfaces;

(e) The variable occupancy and operating conditions of the facility and portions of the facility, including illumination levels;

(f) Any other pertinent, physical characteristics of the design.

A life-cycle cost analysis additionally may include an energy consumption analysis that conforms to division (D)(2) of this section.

(2) Specifications for an energy consumption analysis of the facility's heating, refrigeration, ventilation, cooling, lighting, hot water, and other major energy consuming systems, components, and equipment. This analysis shall include both of the following:

(a) The comparison of two or more system alternatives, one of which may be a system using solar energy;

(b) The projection of the annual energy consumption of those major energy consuming systems, components, and equipment, for a range of operation of the facility over the economic life of the facility and considering their operation at other than full or rated outputs.

A life-cycle cost analysis and energy consumption analysis shall be based on the best currently available methods of analysis, such as those of the national bureau institute of standards and technology, the United States department of housing and urban development energy or other federal agencies, professional societies, and directions developed by the department.

(3) Specifications for energy performance indices, to be used to audit and evaluate competing design proposals submitted to the state.

(4) A requirement that, not later than two years after the effective date of this amendment April 6, 2007, each state-funded facility, except a facility of a state institution of higher education or a facility operated by a political subdivision, is managed by at least one building operator certified under the building operator certification program or any equivalent program or standards as shall be prescribed in the rules and considered reasonably equivalent.

(5) An application process by which a project manager, as to of a specified state-funded facility, except a facility of a state institution of higher education or a facility operated by a political subdivision, may apply for a waiver of compliance with any provision of the rules required by divisions (D)(1) to (4) of this section.

(E) The office of energy services shall promulgate rules to ensure that energy efficiency and conservation will be considered in the purchase of products and equipment, except motor vehicles, by any state agency, department, division, bureau, office, unit, board, commission, authority, quasi-governmental entity, or institution. Minimum energy efficiency standards for purchased products and equipment may be required, based on federal testing and labeling where available or on standards developed by the office. The rules shall apply to the competitive selection of energy consuming systems, components, and equipment under Chapter 125. of the Revised Code where possible.

The office also shall ensure energy efficient and energy conserving purchasing practices by doing all of the following:

(1) Cooperatively with the office of energy efficiency, identifying available energy efficiency and conservation opportunities;

(2) Providing for interchange of information among purchasing agencies;

(3) Identifying laws, policies, rules, and procedures that need modification;

(4) Monitoring experience with and the cost-effectiveness of this state's purchase and use of motor vehicles and of major energy-consuming systems, components, equipment, and products having a significant impact on energy consumption by government;

(5) Cooperatively with the office of energy efficiency, providing technical assistance and training to state employees involved in the purchasing process.

The department of development shall make recommendations to the office regarding planning and implementation of purchasing policies and procedures supportive of energy efficiency and conservation.

(F)(1) The office of energy services shall require all state agencies, departments, divisions, bureaus, offices, units, commissions, boards, authorities, quasi-governmental entities, institutions, and state institutions of higher education to implement procedures ensuring that all their passenger automobiles acquired in each fiscal year, except for those passenger automobiles acquired for use in law enforcement or emergency rescue work, achieve a fleet average fuel economy of not less than the fleet average fuel economy for that fiscal year as shall be prescribed by the office by rule. The office shall promulgate the rule prior to the beginning of the fiscal year in accordance with the average fuel economy standards established pursuant to federal law for passenger automobiles manufactured during the model year that begins during the fiscal year.

(2) Each state agency, department, division, bureau, office, unit, commission, board, authority, quasi-governmental entity, institution, and state institution of higher education shall determine its fleet average fuel economy by dividing:

(a) The total number of passenger vehicles acquired during the fiscal year, except for those passenger vehicles acquired for use in law enforcement or emergency rescue work, by

(b) A sum of terms, each of which is a fraction created by dividing:

(i) The number of passenger vehicles of a given make, model, and year, except for passenger vehicles acquired for use in law enforcement or emergency rescue work, acquired during the fiscal year, by

(ii) The fuel economy measured by the administrator of the United States environmental protection agency, for the given make, model, and year of vehicle, that constitutes an average fuel economy for combined city and highway driving.

As used in division (F)(2) of this section, "acquired" means leased for a period of sixty continuous days or more, or purchased.

(G) Each state agency, department, division, bureau, office, unit, board, commission, authority, quasi-governmental entity, institution, and state institution of higher education shall comply with any applicable provision of this section or of a rule promulgated pursuant to division (D) or (F) of this section.

Sec. 124.09.  The director of administrative services shall do all of the following:

(A) Prescribe, amend, and enforce administrative rules for the purpose of carrying out the functions, powers, and duties vested in and imposed upon the director by this chapter. Except in the case of rules adopted pursuant to section 124.14 of the Revised Code, the prescription, amendment, and enforcement of rules under this division are subject to approval, disapproval, or modification by the state personnel board of review.

(B) Keep records of the director's proceedings and records of all applications for examinations and all examinations conducted by the director or the director's designee. All of those records, except examinations, proficiency assessments, and recommendations of former employers, shall be open to public inspection under reasonable regulations; provided the governor, or any person designated by the governor, may, for the purpose of investigation, have free access to all of those records, whenever the governor has reason to believe that this chapter, or the administrative rules of the director prescribed under this chapter, are being violated.

(C) Prepare, continue, and keep in the office of the department of administrative services a complete roster of all persons in the classified civil service of the state who are paid directly by warrant of the director of budget and management. This roster shall be open to public inspection at all reasonable hours. It shall show in reference to each of those persons, the person's name, address, date of appointment to or employment in the classified civil service of the state, and salary or compensation, the title of the place or office that the person holds, the nature of the duties of that place or office, and, in case of the person's removal or resignation, the date of the termination of that service.

(D) Approve the establishment of all new positions in the civil service of the state and the reestablishment of abolished positions;

(E) Require the abolishment of any position in the civil service of the state that is not filled after a period of twelve months unless it is determined that the position is seasonal in nature or that the vacancy is otherwise justified;

(F) Make investigations concerning all matters touching the enforcement and effect of this chapter and the administrative rules of the director of administrative services prescribed under this chapter. In the course of those investigations, the director or the director's deputy may administer oaths and affirmations and take testimony relative to any matter which the director has authority to investigate.

(G) Have the power to subpoena and require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, public records, and other documentary evidence pertinent to the investigations, inquiries, or hearings on any matter which the director has authority to investigate, inquire into, or hear, and to examine them in relation to any matter which the director has authority to investigate, inquire into, or hear. Fees and mileage shall be allowed to witnesses and, on their certificate, duly audited, shall be paid by the treasurer of state or, in the case of municipal or civil service township civil service commissions, by the county treasurer, for attendance and traveling, as provided in section 119.094 of the Revised Code. All officers in the civil service of the state or any of the political subdivisions of the state and their deputies, clerks, and employees shall attend and testify when summoned to do so by the director or the state personnel board of review. Depositions of witnesses may be taken by the director or the board, or any member of the board, in the manner prescribed by law for like depositions in civil actions in the courts of common pleas. In case any person, in disobedience to any subpoena issued by the director or the board, or any member of the board, or the chief examiner, fails or refuses to attend and testify to any matter regarding which the person may be lawfully interrogated, or produce any documentary evidence pertinent to any investigation, inquiry, or hearing, the court of common pleas of any county, or any judge of the court of common pleas of any county, where the disobedience, failure, or refusal occurs, upon application of the director or the board, or any member of the board, or a municipal or civil service township civil service commission, or any commissioner of such a commission, or their chief examiner, shall compel obedience by attachment proceedings for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from the court or a refusal to testify in the court.

(H) Make a report to the governor, on or before the first day of January of each year, showing the director's actions, the rules and all exceptions to the rules in force, and any recommendations for the more effectual accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter. The director shall also furnish any special reports to the governor whenever the governor requests them. The reports shall be printed for public distribution under the same regulations as are the reports of other state officers, boards, or commissions.

Sec. 124.23.  (A) All applicants for positions and places in the classified service shall be subject to examination, except for applicants for positions as professional or certified service and paraprofessional employees of county boards of developmental disabilities, who shall be hired in the manner provided in section 124.241 of the Revised Code.

(B) Any examination administered under this section shall be public and be open to all citizens of the United States and those persons who have legally declared their intentions of becoming United States citizens. For examinations administered for positions in the service of the state, the director of administrative services or the director's designee may determine certain limitations as to citizenship, age, experience, education, health, habit, and moral character.

(C) Any person who has completed service in the uniformed services, who has been honorably discharged from the uniformed services or transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service, and who is a resident of this state and any member of the national guard or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States who has completed more than one hundred eighty days of active duty service pursuant to an executive order of the president of the United States or an act of the congress of the United States may file with the director a certificate of service or honorable discharge, and, upon this filing, the person shall receive additional credit of twenty per cent, or an equivalent weight, of the person's total grade given in the regular examination in which the person receives a passing grade, and the person's ranking on an eligible list shall reflect the passing grade plus the additional credit.

As used in this division, "service in the uniformed services" and "uniformed services" have the same meanings as in the "Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994," 108 Stat. 3149, 38 U.S.C.A. 4303.

(D) An examination may include an evaluation of such factors as education, training, capacity, knowledge, manual dexterity, and physical or psychological fitness. An examination shall consist of one or more tests in any combination. Tests may be written, oral, physical, demonstration of skill, or an evaluation of training and experiences and shall be designed to fairly test the relative capacity of the persons examined to discharge the particular duties of the position for which appointment is sought. Tests may include structured interviews, assessment centers, work simulations, examinations of knowledge, skills, and abilities, and any other acceptable testing methods. If minimum or maximum requirements are established for any examination, they shall be specified in the examination announcement.

(E) Except as otherwise provided in sections 124.01 to 124.64 of the Revised Code, when a position in the classified service of the state is to be filled, an examination shall be administered. The director of administrative services shall have control of all examinations administered for positions in the service of the state and all other examinations the director administers as provided in section 124.07 of the Revised Code, except as otherwise provided in sections 124.01 to 124.64 of the Revised Code. The director shall, by rule adopted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, prescribe the notification method that is to be used by an appointing authority to notify the director that a position in the classified service of the state is to be filled. In addition to the positions described in section 124.30 of the Revised Code, the director may, with sufficient justification from the appointing authority, allow the appointing authority to fill the position by noncompetitive examination. The director shall establish, by rule adopted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, standards that the director shall use to determine what serves as sufficient justification from an appointing authority to fill a position by noncompetitive examination.

(F) No questions in any examination shall relate to political or religious opinions or affiliations. No credit for seniority, efficiency, or any other reason shall be added to an applicant's examination grade unless the applicant achieves at least the minimum passing grade on the examination without counting that extra credit.

(G) Except as otherwise provided in sections 124.01 to 124.64 of the Revised Code, the director of administrative services or the director's designee shall give reasonable notice of the time, place, and general scope of every competitive examination for appointment that the director or the director's designee administers for positions in the classified service of the state. The director or the director's designee shall send written, printed, or electronic post notices via electronic media of every examination to be conducted for positions in the classified civil service of the state to each agency of the type the director of job and family services specifies and, in the case of a county in which no such agency is located, to the clerk of the court of common pleas of that county and to the clerk of each city located within that county. Those notices shall be posted in conspicuous public places in the designated agencies or the courthouse, and city hall of the cities, of the counties in which no designated agency is located for at least two weeks. The electronic notice shall be posted on the director's internet site on the world wide web for a minimum of one week preceding any examination involved, and in a conspicuous place in the office of the director of administrative services for at least two weeks preceding any examination involved. In case of examinations limited by the director to a district, county, city, or department, the director shall provide by rule for adequate publicity of an examination in the district, county, city, or department within which competition is permitted.

Sec. 124.231.  (A) As used in this section, "legally blind person" means any person who qualifies as being blind under any Ohio or federal statute, or any rule adopted thereunder. As used in this section, "legally deaf person" means any person who qualifies as being deaf under any Ohio or federal statute, or any rule adopted thereunder.

(B) The When an examination is to be administered under sections 124.01 to 124.64 of the Revised Code, the director of administrative services or the director's designee shall whenever practicable arrange for special examinations to be administered to legally blind or legally deaf persons applying for original appointments positions in the classified service to ensure that the abilities of such applicants are properly assessed and that such applicants are not subject to discrimination because they are legally blind or legally deaf persons.

(C) The director may administer equitable programs for the employment of legally blind persons and legally deaf persons in the classified service.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the appointment of a legally blind or legally deaf person to a position in the classified service under the procedures otherwise provided in this chapter.

Sec. 124.24.  (A) Notwithstanding sections 124.01 to 124.64 and Chapter 145. of the Revised Code, the examinations of applicants for the positions of deputy mine inspector, superintendent of rescue stations, assistant superintendent of rescue stations, electrical inspectors, gas storage well inspector, and mine chemists in the division of mineral resources management, department of natural resources, as provided in Chapters 1561., 1563., 1565., and 1567. of the Revised Code shall be provided for, conducted, and administered by the chief of the division of mineral resources management.

From the returns of the examinations the chief shall prepare eligible lists of the persons whose general average standing upon examinations for such grade or class is not less than the minimum fixed by rules adopted under section 1561.05 of the Revised Code and who are otherwise eligible. All appointments to a position shall be made from such that eligible list in the same manner as appointments are made from eligible lists prepared by the director of administrative services. Any person upon being appointed to fill one of the positions provided for in this section division, from any such eligible list, shall have the same standing, rights, privileges, and status as other state employees in the classified service.

(B) Notwithstanding sections 124.01 to 124.64 and Chapter 145. of the Revised Code, the examinations of applicants for the position of gas storage well inspector in the division of oil and gas resources management, department of natural resources, as provided in Chapter 1571. of the Revised Code shall be provided for, conducted, and administered by the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management.

From the returns of the examinations, the chief shall prepare an eligible list of the persons whose general average standing upon examinations for that position is not less than the minimum fixed by rules adopted under section 1571.014 of the Revised Code and who are otherwise eligible. An appointment to the position shall be made from that eligible list in the same manner as appointments are made from eligible lists prepared by the director of administrative services. Any person, upon being appointed to fill the position provided for in this division from any such eligible list, shall have the same standing, rights, privileges, and status as other state employees in the classified service.

Sec. 124.25.  The director of administrative services shall require persons applying for an examination for original appointment to file with the director or the director's designee, within reasonable time prior to the examination, a formal application, in which the applicant shall state the applicant's name, address, and such other information as may reasonably be required concerning the applicant's education and experience. No inquiry shall be made as to religious or political affiliations or as to racial or ethnic origin of the applicant, except as necessary to gather equal employment opportunity or other statistics that, when compiled, will not identify any specific individual.

Blank forms for applications shall be furnished by the director or the director's designee without charge to any person requesting the same. The director or the director's designee may require in connection with such application such certificate of persons having knowledge of the applicant as the good of the service demands. The director or the director's designee may refuse to appoint or examine an applicant, or, after an examination, refuse to certify the applicant as eligible, who is found to lack any of the established preliminary requirements for the examination, who is addicted to the habitual use of intoxicating liquors or drugs to excess, who has a pattern of poor work habits and performance with previous employers, who has been convicted of a felony, who has been guilty of infamous or notoriously disgraceful conduct, who has been dismissed from either branch of the civil service for delinquency or misconduct, or who has made false statements of any material fact, or practiced, or attempted to practice, any deception or fraud in the application or examination, in establishing eligibility, or securing an appointment.

Sec. 124.26.  From the returns of the examinations, the director of administrative services or the director's designee shall prepare an eligible list of the persons whose general average standing upon examinations for the grade or class or position is not less than the minimum fixed by the rules of the director, and who are otherwise eligible. Those persons shall take rank upon the eligible list as candidates in the order of their relative excellence as determined by the examination without reference to priority of the time of examination. If two or more applicants receive the same mark in an open competitive examination, priority in the time of filing the application with the director or the director's designee shall determine the order in which their names shall be placed on the eligible list, except that applicants eligible for veteran's preference under section 124.23 of the Revised Code shall receive priority in rank on the eligible list over nonveterans on the list with a rating equal to that of the veteran. Ties among veterans shall be decided by priority of filing the application. If two or more applicants receive the same mark on a promotional examination, seniority shall determine the order in which their names shall be placed on the eligible list. The term of eligibility of each list shall be fixed by the director at not less than one or more than two years.

When an eligible list is reduced to ten names or less, a new list may be prepared. The director may consolidate two or more eligible lists of the same kind by the rearranging of eligibles named in the lists, according to their grades. An eligible list expires upon the filling or closing of the position. An expired eligible list may be used to fill a position of the same classification within the same appointing authority for which the list was created. But, in no event shall an expired list be used more than one year past its expiration date.

Sec. 124.27.  (A) The head of a department, office, or institution, in which a position in the classified service is to be filled, shall notify the director of administrative services of the fact, and the director shall, except as otherwise provided in this section and sections 124.30 and 124.31 of the Revised Code, certify to the appointing authority the names and addresses of the ten candidates standing highest on the eligible list for the class or grade to which the position belongs, except that the director may certify less than ten names if ten names are not available. When less than ten names are certified to an appointing authority, appointment from that list shall not be mandatory. When a position in the classified service in the department of mental health or the department of developmental disabilities is to be filled, the director of administrative services shall make such certification to the appointing authority within seven working days of the date the eligible list is requested.

(B) The appointing authority shall notify the director of a position in the classified service to be filled, and the appointing authority shall fill the vacant position by appointment of one of the ten persons certified by the director. If more than one position is to be filled, the director may certify a group of names from the eligible list, and the appointing authority shall appoint in the following manner: beginning at the top of the list, each time a selection is made, it must be from one of the first ten candidates remaining on the list who is willing to accept consideration for the position. If an eligible list becomes exhausted, and until a new list can be created, or when no eligible list for a position exists, names may be certified from eligible lists most appropriate for the group or class in which the position to be filled is classified. A person who is certified from an eligible list more than three times to the same appointing authority for the same or similar positions may be omitted from future certification to that appointing authority, provided that certification for a temporary appointment shall not be counted as one of those certifications. Every person who qualifies for veteran's preference under section 124.23 of the Revised Code, who is a resident of this state, and whose name is on the eligible list for a position shall be entitled to preference in original appointments to any such competitive position in the civil service of the state and its civil divisions over all other persons eligible for those appointments and standing on the relevant eligible list with a rating equal to that of the person qualifying for veteran's preference. Appointments to all positions in the classified service, that are not filled by promotion, transfer, or reduction, as provided in sections 124.01 to 124.64 of the Revised Code and the rules of the director prescribed under those sections, shall be made only from those persons whose names are certified to the appointing authority take rank order on an eligible list, and no employment, except as provided in those sections, shall be otherwise given in the classified service of this state or any political subdivision of the state. The appointing authority shall appoint in the following manner: each time a selection is made, it shall be from one of the names that ranks in the top twenty-five per cent of the eligible list. But, in the event that ten or fewer names are on the eligible list, the appointing authority may select any of the listed candidates.

(C)(B) All original and promotional appointments, including appointments made pursuant to section 124.30 of the Revised Code, but not intermittent appointments, shall be for a probationary period, not less than sixty days nor more than one year, to be fixed by the rules of the director, except as provided in section 124.231 of the Revised Code, and except for original appointments to a police department as a police officer or to a fire department as a firefighter which shall be for a probationary period of one year. No appointment or promotion is final until the appointee has satisfactorily served the probationary period. If the service of the probationary employee is unsatisfactory, the employee may be removed or reduced at any time during the probationary period. If the appointing authority decides to remove a probationary employee in the service of the state, the appointing authority shall communicate the removal to the director the reason for that decision. A probationary employee duly removed or reduced in position for unsatisfactory service does not have the right to appeal the removal or reduction under section 124.34 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 124.31.  (A) Vacancies in positions in the classified service of the state shall be filled insofar as practicable by promotions. The director of administrative services shall provide in the director's rules for keeping a record of efficiency for each employee in the classified civil service of the state, and for making promotions in the classified civil service of the state on the basis of merit, to be ascertained insofar as practicable by promotional examinations, and by conduct and capacity in office, and by seniority in service. The director shall provide that vacancies in positions in the classified civil service of the state shall be filled by promotion in all cases where, in the judgment of the director, it is for the best interest of the service. The director's rules shall authorize each appointing authority of a county to develop and administer in a manner it devises, an evaluation system for the employees it appoints.

(B) All examinations for promotions shall be competitive and may be conducted in the same manner as examinations described in section 124.23 of the Revised Code. In promotional examinations, seniority in service shall be added to the examination grade, but no credit for seniority or any other reason shall be added to an examination grade unless the applicant achieves at least the minimum passing score on the examination without counting that extra credit. Credit for seniority shall equal, for the first four years of service, one per cent of the total grade attainable in the promotion examination, and, for each of the fifth through fourteenth years of service, six-tenths per cent of the total grade attainable.

In all cases where vacancies are to be filled by promotion, the director shall certify to the appointing authority the names of the three persons having the highest rating on the eligible list. The method of examination for promotions, the manner of giving notice of the examination, and the rules governing it shall be in general the same as those provided for original examinations, except as otherwise provided in sections 124.01 to 124.64 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 124.34.  (A) The tenure of every officer or employee in the classified service of the state and the counties, civil service townships, cities, city health districts, general health districts, and city school districts of the state, holding a position under this chapter, shall be during good behavior and efficient service. No officer or employee shall be reduced in pay or position, fined, suspended, or removed, or have the officer's or employee's longevity reduced or eliminated, except as provided in section 124.32 of the Revised Code, and for incompetency, inefficiency, dishonesty, drunkenness, immoral conduct, insubordination, discourteous treatment of the public, neglect of duty, violation of any policy or work rule of the officer's or employee's appointing authority, violation of this chapter or the rules of the director of administrative services or the commission, any other failure of good behavior, any other acts of misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office, or conviction of a felony. The denial of a one-time pay supplement or a bonus to an officer or employee is not a reduction in pay for purposes of this section.

This section does not apply to any modifications or reductions in pay or work week authorized by division (Q) of section 124.181 or section 124.392 or, 124.393, or 124.394 of the Revised Code.

An appointing authority may require an employee who is suspended to report to work to serve the suspension. An employee serving a suspension in this manner shall continue to be compensated at the employee's regular rate of pay for hours worked. The disciplinary action shall be recorded in the employee's personnel file in the same manner as other disciplinary actions and has the same effect as a suspension without pay for the purpose of recording disciplinary actions.

A finding by the appropriate ethics commission, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the facts alleged in a complaint under section 102.06 of the Revised Code constitute a violation of Chapter 102., section 2921.42, or section 2921.43 of the Revised Code may constitute grounds for dismissal. Failure to file a statement or falsely filing a statement required by section 102.02 of the Revised Code may also constitute grounds for dismissal. The tenure of an employee in the career professional service of the department of transportation is subject to section 5501.20 of the Revised Code.

Conviction of a felony is a separate basis for reducing in pay or position, suspending, or removing an officer or employee, even if the officer or employee has already been reduced in pay or position, suspended, or removed for the same conduct that is the basis of the felony. An officer or employee may not appeal to the state personnel board of review or the commission any disciplinary action taken by an appointing authority as a result of the officer's or employee's conviction of a felony. If an officer or employee removed under this section is reinstated as a result of an appeal of the removal, any conviction of a felony that occurs during the pendency of the appeal is a basis for further disciplinary action under this section upon the officer's or employee's reinstatement.

A person convicted of a felony immediately forfeits the person's status as a classified employee in any public employment on and after the date of the conviction for the felony. If an officer or employee is removed under this section as a result of being convicted of a felony or is subsequently convicted of a felony that involves the same conduct that was the basis for the removal, the officer or employee is barred from receiving any compensation after the removal notwithstanding any modification or disaffirmance of the removal, unless the conviction for the felony is subsequently reversed or annulled.

Any person removed for conviction of a felony is entitled to a cash payment for any accrued but unused sick, personal, and vacation leave as authorized by law. If subsequently reemployed in the public sector, the person shall qualify for and accrue these forms of leave in the manner specified by law for a newly appointed employee and shall not be credited with prior public service for the purpose of receiving these forms of leave.

As used in this division, "felony" means any of the following:

(1) A felony that is an offense of violence as defined in section 2901.01 of the Revised Code;

(2) A felony that is a felony drug abuse offense as defined in section 2925.01 of the Revised Code;

(3) A felony under the laws of this or any other state or the United States that is a crime of moral turpitude;

(4) A felony involving dishonesty, fraud, or theft;

(5) A felony that is a violation of section 2921.05, 2921.32, or 2921.42 of the Revised Code.

(B) In case of a reduction, a suspension of more than forty work hours in the case of an employee exempt from the payment of overtime compensation, a suspension of more than twenty-four work hours in the case of an employee required to be paid overtime compensation, a fine of more than forty hours' pay in the case of an employee exempt from the payment of overtime compensation, a fine of more than twenty-four hours' pay in the case of an employee required to be paid overtime compensation, or removal, except for the reduction or removal of a probationary employee, the appointing authority shall serve the employee with a copy of the order of reduction, fine, suspension, or removal, which order shall state the reasons for the action.

Within ten days following the date on which the order is served or, in the case of an employee in the career professional service of the department of transportation, within ten days following the filing of a removal order, the employee, except as otherwise provided in this section, may file an appeal of the order in writing with the state personnel board of review or the commission. For purposes of this section, the date on which an order is served is the date of hand delivery of the order or the date of delivery of the order by certified United States mail, whichever occurs first. If an appeal is filed, the board or commission shall forthwith notify the appointing authority and shall hear, or appoint a trial board to hear, the appeal within thirty days from and after its filing with the board or commission. The board, commission, or trial board may affirm, disaffirm, or modify the judgment of the appointing authority. However, in an appeal of a removal order based upon a violation of a last chance agreement, the board, commission, or trial board may only determine if the employee violated the agreement and thus affirm or disaffirm the judgment of the appointing authority.

In cases of removal or reduction in pay for disciplinary reasons, either the appointing authority or the officer or employee may appeal from the decision of the state personnel board of review or the commission, and any such appeal shall be to the court of common pleas of the county in which the appointing authority is located, or to the court of common pleas of Franklin county, as provided by section 119.12 of the Revised Code.

(C) In the case of the suspension for any period of time, or a fine, demotion, or removal, of a chief of police, a chief of a fire department, or any member of the police or fire department of a city or civil service township, who is in the classified civil service, the appointing authority shall furnish the chief or member with a copy of the order of suspension, fine, demotion, or removal, which order shall state the reasons for the action. The order shall be filed with the municipal or civil service township civil service commission. Within ten days following the filing of the order, the chief or member may file an appeal, in writing, with the commission. If an appeal is filed, the commission shall forthwith notify the appointing authority and shall hear, or appoint a trial board to hear, the appeal within thirty days from and after its filing with the commission, and it may affirm, disaffirm, or modify the judgment of the appointing authority. An appeal on questions of law and fact may be had from the decision of the commission to the court of common pleas in the county in which the city or civil service township is situated. The appeal shall be taken within thirty days from the finding of the commission.

(D) A violation of division (A)(7) of section 2907.03 of the Revised Code is grounds for termination of employment of a nonteaching employee under this section.

(E) As used in this section, "last chance agreement" means an agreement signed by both an appointing authority and an officer or employee of the appointing authority that describes the type of behavior or circumstances that, if it occurs, will automatically lead to removal of the officer or employee without the right of appeal to the state personnel board of review or the appropriate commission.

Sec. 124.393. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "County exempt Exempt employee" means a permanent full-time or permanent part-time county, township, or municipal corporation employee who is not subject to a collective bargaining agreement between a public employer and an exclusive representative.

(2) "Fiscal emergency" means any of the following:

(a) A fiscal emergency declared by the governor under section 126.05 of the Revised Code.

(b) A fiscal watch or fiscal emergency has been declared or determined under section 118.023 or 118.04 of the Revised Code.

(c) Lack of funds as defined in section 124.321 of the Revised Code.

(c)(d) Reasons of economy as described in section 124.321 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) A county, township, or municipal corporation appointing authority may establish a mandatory cost savings program applicable to its county exempt employees. Each county exempt employee shall participate in the program of mandatory cost savings for not more than eighty hours, as determined by the appointing authority, in each of state fiscal years 2010 and 2011 to 2013. The program may include, but is not limited to, a loss of pay or loss of holiday pay. The program may be administered differently among employees based on their classifications, appointment categories, or other relevant distinctions.

(2) After June 30, 2011 2013, a county, township, or municipal corporation appointing authority may implement mandatory cost savings days as described in division (B)(1) of this section that apply to its county exempt employees in the event of a fiscal emergency.

(C) A county, township, or municipal corporation appointing authority shall issue guidelines concerning how the appointing authority will implement the cost savings program.

Sec. 124.394. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Exempt employee" means a permanent full-time or permanent part-time county employee , township, or municipal corporation who is not subject to a collective bargaining agreement between a public employer and an exclusive representative.

(2) "Fiscal emergency" means any of the following:

(a) A fiscal emergency declared by the governor under section 126.05 of the Revised Code.

(b) A fiscal watch or a fiscal emergency declared or determined by the auditor of state under section 118.023 or 118.04 of the Revised Code.

(c) Lack of funds as defined in section 124.321 of the Revised Code.

(d) Reasons of economy as described in section 124.321 of the Revised Code.

(B) A county, township, or municipal corporation appointing authority may establish a modified work week schedule program applicable to its exempt employees. Each exempt employee shall participate in any established modified work week schedule program in each of state fiscal years 2012 and 2013. The program may provide for a reduction from the usual number of hours worked during a week by exempt employees immediately before the establishment of the program by the appointing authority. The reduction in hours may include any number of hours so long as the reduction is not more than fifty per cent of the usual hours worked by exempt employees immediately before the establishment of the program. The program may be administered differently among employees based on classifications, appointment categories, or other relevant distinctions.

(C) After June 30, 2013, a county, township, or municipal corporation appointing authority may implement a modified work week schedule program as described in division (B) of this section that applies to its exempt employees in the event of a fiscal emergency.

Sec. 125.021. (A) Except as to the military department, the general assembly, the capitol square review advisory board the bureau of workers' compensation, the industrial commission, and institutions administered by boards of trustees, the department of administrative services may contract for telephone, other telecommunication, and computer services for state agencies. Nothing in this division precludes the bureau or the commission from contracting with the department to authorize the department to contract for those services for the bureau or the commission.

(B)(1) As used in this division:

(a) "Active duty" means active duty pursuant to an executive order of the president of the United States, an act of the congress of the United States, or section 5919.29 or 5923.21 of the Revised Code.

(b) "Immediate family" means a person's spouse residing in the person's household, brothers and sisters of the whole or of the half blood, children, including adopted children and stepchildren, parents, and grandparents.

(2) The department of administrative services may enter into a contract to purchase bulk long distance telephone services and make them available at cost, or may make bulk long distance telephone services available at cost under any existing contract the department has entered into, to members of the immediate family of persons deployed on active duty so that those family members can communicate with the persons so deployed. If the department enters into contracts under division (B)(2) of this section, it shall do so in accordance with sections 125.01 to 125.11 of the Revised Code and in a nondiscriminatory manner that does not place any potential vendor at a competitive disadvantage.

(3) If the department decides to exercise either option under division (B)(2) of this section, it shall adopt, and may amend, rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement that division.

Sec. 125.024.  (A) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, the department of administrative services shall select a single person from which to procure all drugs to be provided by the department of mental health, under section 5119.16 of the Revised Code, to the persons and government entities described in that section.

(B) Before making a selection for purposes of division (A) of this section, the department of administrative services shall develop a process to be used in issuing a request for proposals, receiving responses to the request, and evaluating the responses on a competitive basis. Not later than sixty days after the effective date of this section, the department of administrative services shall issue the first request for proposals. Each subsequent request for proposals shall be issued at least ninety days but not more than one hundred twenty days before a contract for drug procurement services terminates.

(C) Division (A) of this section does not apply if the department of administrative services determines, from a review of the proposals submitted through the process described in division (B) of this section, that the cost of procuring all drugs from a single person does not result in a net savings to the state when compared to the cost of procuring drugs from multiple persons.

Sec. 125.15.  All state agencies required to secure any equipment, materials, supplies, or services from the department of administrative services shall make acquisition in the manner and upon forms prescribed by the director of administrative services and shall reimburse the department for the equipment, materials, supplies, or services, including a reasonable sum to cover the department's administrative costs and costs relating to energy efficiency and conservation programs, whenever reimbursement is required by the department. The money so paid shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the general services fund or, the information technology fund, or the information technology governance fund, as appropriate. Those funds are hereby created.

Sec. 125.18. (A) There is hereby established the office of information technology within the department of administrative services. The office shall be under the supervision of a state chief information officer to be appointed by the director of administrative services and subject to removal at the pleasure of the director. The chief information officer is an assistant director of administrative services.

(B) Under the direction of the director of administrative services, the state chief information officer shall lead, oversee, and direct state agency activities related to information technology development and use. In that regard, the state chief information officer shall do all of the following:

(1) Coordinate and superintend statewide efforts to promote common use and development of technology by state agencies. The office of information technology shall establish policies and standards that govern and direct state agency participation in statewide programs and initiatives.

(2) Establish policies and standards for the acquisition and use of common information technology by state agencies, including, but not limited to, hardware, software, technology services, and security, and the extension of the service life of information technology systems, with which state agencies shall comply;

(3) Establish criteria and review processes to identify state agency information technology projects or purchases that require alignment or oversight. As appropriate, the department of administrative services shall provide the governor and the director of budget and management with notice and advice regarding the appropriate allocation of resources for those projects. The state chief information officer may require state agencies to provide, and may prescribe the form and manner by which they must provide, information to fulfill the state chief information officer's alignment and oversight role;

(4) Establish policies and procedures for the security of personal information that is maintained and destroyed by state agencies;

(5) Employ a chief information security officer who is responsible for the implementation of the policies and procedures described in division (B)(4) of this section and for coordinating the implementation of those policies and procedures in all of the state agencies;

(6) Employ a chief privacy officer who is responsible for advising state agencies when establishing policies and procedures for the security of personal information and developing education and training programs regarding the state's security procedures;

(7) Establish policies on the purchasing, use, and reimbursement for use of handheld computing and telecommunications devices by state agency employees;

(8) Establish policies for the reduction of printing and the use of electronic records by state agencies;

(9) Establish policies for the reduction of energy consumption by state agencies;

(10) Compute the amount of revenue attributable to the amortization of all equipment purchases and capitalized systems from information technology service delivery and major information technology purchases operating appropriation items and major computer purchases capital appropriation items that is recovered as part of the information technology services rates the department of administrative services charges and deposits into the information technology fund created in section 125.15 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) The chief information security officer shall assist each state agency with the development of an information technology security strategic plan and review that plan, and each state agency shall submit that plan to the state chief information officer. The chief information security officer may require that each state agency update its information technology security strategic plan annually as determined by the state chief information officer.

(2) Prior to the implementation of any information technology data system, a state agency shall prepare or have prepared a privacy impact statement for that system.

(D) When a state agency requests a purchase of information technology supplies or services under Chapter 125. of the Revised Code, the state chief information officer may review and reject the requested purchase for noncompliance with information technology direction, plans, policies, standards, or project-alignment criteria.

(E) The office of information technology may operate technology services for state agencies in accordance with this chapter.

(F) With the approval of the director of administrative services, the office of information technology may establish cooperative agreements with federal and local government agencies and state agencies that are not under the authority of the governor for the provision of technology services and the development of technology projects.

(G) The office of information technology may operate a program to make information technology purchases. The director of administrative services may recover the cost of operating the program from all participating government entities by issuing intrastate transfer voucher billings for the procured technology or through any pass-through billing method agreed to by the director of administrative services, the director of budget and management, and the participating government entities that will receive the procured technology.

If the director of administrative services chooses to recover the program costs through intrastate transfer voucher billings, the participating government entities shall process the intrastate transfer vouchers to pay for the cost. Amounts received under this section for the information technology purchase program shall be deposited to the credit of the information technology governance fund created in section 125.15 of the Revised Code.

(H) Upon request from the director of administrative services, the director of budget and management may transfer cash from the information technology fund created in section 125.15 of the Revised Code to the major information technology purchases fund in an amount not to exceed the amount computed under division (B)(10) of this section. The major information technology purchases fund is hereby created in the state treasury.

(I) As used in this section:

(1) "Personal information" has the same meaning as in section 149.45 of the Revised Code.

(2) "State agency" means every organized body, office, or agency established by the laws of the state for the exercise of any function of state government, other than any state-supported institution of higher education, the office of the auditor of state, treasurer of state, secretary of state, or attorney general, the adjutant general's department, the bureau of workers' compensation, the industrial commission, the public employees retirement system, the Ohio police and fire pension fund, the state teachers retirement system, the school employees retirement system, the state highway patrol retirement system, the general assembly or any legislative agency, the capitol square review advisory board, or the courts or any judicial agency.

Sec. 125.182. The office of information technology, by itself or by contract with another entity, shall establish, operate, and maintain a state public notice web site. In establishing, maintaining, and operating the state public notice web site, the office of information technology shall:

(A) Use a domain name for the web site that will be easily recognizable and remembered by and understandable to users of the web site;

(B) Maintain the web site so that it is fully accessible to and searchable by members of the public at all times;

(C) Not charge a fee to a person who accesses, searches, or otherwise uses the web site;

(D) Not charge a fee to a state agency or political subdivision for publishing a notice on the web site;

(E) Ensure that notices displayed on the web site conform to the requirements that would apply to the notices if they were being published in a newspaper, as directed in section 7.16 of the Revised Code or in the relevant provision of the statute or rule that requires the notice;

(F) Ensure that notices continue to be displayed on the web site for not less than the length of time required by the relevant provision of the statute or rule that requires the notice;

(G) Devise and display on the web site a form that may be downloaded and used to request publication of a notice on the web site;

(H) Enable responsible parties to submit notices and requests for their publication;

(I) Maintain an archive of notices that no longer are displayed on the web site;

(J) Enable notices, both those currently displayed and those archived, to be accessed by key word, by party name, by case number, by county, and by other useful identifiers;

(K) Maintain adequate systemic security and backup features, and develop and maintain a contingency plan for coping with and recovering from power outages, systemic failures, and other unforeseeable difficulties;

(L) Maintain the web site in such a manner that it will not infringe legally protected interests, so that vulnerability of the web site to interruption because of litigation or the threat of litigation is reduced; and

(M) Submit a status report to the secretary of state twice annually that demonstrates compliance with statutory requirements governing publication of notices.

The office of information technology shall bear the expense of maintaining the state public notice web site domain name.

Sec. 125.213. There is hereby created the state employee child support fund. The fund shall be in the custody of the treasurer of state, but shall not be part of the state treasury. The fund shall consist of all money withheld or deducted from salaries and wages of state officials and employees pursuant to a withholding or deduction notice described in section 3121.03 of the Revised Code for forwarding to the office of child support in the department of job and family services pursuant to section 3121.19 of the Revised Code. All money in the fund, including investment earnings thereon, shall be used only for the following purposes:

(A) Forwarding to the office of child support money withheld or deducted from salaries and wages of state officials and employees pursuant to a withholding or deduction notice described in section 3121.03 of the Revised Code;

(B) Paying any direct or indirect costs associated with maintaining the fund.

Sec. 125.28. (A)(1) Each state agency that is supported in whole or in part by nongeneral revenue fund money and that occupies space in the James A. Rhodes or Frank J. Lausche state office tower, Toledo government center, Senator Oliver R. Ocasek government office building, Vern Riffe center for government and the arts, state of Ohio computer center, capitol square, or governor's mansion shall reimburse the general revenue fund for the cost of occupying the space in the ratio that the occupied space in each facility attributable to the nongeneral revenue fund money bears to the total space occupied by the state agency in the facility.

(2) All agencies that occupy space in the old blind school or that occupy warehouse space in the general services facility shall reimburse the department of administrative services for the cost of occupying the space. The director of administrative services shall determine the amount of debt service, if any, to be charged to building tenants and shall collect reimbursements for it.

(3) Each agency that is supported in whole or in part by nongeneral revenue fund money and that occupies space in any other facility or facilities owned and maintained by the department of administrative services or space in the general services facility other than warehouse space shall reimburse the department for the cost of occupying the space, including debt service, if any, in the ratio that the occupied space in each facility attributable to the nongeneral revenue fund money bears to the total space occupied by the state agency in the facility.

(B) The director of administrative services may provide building maintenance services and skilled trades services to any state agency occupying space in a facility that is not owned by the department of administrative services and may collect reimbursements for the cost of providing those services.

(C) All money collected by the department of administrative services for operating expenses of facilities owned or maintained by the department shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the building management fund, which is hereby created. All money collected by the department for skilled trades services shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the skilled trades fund, which is hereby created. All money collected for debt service shall be deposited into the general revenue fund.

(D) The director of administrative services shall determine the reimbursable cost of space in state-owned or state-leased facilities and shall collect reimbursements for that cost.

Sec. 125.89.  Subject to the approval of the governor, the department of administrative services may enter into contracts, compacts, and cooperative agreements for and on behalf of the state of Ohio with the several states or the federal government, singularly or severally, in order to provide, with or without reimbursement, for the utilization by and exchange between them, singularly or severally, of property, facilities, personnel, and services of each by the other, and, for the same purpose, to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with eligible public or private state or local authorities, institutions, organizations, or activities. The department shall make, annually, a report of its actions under sections 125.84 to 125.90 of the Revised Code, in accordance with section 149.01 of the Revised Code, and file such report with the general assembly.

Sec. 126.12.  (A)(1) The office of budget and management shall prepare and administer a statewide indirect cost allocation plan that provides for the recovery of statewide indirect costs from any fund of the state. The director of budget and management may make transfers of statewide indirect costs from the appropriate fund of the state to the general revenue fund on an intrastate transfer voucher. The director, for reasons of sound financial management, also may waive the recovery of statewide indirect costs. Prior to making a transfer in accordance with this division, the director shall notify the affected agency of the amounts to be transferred.

(2) To support development and upgrade costs to the state's enterprise resource planning system, the director also may make transfers of statewide indirect costs attributable to debt service paid for the system to the OAKS support organization fund created in section 126.24 of the Revised Code. Transfers may be made from either of the following:

(a) The appropriate fund of the state;

(b) The general revenue fund, if the statewide indirect costs have been collected under division (A)(1) of this section and deposited in the general revenue fund.

(B) As used in this section, "statewide indirect costs" means operating costs incurred by an agency in providing services to any other agency, for which there was no billing to such other agency for the services provided, and for which disbursements have been made from the general revenue fund.

(C) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, in order to reduce the payment of adjustments to the federal government as determined under the plan prepared under division (A)(1) of this section, the director of budget and management shall, on or before the first day of September each fiscal year, designate such funds of the state as the director considers necessary to retain their own interest earnings.

Sec. 126.141. Any request for release of capital appropriations by the director of budget and management or the controlling board for facilities projects shall contain a contingency reserve, the amount of which shall be determined by the public authority, for payment of unanticipated project expenses. Any amount deducted from the encumbrance for a contractor's contract as an assessment for liquidated damages shall be added to the encumbrance for the contingency reserve. Contingency reserve funds shall be used to pay costs resulting from unanticipated job conditions, to comply with rulings regarding building and other codes, to pay costs related to errors, omissions, or other deficiencies in contract documents, to pay costs associated with changes in the scope of work, to pay interest due on late payments, and to pay the costs of settlements and judgments related to the project.

Any funds remaining upon completion of a project may, upon approval of the controlling board, be released for the use of the agency or instrumentality to which the appropriation was made for other capital facilities projects.

Sec. 126.21.  (A) The director of budget and management shall do all of the following:

(1) Keep all necessary accounting records;

(2) Prescribe and maintain the accounting system of the state and establish appropriate accounting procedures and charts of accounts;

(3) Establish procedures for the use of written, electronic, optical, or other communications media for approving and reviewing payment vouchers;

(4) Reconcile, in the case of any variation between the amount of any appropriation and the aggregate amount of items of the appropriation, with the advice and assistance of the state agency affected by it and the legislative service commission, totals so as to correspond in the aggregate with the total appropriation. In the case of a conflict between the item and the total of which it is a part, the item shall be considered the intended appropriation.

(5) Evaluate on an ongoing basis and, if necessary, recommend improvements to the internal controls used in state agencies;

(6) Authorize the establishment of petty cash accounts. The director may withdraw approval for any petty cash account and require the officer in charge to return to the state treasury any unexpended balance shown by the officer's accounts to be on hand. Any officer who is issued a warrant for petty cash shall render a detailed account of the expenditures of the petty cash and shall report when requested the balance of petty cash on hand at any time.

(7) Process orders, invoices, vouchers, claims, and payrolls and prepare financial reports and statements;

(8) Perform extensions, reviews, and compliance checks prior to or after approving a payment as the director considers necessary;

(9) Issue the official comprehensive annual financial report of the state. The report shall cover all funds of the state reporting entity and shall include basic financial statements and required supplementary information prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and other information as the director provides. All state agencies, authorities, institutions, offices, retirement systems, and other component units of the state reporting entity as determined by the director shall furnish the director whatever financial statements and other information the director requests for the report, in the form, at the times, covering the periods, and with the attestation the director prescribes. The information for state institutions of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, shall be submitted to the chancellor by the Ohio board of regents. The board shall establish a due date by which each such institution shall submit the information to the board, but no such date shall be later than one hundred twenty days after the end of the state fiscal year unless a later date is approved by the director.

(B) In addition to the director's duties under division (A) of this section, the director may establish and administer one or more state payment card programs that permit or require state agencies to use a payment card to purchase equipment, materials, supplies, or services in accordance with guidelines issued by the director. The chief administrative officer of a state agency that uses a payment card for such purposes shall ensure that purchases made with the card are made in accordance with the guidelines issued by the director and do not exceed the unexpended, unencumbered, unobligated balance in the appropriation to be charged for the purchase. State agencies may participate in only those state payment card programs that the director establishes pursuant to this section.

(C) In addition to the director's duties under divisions (A) and (B) of this section, the director may enter into any contract or agreement necessary for and incidental to the performance of the director's duties or the duties of the office of budget and management.

(D) In consultation with the director of administrative services, the director may appoint and fix the compensation of employees of the office of budget and management whose primary duties include the consolidation of statewide financing functions and common transactional processes.

(E) The director may transfer cash between funds other than the general revenue fund in order to correct an erroneous payment or deposit regardless of the fiscal year during which the erroneous payment or deposit occurred.

Sec. 126.24. The OAKS support organization fund is hereby created in the state treasury for the purpose of paying the operating, development, and upgrade expenses of the state's enterprise resource planning system. The fund shall consist of cash transfers from the accounting and budgeting fund and the human resources services fund, and other received pursuant to division (A)(2) of section 126.12 of the Revised Code and agency payroll charge revenues that are designated to support the operating, development, and upgrade costs of the Ohio administrative knowledge system. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

Sec. 126.50.  As used in sections 126.50, 126.501, 126.502, 126.503, 126.504, 126.505, and 126.506, and 126.507 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Critical services" means a service provided by the state the deferral or cancellation of which would cause at least one of the following:

(1) An immediate risk to the health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of the state;

(2) A undermining of activity aimed at creating or retaining jobs in the state;

(3) An interference with the receipt of revenue to the state or the realization of savings to the state.

"Critical services" does not mean a deferral or cancellation of a service provided by the state that would result in inconvenience, sustainable delay, or other similar compromise to the normal provision of state-provided services.

(B), "State state agency" has the same meaning as in section 1.60 of the Revised Code, but does not include the elected state officers, the general assembly or any legislative agency, a court or any judicial agency, or a state institution of higher education.

Sec. 126.60.  As used in sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Contract" means any purchase and sale agreement, lease, service agreement, franchise agreement, concession agreement, or other written agreement entered into under sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code with respect to the provision of highway services and any project related thereto.

(B) "Highway services" means the operation or maintenance of any highway in this state, the construction of which was funded by proceeds from state revenue bonds that are to be repaid primarily from revenues derived from the operation of the highway and any related facilities and not primarily from the tax that is subject to the limitations of Article XII, Section 5a of the Ohio Constitution.

(C) "Improvement" means any construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, renovation, installation, improvement, enlargement, or extension of property or improvements to property.

(D) "Private sector entity" means any corporation, whether for profit or not for profit, limited liability company, partnership, limited liability partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust, joint venture or other entity, but shall not mean the state, a political subdivision of the state, or a public or governmental entity, agency, or instrumentality of the state.

(E) "Project" means real or personal property, or both, and improvements thereto or in support thereof, including undivided and other interests therein, used for or in the provision of highway services.

(F) "Proposer" means a private sector entity, local or regional public entity or agency, or any group or combination thereof, in collaboration or cooperation with other private sector entities, local or regional public entities, submitting qualifications or a proposal for providing highway services.

Sec. 126.601.  Notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, the director of budget and management and the director of transportation may take any action and execute any contract for the provision of highway services in order to more efficiently and effectively provide those services, including by generating additional resources in support of those services and related projects. Any such contract may contain the terms and conditions established by the director of budget and management and the department of transportation to carry out and effect the purposes of sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code. The director is hereby authorized to receive and deposit, consistent with section 126.603 of the Revised Code, any money received under the contract. Any such contract shall be sufficient to effect its purpose notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, including other laws governing the sale, lease or other disposition of property or interests therein, service contracts, or financial transactions by or for the state. The director of transportation may exercise all powers of the Ohio turnpike commission for purposes of sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code, and may take any action and, with the director of budget and management, execute any contract necessary to effect the purposes of sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code, notwithstanding any provision of Chapter 5537. of the Revised Code to the contrary.

Sec. 126.602.  (A) Before entering into a contract for the provision of highway services, the director of budget and management shall publish notice of its intent to enter into a contract for the highway services and any related project. The notice shall notify interested parties of the opportunity to submit their qualifications or proposals, or both, for consideration and shall be published at least thirty days prior to the deadline for submitting those qualifications or proposals. The director also may advertise the information contained in the notice in appropriate trade journals and otherwise notify parties believed to be interested in providing the highway services and in any related project. The notice shall include a general description of the highway services to be provided and any related project and of the qualifications or proposals being sought and instructions for obtaining the invitation.

(B) After inviting qualifications, the director of budget and management, in consultation with the department of transportation, shall evaluate the qualifications submitted and may hold discussions with proposers to further explore their qualifications. Following this evaluation, the director, in consultation with the department, may determine a list of qualified proposers based on criteria in the invitation and invite only those proposers to submit a proposal for the provision of the highway services and any related project.

(C) After inviting proposals, the director of budget and management, in consultation with the department of transportation, shall evaluate the proposals submitted and may hold discussions with proposers to further explore their proposals, the scope and nature of the highway services they would provide, and the various technical approaches they may take regarding the highway services and any related project. Following this evaluation, the director, in consultation with the department, shall:

(1) Select and rank no fewer than three proposers that the director considers to be the most qualified to enter into the contract, except when the director determines that fewer than three qualified proposers are available, in which case the director shall select and rank them;

(2) Negotiate a contract with the proposer ranked most qualified to provide the highway services at a compensation determined in writing to be fair and reasonable, and to purchase, lease or otherwise take a legal interest in the project.

(D)(1) Upon failure to negotiate a contract with the proposer ranked most qualified, the director shall inform the proposer in writing of the termination of negotiations and may enter into negotiations with the proposer ranked next most qualified. If negotiations again fail, the same procedure may be followed with each next most qualified proposer selected and ranked, in order of ranking, until a contract is negotiated.

(2) If the director, in consultation with the department, fails to negotiate a contract with any of the ranked proposers, the director, in consultation with the department, may terminate the process or select and rank additional proposers, based on their qualifications or proposals, and negotiations shall continue as with the proposers selected and ranked initially until a contract is negotiated.

(E) Any contract entered into under this section may contain terms, as deemed appropriate by the director, in consultation with the department, including the duration of the contract, which shall not exceed seventy-five years, rates or fees for the highway services to be provided or methods or procedures for the determination of such rates or fees, standards for the highway services to be provided, responsibilities and standards for operation and maintenance of any related project, required financial assurances, financial and other data reporting requirements, bases and procedures for termination of the contract and retaking of possession or title to the project, and events of default and remedies upon default, including mandamus, a suit in equity, an action at law, or any combination of those remedial actions.

(F) Chapter 4115. of the Revised Code shall not apply to any project. Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code shall not apply to any employees working at or on a project to provide highway services.

(G) The director of budget and management may reject any and all submissions of qualifications or proposals.

Sec. 126.603. (A) In addition to its powers under sections 127.14 and 127.16 of the Revised Code, the controlling board shall approve any invitation for qualifications or for proposals and related contract negotiated under sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code, which approval may be by pre-approval of specified terms of the contract. The controlling board may approve any transfer of moneys and funds necessary to support the highway services.

(B) All money received by the director of budget and management under a contract executed pursuant to sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the highway services fund, which is hereby created. Any interest earned on money in the fund shall be credited to the fund.

Sec. 126.604.  The exercise of the powers granted by sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code will be for the benefit of the people of the state and shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes thereof. Any project or part thereof owned by the state and used for performing any highway services pursuant to a contract entered into under sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code that would be exempt from real property taxes or assessments in the absence of such contract shall remain exempt from real property taxes and assessments levied by the state and its subdivisions to the same extent as if not subject to that contract. The gross receipts and income of a successful proposer derived from providing highway services under a contract through a project owned by the state shall be exempt from gross receipts and income taxes levied by the state and its subdivisions, including the tax levied pursuant to Chapter 5751. of the Revised Code. Any transfer or lease between a successful proposer and the state of a project or part thereof, or item included or to be included in the project, shall be exempt from the taxes levied pursuant to Chapters 5739. and 5741. of the Revised Code if the state is retaining ownership of the project or part thereof that is being transferred or leased.

Sec. 126.605.  The director of budget and management, in consultation with the department of transportation, may retain or contract for the services of commercial appraisers, engineers, investment bankers, financial advisers, accounting experts, and other consultants, independent contractors or providers of professional services as are necessary in the judgment of the director to carry out the director's powers and duties under sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code, including the identification of highway services and any related projects to be subject to invitations for qualifications or proposals under sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code, the development of those invitations and related evaluation criteria, the evaluation of those invitations, and negotiation of any contract under sections 126.60 to 126.605 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 127.16.  (A) Upon the request of either a state agency or the director of budget and management and after the controlling board determines that an emergency or a sufficient economic reason exists, the controlling board may approve the making of a purchase without competitive selection as provided in division (B) of this section.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no state agency, using money that has been appropriated to it directly, shall:

(1) Make any purchase from a particular supplier, that would amount to fifty thousand dollars or more when combined with both the amount of all disbursements to the supplier during the fiscal year for purchases made by the agency and the amount of all outstanding encumbrances for purchases made by the agency from the supplier, unless the purchase is made by competitive selection or with the approval of the controlling board;

(2) Lease real estate from a particular supplier, if the lease would amount to seventy-five thousand dollars or more when combined with both the amount of all disbursements to the supplier during the fiscal year for real estate leases made by the agency and the amount of all outstanding encumbrances for real estate leases made by the agency from the supplier, unless the lease is made by competitive selection or with the approval of the controlling board.

(C) Any person who authorizes a purchase in violation of division (B) of this section shall be liable to the state for any state funds spent on the purchase, and the attorney general shall collect the amount from the person.

(D) Nothing in division (B) of this section shall be construed as:

(1) A limitation upon the authority of the director of transportation as granted in sections 5501.17, 5517.02, and 5525.14 of the Revised Code;

(2) Applying to medicaid provider agreements under Chapter 5111. of the Revised Code;

(3) Applying to the purchase of examinations from a sole supplier by a state licensing board under Title XLVII of the Revised Code;

(4) Applying to entertainment contracts for the Ohio state fair entered into by the Ohio expositions commission, provided that the controlling board has given its approval to the commission to enter into such contracts and has approved a total budget amount for such contracts as agreed upon by commission action, and that the commission causes to be kept itemized records of the amounts of money spent under each contract and annually files those records with the clerk of the house of representatives and the clerk of the senate following the close of the fair;

(5) Limiting the authority of the chief of the division of mineral resources management to contract for reclamation work with an operator mining adjacent land as provided in section 1513.27 of the Revised Code;

(6) Applying to investment transactions and procedures of any state agency, except that the agency shall file with the board the name of any person with whom the agency contracts to make, broker, service, or otherwise manage its investments, as well as the commission, rate, or schedule of charges of such person with respect to any investment transactions to be undertaken on behalf of the agency. The filing shall be in a form and at such times as the board considers appropriate.

(7) Applying to purchases made with money for the per cent for arts program established by section 3379.10 of the Revised Code;

(8) Applying to purchases made by the rehabilitation services commission of services, or supplies, that are provided to persons with disabilities, or to purchases made by the commission in connection with the eligibility determinations it makes for applicants of programs administered by the social security administration;

(9) Applying to payments by the department of job and family services under section 5111.13 of the Revised Code for group health plan premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other cost-sharing expenses;

(10) Applying to any agency of the legislative branch of the state government;

(11) Applying to agreements or contracts entered into under section 5101.11, 5101.20, 5101.201, 5101.21, or 5101.214 of the Revised Code;

(12) Applying to purchases of services by the adult parole authority under section 2967.14 of the Revised Code or by the department of youth services under section 5139.08 of the Revised Code;

(13) Applying to dues or fees paid for membership in an organization or association;

(14) Applying to purchases of utility services pursuant to section 9.30 of the Revised Code;

(15) Applying to purchases made in accordance with rules adopted by the department of administrative services of motor vehicle, aviation, or watercraft fuel, or emergency repairs of such vehicles;

(16) Applying to purchases of tickets for passenger air transportation;

(17) Applying to purchases necessary to provide public notifications required by law or to provide notifications of job openings;

(18) Applying to the judicial branch of state government;

(19) Applying to purchases of liquor for resale by the division of liquor control;

(20) Applying to purchases of motor courier and freight services made in accordance with department of administrative services rules;

(21) Applying to purchases from the United States postal service and purchases of stamps and postal meter replenishment from vendors at rates established by the United States postal service;

(22) Applying to purchases of books, periodicals, pamphlets, newspapers, maintenance subscriptions, and other published materials;

(23) Applying to purchases from other state agencies, including state-assisted institutions of higher education;

(24) Limiting the authority of the director of environmental protection to enter into contracts under division (D) of section 3745.14 of the Revised Code to conduct compliance reviews, as defined in division (A) of that section;

(25) Applying to purchases from a qualified nonprofit agency pursuant to sections 125.60 to 125.6012 or 4115.31 to 4115.35 of the Revised Code;

(26) Applying to payments by the department of job and family services to the United States department of health and human services for printing and mailing notices pertaining to the tax refund offset program of the internal revenue service of the United States department of the treasury;

(27) Applying to contracts entered into by the department of developmental disabilities under section 5123.18 of the Revised Code;

(28) Applying to payments made by the department of mental health under a physician recruitment program authorized by section 5119.101 of the Revised Code;

(29) Applying to contracts entered into with persons by the director of commerce for unclaimed funds collection and remittance efforts as provided in division (F) of section 169.03 of the Revised Code. The director shall keep an itemized accounting of unclaimed funds collected by those persons and amounts paid to them for their services.

(30) Applying to purchases made by a state institution of higher education in accordance with the terms of a contract between the vendor and an inter-university purchasing group comprised of purchasing officers of state institutions of higher education;

(31) Applying to the department of job and family services' purchases of health assistance services under the children's health insurance program part I provided for under section 5101.50 of the Revised Code, the children's health insurance program part II provided for under section 5101.51 of the Revised Code, or the children's health insurance program part III provided for under section 5101.52 of the Revised Code, or the children's buy-in program provided for under sections 5101.5211 to 5101.5216 of the Revised Code;

(32) Applying to payments by the attorney general from the reparations fund to hospitals and other emergency medical facilities for performing medical examinations to collect physical evidence pursuant to section 2907.28 of the Revised Code;

(33) Applying to contracts with a contracting authority or administrative receiver under division (B) of section 5126.056 of the Revised Code;

(34) Applying to purchases of goods and services by the department of veterans services in accordance with the terms of contracts entered into by the United States department of veterans affairs;

(35) Applying to payments by the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to the federal bureau of investigation for criminal records checks pursuant to section 109.572 of the Revised Code.

(E) When determining whether a state agency has reached the cumulative purchase thresholds established in divisions (B)(1) and (2) of this section, all of the following purchases by such agency shall not be considered:

(1) Purchases made through competitive selection or with controlling board approval;

(2) Purchases listed in division (D) of this section;

(3) For the purposes of the threshold of division (B)(1) of this section only, leases of real estate.

(F) As used in this section, "competitive selection," "purchase," "supplies," and "services" have the same meanings as in section 125.01 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 131.23.  The various political subdivisions of this state may issue bonds, and any indebtedness created by that issuance shall not be subject to the limitations or included in the calculation of indebtedness prescribed by sections 133.05, 133.06, 133.07, and 133.09 of the Revised Code, but the bonds may be issued only under the following conditions:

(A) The subdivision desiring to issue the bonds shall obtain from the county auditor a certificate showing the total amount of delinquent taxes due and unpayable to the subdivision at the last semiannual tax settlement.

(B) The fiscal officer of that subdivision shall prepare a statement, from the books of the subdivision, verified by the fiscal officer under oath, which shall contain the following facts of the subdivision:

(1) The total bonded indebtedness;

(2) The aggregate amount of notes payable or outstanding accounts of the subdivision, incurred prior to the commencement of the current fiscal year, which shall include all evidences of indebtedness issued by the subdivision except notes issued in anticipation of bond issues and the indebtedness of any nontax-supported public utility;

(3) Except in the case of school districts, the aggregate current year's requirement for disability financial assistance provided under Chapter 5115. of the Revised Code that the subdivision is unable to finance except by the issue of bonds;

(4) The indebtedness outstanding through the issuance of any bonds or notes pledged or obligated to be paid by any delinquent taxes;

(5) The total of any other indebtedness;

(6) The net amount of delinquent taxes unpledged to pay any bonds, notes, or certificates, including delinquent assessments on improvements on which the bonds have been paid;

(7) The budget requirements for the fiscal year for bond and note retirement;

(8) The estimated revenue for the fiscal year.

(C) The certificate and statement provided for in divisions (A) and (B) of this section shall be forwarded to the tax commissioner together with a request for authority to issue bonds of the subdivision in an amount not to exceed seventy per cent of the net unobligated delinquent taxes and assessments due and owing to the subdivision, as set forth in division (B)(6) of this section.

(D) No subdivision may issue bonds under this section in excess of a sufficient amount to pay the indebtedness of the subdivision as shown by division (B)(2) of this section and, except in the case of school districts, to provide funds for disability financial assistance as shown by division (B)(3) of this section.

(E) The tax commissioner shall grant to the subdivision authority requested by the subdivision as restricted by divisions (C) and (D) of this section and shall make a record of the certificate, statement, and grant in a record book devoted solely to such recording and which shall be open to inspection by the public.

(F) The commissioner shall immediately upon issuing the authority provided in division (E) of this section notify the proper authority having charge of the retirement of bonds of the subdivision by forwarding a copy of the grant of authority and of the statement provided for in division (B) of this section.

(G) Upon receipt of authority, the subdivision shall proceed according to law to issue the amount of bonds authorized by the commissioner, and authorized by the taxing authority, provided the taxing authority of that subdivision may submit, by resolution, to the electors of that subdivision the question of issuing the bonds. The resolution shall make the declarations and statements required by section 133.18 of the Revised Code. The county auditor and taxing authority shall thereupon proceed as set forth in divisions (C) and (D) of that section. The election on the question of issuing the bonds shall be held under divisions (E), (F), and (G) of that section, except that publication of the notice of the election shall be made on two separate days prior to the election in one or more newspapers a newspaper of general circulation in the subdivision, and, if or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. If the board of elections operates and maintains a web site, notice of the election also shall be posted on that web site for thirty days prior to the election. The bonds may be exchanged at their face value with creditors of the subdivision in liquidating the indebtedness described and enumerated in division (B)(2) of this section or may be sold as provided in Chapter 133. of the Revised Code, and in either event shall be uncontestable.

(H) The per cent of delinquent taxes and assessments collected for and to the credit of the subdivision after the exchange or sale of bonds as certified by the commissioner shall be paid to the authority having charge of the sinking fund of the subdivision, which money shall be placed in a separate fund for the purpose of retiring the bonds so issued. The proper authority of the subdivisions shall provide for the levying of a tax sufficient in amount to pay the debt charges on all such bonds issued under this section.

(I) This section is for the sole purpose of assisting the various subdivisions in paying their unsecured indebtedness, and providing funds for disability financial assistance. The bonds issued under authority of this section shall not be used for any other purpose, and any exchange for other purposes, or the use of the money derived from the sale of the bonds by the subdivision for any other purpose, is misapplication of funds.

(J) The bonds authorized by this section shall be redeemable or payable in not to exceed ten years from date of issue and shall not be subject to or considered in calculating the net indebtedness of the subdivision. The budget commission of the county in which the subdivision is located shall annually allocate such portion of the then delinquent levy due the subdivision which is unpledged for other purposes to the payment of debt charges on the bonds issued under authority of this section.

(K) The issue of bonds under this section shall be governed by Chapter 133. of the Revised Code, respecting the terms used, forms, manner of sale, and redemption except as otherwise provided in this section.

The board of county commissioners of any county may issue bonds authorized by this section and distribute the proceeds of the bond issues to any or all of the cities and townships of the county, according to their relative needs for disability financial assistance as determined by the county.

All sections of the Revised Code inconsistent with or prohibiting the exercise of the authority conferred by this section are inoperative respecting bonds issued under this section.

Sec. 131.44.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Surplus revenue" means the excess, if any, of the total fund balance over the required year-end balance.

(2) "Total fund balance" means the sum of the unencumbered balance in the general revenue fund on the last day of the preceding fiscal year plus the balance in the budget stabilization fund.

(3) "Required year-end balance" means the sum of the following:

(a) Five per cent of the general revenue fund revenues for the preceding fiscal year;

(b) "Ending fund balance," which means one-half of one per cent of general revenue fund revenues for the preceding fiscal year;

(c) "Carryover balance," which means, with respect to a fiscal biennium, the excess, if any, of the estimated general revenue fund appropriation and transfer requirement for the second fiscal year of the biennium over the estimated general revenue fund revenue for that fiscal year;

(d) "Capital appropriation reserve," which means the amount, if any, of general revenue fund capital appropriations made for the current biennium that the director of budget and management has determined will be encumbered or disbursed;

(e) "Income tax reduction impact reserve," which means an amount equal to the reduction projected by the director of budget and management in income tax revenue in the current fiscal year attributable to the previous reduction in the income tax rate made by the tax commissioner pursuant to division (B) of section 5747.02 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Estimated general revenue fund appropriation and transfer requirement" means the most recent adjusted appropriations made by the general assembly from the general revenue fund and includes both of the following:

(a) Appropriations made and transfers of appropriations from the first fiscal year to the second fiscal year of the biennium in provisions of acts of the general assembly signed by the governor but not yet effective;

(b) Transfers of appropriation appropriations from the first fiscal year to the second fiscal year of the biennium approved by the controlling board.

(5) "Estimated general revenue fund revenue" means the most recent such estimate available to the director of budget and management.

(B)(1) Not later than the thirty-first day of July each year, the director of budget and management shall determine the surplus revenue that existed on the preceding thirtieth day of June and transfer from the general revenue fund, to the extent of the unobligated, unencumbered balance on the preceding thirtieth day of June in excess of one-half of one per cent of the general revenue fund revenues in the preceding fiscal year, the following:

(a) First, to the budget stabilization fund, any amount necessary for the balance of the budget stabilization fund to equal five per cent of the general revenue fund revenues of the preceding fiscal year;

(b) Then, to the income tax reduction fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury, an amount equal to the surplus revenue.

(2) Not later than the thirty-first day of July each year, the director shall determine the percentage that the balance in the income tax reduction fund is of the amount of revenue that the director estimates will be received from the tax levied under section 5747.02 of the Revised Code in the current fiscal year without regard to any reduction under division (B) of that section. If that percentage exceeds thirty-five one hundredths of one per cent, the director shall certify the percentage to the tax commissioner not later than the thirty-first day of July.

(C) The director of budget and management shall transfer money in the income tax reduction fund to the general revenue fund, the local government fund, and the public library fund as necessary to offset revenue reductions resulting from the reductions in taxes required under division (B) of section 5747.02 of the Revised Code in the respective amounts and percentages prescribed by division (A) of section 5747.03 and divisions (A)(B) and (B)(C) of section 131.51 of the Revised Code as if the amount transferred had been collected as taxes under Chapter 5747. of the Revised Code. If no reductions in taxes are made under that division that affect revenue received in the current fiscal year, the director shall not transfer money from the income tax reduction fund to the general revenue fund, the local government fund, and the public library fund.

Sec. 131.51.  (A) Beginning January 2008, on On or before July 5, 2013, the tax commissioner shall compute the following amounts and certify those amounts to the director of budget and management:

(1) A percentage calculated by multiplying one hundred by the quotient obtained by dividing the total amount credited to the local government fund in fiscal year 2013 by the total amount of tax revenue credited to the general revenue fund in fiscal year 2013. The percentage shall be rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of one per cent.

(2) A percentage calculated by multiplying one hundred by the quotient obtained by dividing the total amount credited to the public library fund in fiscal year 2013 by the total amount of tax revenue credited to the general revenue fund in fiscal year 2013. The percentage shall be rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of one per cent.

(B) On or before the fifth seventh day of each month, the director of budget and management shall credit to the local government fund three and sixty-eight one hundredths per cent of an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the percentage calculated under division (A)(1) of this section by the total tax revenue credited to the general revenue fund during the preceding month. In determining the total tax revenue credited to the general revenue fund during the preceding month, the director shall include amounts transferred from that fund during the preceding month pursuant to divisions (A) and (B) of this section. Money shall be distributed from the local government fund as required under section 5747.50 of the Revised Code during the same month in which it is credited to the fund.

(B) Beginning January 2008, on (C) On or before the fifth seventh day of each month, the director of budget and management shall credit to the public library fund, two and twenty-two one hundredths per cent of an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the percentage calculated under division (A)(2) of this section by the total tax revenue credited to the general revenue fund during the preceding month. In determining the total tax revenue credited to the general revenue fund during the preceding month, the director shall include amounts transferred from that fund during the preceding month pursuant to divisions (A) and (B) of this section. Money shall be distributed from the public library fund as required under section 5747.47 of the Revised Code during the same month in which it is credited to the fund.

(C)(D) The director of budget and management shall develop a schedule identifying the specific tax revenue sources to be used to make the monthly transfers required under divisions (A)(B) and (B)(C) of this section. The director may, from time to time, revise the schedule as the director considers necessary.

Sec. 133.06.  (A) A school district shall not incur, without a vote of the electors, net indebtedness that exceeds an amount equal to one-tenth of one per cent of its tax valuation, except as provided in divisions (G) and (H) of this section and in division (C) of section 3313.372 of the Revised Code, or as prescribed in section 3318.052 or 3318.44 of the Revised Code, or as provided in division (J) of this section.

(B) Except as provided in divisions (E), (F), and (I) of this section, a school district shall not incur net indebtedness that exceeds an amount equal to nine per cent of its tax valuation.

(C) A school district shall not submit to a vote of the electors the question of the issuance of securities in an amount that will make the district's net indebtedness after the issuance of the securities exceed an amount equal to four per cent of its tax valuation, unless the superintendent of public instruction, acting under policies adopted by the state board of education, and the tax commissioner, acting under written policies of the commissioner, consent to the submission. A request for the consents shall be made at least one hundred twenty days prior to the election at which the question is to be submitted.

The superintendent of public instruction shall certify to the district the superintendent's and the tax commissioner's decisions within thirty days after receipt of the request for consents.

If the electors do not approve the issuance of securities at the election for which the superintendent of public instruction and tax commissioner consented to the submission of the question, the school district may submit the same question to the electors on the date that the next special election may be held under section 3501.01 of the Revised Code without submitting a new request for consent. If the school district seeks to submit the same question at any other subsequent election, the district shall first submit a new request for consent in accordance with this division.

(D) In calculating the net indebtedness of a school district, none of the following shall be considered:

(1) Securities issued to acquire school buses and other equipment used in transporting pupils or issued pursuant to division (D) of section 133.10 of the Revised Code;

(2) Securities issued under division (F) of this section, under section 133.301 of the Revised Code, and, to the extent in excess of the limitation stated in division (B) of this section, under division (E) of this section;

(3) Indebtedness resulting from the dissolution of a joint vocational school district under section 3311.217 of the Revised Code, evidenced by outstanding securities of that joint vocational school district;

(4) Loans, evidenced by any securities, received under sections 3313.483, 3317.0210, 3317.0211, and 3317.64 of the Revised Code;

(5) Debt incurred under section 3313.374 of the Revised Code;

(6) Debt incurred pursuant to division (B)(5) of section 3313.37 of the Revised Code to acquire computers and related hardware;

(7) Debt incurred under section 3318.042 of the Revised Code.

(E) A school district may become a special needs district as to certain securities as provided in division (E) of this section.

(1) A board of education, by resolution, may declare its school district to be a special needs district by determining both of the following:

(a) The student population is not being adequately serviced by the existing permanent improvements of the district.

(b) The district cannot obtain sufficient funds by the issuance of securities within the limitation of division (B) of this section to provide additional or improved needed permanent improvements in time to meet the needs.

(2) The board of education shall certify a copy of that resolution to the superintendent of public instruction with a statistical report showing all of the following:

(a) A history of and a projection of the growth of the student population;

(b) The history of and a projection of the growth of the tax valuation;

(c) The projected needs;

(d) The estimated cost of permanent improvements proposed to meet such projected needs.

(3) The superintendent of public instruction shall certify the district as an approved special needs district if the superintendent finds both of the following:

(a) The district does not have available sufficient additional funds from state or federal sources to meet the projected needs.

(b) The projection of the potential average growth of tax valuation during the next five years, according to the information certified to the superintendent and any other information the superintendent obtains, indicates a likelihood of potential average growth of tax valuation of the district during the next five years of an average of not less than three per cent per year. The findings and certification of the superintendent shall be conclusive.

(4) An approved special needs district may incur net indebtedness by the issuance of securities in accordance with the provisions of this chapter in an amount that does not exceed an amount equal to the greater of the following:

(a) Nine per cent of the sum of its tax valuation plus an amount that is the product of multiplying that tax valuation by the percentage by which the tax valuation has increased over the tax valuation on the first day of the sixtieth month preceding the month in which its board determines to submit to the electors the question of issuing the proposed securities;

(b) Nine per cent of the sum of its tax valuation plus an amount that is the product of multiplying that tax valuation by the percentage, determined by the superintendent of public instruction, by which that tax valuation is projected to increase during the next ten years.

(F) A school district may issue securities for emergency purposes, in a principal amount that does not exceed an amount equal to three per cent of its tax valuation, as provided in this division.

(1) A board of education, by resolution, may declare an emergency if it determines both of the following:

(a) School buildings or other necessary school facilities in the district have been wholly or partially destroyed, or condemned by a constituted public authority, or that such buildings or facilities are partially constructed, or so constructed or planned as to require additions and improvements to them before the buildings or facilities are usable for their intended purpose, or that corrections to permanent improvements are necessary to remove or prevent health or safety hazards.

(b) Existing fiscal and net indebtedness limitations make adequate replacement, additions, or improvements impossible.

(2) Upon the declaration of an emergency, the board of education may, by resolution, submit to the electors of the district pursuant to section 133.18 of the Revised Code the question of issuing securities for the purpose of paying the cost, in excess of any insurance or condemnation proceeds received by the district, of permanent improvements to respond to the emergency need.

(3) The procedures for the election shall be as provided in section 133.18 of the Revised Code, except that:

(a) The form of the ballot shall describe the emergency existing, refer to this division as the authority under which the emergency is declared, and state that the amount of the proposed securities exceeds the limitations prescribed by division (B) of this section;

(b) The resolution required by division (B) of section 133.18 of the Revised Code shall be certified to the county auditor and the board of elections at least one hundred days prior to the election;

(c) The county auditor shall advise and, not later than ninety-five days before the election, confirm that advice by certification to, the board of education of the information required by division (C) of section 133.18 of the Revised Code;

(d) The board of education shall then certify its resolution and the information required by division (D) of section 133.18 of the Revised Code to the board of elections not less than ninety days prior to the election.

(4) Notwithstanding division (B) of section 133.21 of the Revised Code, the first principal payment of securities issued under this division may be set at any date not later than sixty months after the earliest possible principal payment otherwise provided for in that division.

(G) The board of education may contract with an architect, professional engineer, or other person experienced in the design and implementation of energy conservation measures for an analysis and recommendations pertaining to installations, modifications of installations, or remodeling that would significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings owned by the district. The report shall include estimates of all costs of such installations, modifications, or remodeling, including costs of design, engineering, installation, maintenance, repairs, and debt service, forgone residual value of materials or equipment replaced by the energy conservation measure, as defined by the Ohio school facilities commission, a baseline analysis of actual energy consumption data for the preceding five years, and estimates of the amounts by which energy consumption and resultant operational and maintenance costs, as defined by the Ohio school facilities commission, would be reduced.

If the board finds after receiving the report that the amount of money the district would spend on such installations, modifications, or remodeling is not likely to exceed the amount of money it would save in energy and resultant operational and maintenance costs over the ensuing fifteen years, the board may submit to the commission a copy of its findings and a request for approval to incur indebtedness to finance the making or modification of installations or the remodeling of buildings for the purpose of significantly reducing energy consumption.

If the commission determines that the board's findings are reasonable, it shall approve the board's request. Upon receipt of the commission's approval, the district may issue securities without a vote of the electors in a principal amount not to exceed nine-tenths of one per cent of its tax valuation for the purpose of making such installations, modifications, or remodeling, but the total net indebtedness of the district without a vote of the electors incurred under this and all other sections of the Revised Code, except section 3318.052 of the Revised Code, shall not exceed one per cent of the district's tax valuation.

So long as any securities issued under division (G) of this section remain outstanding, the board of education shall monitor the energy consumption and resultant operational and maintenance costs of buildings in which installations or modifications have been made or remodeling has been done pursuant to division (G) of this section and shall maintain and annually update a report documenting the reductions in energy consumption and resultant operational and maintenance cost savings attributable to such installations, modifications, or remodeling. The report shall be certified by an architect or engineer independent of any person that provided goods or services to the board in connection with the energy conservation measures that are the subject of the report. The resultant operational and maintenance cost savings shall be certified by the school district treasurer. The report shall be made available submitted annually to the commission upon request.

(H) With the consent of the superintendent of public instruction, a school district may incur without a vote of the electors net indebtedness that exceeds the amounts stated in divisions (A) and (G) of this section for the purpose of paying costs of permanent improvements, if and to the extent that both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The fiscal officer of the school district estimates that receipts of the school district from payments made under or pursuant to agreements entered into pursuant to section 725.02, 1728.10, 3735.671, 5709.081, 5709.082, 5709.40, 5709.41, 5709.62, 5709.63, 5709.632, 5709.73, 5709.78, or 5709.82 of the Revised Code, or distributions under division (C) of section 5709.43 of the Revised Code, or any combination thereof, are, after accounting for any appropriate coverage requirements, sufficient in time and amount, and are committed by the proceedings, to pay the debt charges on the securities issued to evidence that indebtedness and payable from those receipts, and the taxing authority of the district confirms the fiscal officer's estimate, which confirmation is approved by the superintendent of public instruction;

(2) The fiscal officer of the school district certifies, and the taxing authority of the district confirms, that the district, at the time of the certification and confirmation, reasonably expects to have sufficient revenue available for the purpose of operating such permanent improvements for their intended purpose upon acquisition or completion thereof, and the superintendent of public instruction approves the taxing authority's confirmation.

The maximum maturity of securities issued under division (H) of this section shall be the lesser of twenty years or the maximum maturity calculated under section 133.20 of the Revised Code.

(I) A school district may incur net indebtedness by the issuance of securities in accordance with the provisions of this chapter in excess of the limit specified in division (B) or (C) of this section when necessary to raise the school district portion of the basic project cost and any additional funds necessary to participate in a project under Chapter 3318. of the Revised Code, including the cost of items designated by the Ohio school facilities commission as required locally funded initiatives and the cost for site acquisition. The school facilities commission shall notify the superintendent of public instruction whenever a school district will exceed either limit pursuant to this division.

(J) A school district whose portion of the basic project cost of its classroom facilities project under sections 3318.01 to 3318.20 of the Revised Code is greater than or equal to one hundred million dollars may incur without a vote of the electors net indebtedness in an amount up to two per cent of its tax valuation through the issuance of general obligation securities in order to generate all or part of the amount of its portion of the basic project cost if the controlling board has approved the school facilities commission's conditional approval of the project under section 3318.04 of the Revised Code. The school district board and the Ohio school facilities commission shall include the dedication of the proceeds of such securities in the agreement entered into under section 3318.08 of the Revised Code. No state moneys shall be released for a project to which this section applies until the proceeds of any bonds issued under this section that are dedicated for the payment of the school district portion of the project are first deposited into the school district's project construction fund.

Sec. 133.18.  (A) The taxing authority of a subdivision may by legislation submit to the electors of the subdivision the question of issuing any general obligation bonds, for one purpose, that the subdivision has power or authority to issue.

(B) When the taxing authority of a subdivision desires or is required by law to submit the question of a bond issue to the electors, it shall pass legislation that does all of the following:

(1) Declares the necessity and purpose of the bond issue;

(2) States the date of the authorized election at which the question shall be submitted to the electors;

(3) States the amount, approximate date, estimated net average rate of interest, and maximum number of years over which the principal of the bonds may be paid;

(4) Declares the necessity of levying a tax outside the tax limitation to pay the debt charges on the bonds and any anticipatory securities.

The estimated net average interest rate shall be determined by the taxing authority based on, among other factors, then existing market conditions, and may reflect adjustments for any anticipated direct payments expected to be received by the taxing authority from the government of the United States relating to the bonds and the effect of any federal tax credits anticipated to be available to owners of all or a portion of the bonds. The estimated net average rate of interest, and any statutory or charter limit on interest rates that may then be in effect and that is subsequently amended, shall not be a limitation on the actual interest rate or rates on the securities when issued.

(C)(1) The taxing authority shall certify a copy of the legislation passed under division (B) of this section to the county auditor. The county auditor shall promptly calculate and advise and, not later than seventy-five days before the election, confirm that advice by certification to, the taxing authority the estimated average annual property tax levy, expressed in cents or dollars and cents for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation and in mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, that the county auditor estimates to be required throughout the stated maturity of the bonds to pay the debt charges on the bonds. In calculating the estimated average annual property tax levy for this purpose, the county auditor shall assume that the bonds are issued in one series bearing interest and maturing in substantially equal principal amounts in each year over the maximum number of years over which the principal of the bonds may be paid as stated in that legislation, and that the amount of the tax valuation of the subdivision for the current year remains the same throughout the maturity of the bonds, except as otherwise provided in division (C)(2) of this section. If the tax valuation for the current year is not determined, the county auditor shall base the calculation on the estimated amount of the tax valuation submitted by the county auditor to the county budget commission. If the subdivision is located in more than one county, the county auditor shall obtain the assistance of the county auditors of the other counties, and those county auditors shall provide assistance, in establishing the tax valuation of the subdivision for purposes of certifying the estimated average annual property tax levy.

(2) When considering the tangible personal property component of the tax valuation of the subdivision, the county auditor shall take into account the assessment percentages prescribed in section 5711.22 of the Revised Code. The tax commissioner may issue rules, orders, or instructions directing how the assessment percentages must be utilized.

(D) After receiving the county auditor's advice under division (C) of this section, the taxing authority by legislation may determine to proceed with submitting the question of the issue of securities, and shall, not later than the seventy-fifth day before the day of the election, file the following with the board of elections:

(1) Copies of the legislation provided for in divisions (B) and (D) of this section;

(2) The amount of the estimated average annual property tax levy, expressed in cents or dollars and cents for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation and in mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, as estimated and certified to the taxing authority by the county auditor.

(E)(1) The board of elections shall prepare the ballots and make other necessary arrangements for the submission of the question to the electors of the subdivision. If the subdivision is located in more than one county, the board shall inform the boards of elections of the other counties of the filings with it, and those other boards shall if appropriate make the other necessary arrangements for the election in their counties. The election shall be conducted, canvassed, and certified in the manner provided in Title XXXV of the Revised Code.

(2) The election shall be held at the regular places for voting in the subdivision. If the electors of only a part of a precinct are qualified to vote at the election the board of elections may assign the electors in that part to an adjoining precinct, including an adjoining precinct in another county if the board of elections of the other county consents to and approves the assignment. Each elector so assigned shall be notified of that fact prior to the election by notice mailed by the board of elections, in such manner as it determines, prior to the election.

(3) The board of elections shall publish a notice of the election, once in one or more newspapers a newspaper of general circulation in the subdivision, at least once no later than ten days prior to the election. The notice shall state all of the following:

(a) The principal amount of the proposed bond issue;

(b) The stated purpose for which the bonds are to be issued;

(c) The maximum number of years over which the principal of the bonds may be paid;

(d) The estimated additional average annual property tax levy, expressed in cents or dollars and cents for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation and in mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, to be levied outside the tax limitation, as estimated and certified to the taxing authority by the county auditor;

(e) The first calendar year in which the tax is expected to be due.

(F)(1) The form of the ballot to be used at the election shall be substantially either of the following, as applicable:

(a) "Shall bonds be issued by the ............ (name of subdivision) for the purpose of ........... (purpose of the bond issue) in the principal amount of .......... (principal amount of the bond issue), to be repaid annually over a maximum period of .......... (the maximum number of years over which the principal of the bonds may be paid) years, and an annual levy of property taxes be made outside the .......... (as applicable, "ten-mill" or "...charter tax") limitation, estimated by the county auditor to average over the repayment period of the bond issue .......... (number of mills) mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to .......... (rate expressed in cents or dollars and cents, such as "36 cents" or "$1.41") for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, commencing in .......... (first year the tax will be levied), first due in calendar year .......... (first calendar year in which the tax shall be due), to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds?

(b) In the case of an election held pursuant to legislation adopted under section 3375.43 or 3375.431 of the Revised Code:

"Shall bonds be issued for .......... (name of library) for the purpose of .......... (purpose of the bond issue), in the principal amount of .......... (amount of the bond issue) by .......... (the name of the subdivision that is to issue the bonds and levy the tax) as the issuer of the bonds, to be repaid annually over a maximum period of .......... (the maximum number of years over which the principal of the bonds may be paid) years, and an annual levy of property taxes be made outside the ten-mill limitation, estimated by the county auditor to average over the repayment period of the bond issue .......... (number of mills) mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to .......... (rate expressed in cents or dollars and cents, such as "36 cents" or "$1.41") for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, commencing in .......... (first year the tax will be levied), first due in calendar year .......... (first calendar year in which the tax shall be due), to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds?

(2) The purpose for which the bonds are to be issued shall be printed in the space indicated, in boldface type.

(G) The board of elections shall promptly certify the results of the election to the tax commissioner, the county auditor of each county in which any part of the subdivision is located, and the fiscal officer of the subdivision. The election, including the proceedings for and result of the election, is incontestable other than in a contest filed under section 3515.09 of the Revised Code in which the plaintiff prevails.

(H) If a majority of the electors voting upon the question vote for it, the taxing authority of the subdivision may proceed under sections 133.21 to 133.33 of the Revised Code with the issuance of the securities and with the levy and collection of a property tax outside the tax limitation during the period the securities are outstanding sufficient in amount to pay the debt charges on the securities, including debt charges on any anticipatory securities required to be paid from that tax. If legislation passed under section 133.22 or 133.23 of the Revised Code authorizing those securities is filed with the county auditor on or before the last day of November, the amount of the voted property tax levy required to pay debt charges or estimated debt charges on the securities payable in the following year shall if requested by the taxing authority be included in the taxes levied for collection in the following year under section 319.30 of the Revised Code.

(I)(1) If, before any securities authorized at an election under this section are issued, the net indebtedness of the subdivision exceeds that applicable to that subdivision or those securities, then and so long as that is the case none of the securities may be issued.

(2) No securities authorized at an election under this section may be initially issued after the first day of the sixth January following the election, but this period of limitation shall not run for any time during which any part of the permanent improvement for which the securities have been authorized, or the issuing or validity of any part of the securities issued or to be issued, or the related proceedings, is involved or questioned before a court or a commission or other tribunal, administrative agency, or board.

(3) Securities representing a portion of the amount authorized at an election that are issued within the applicable limitation on net indebtedness are valid and in no manner affected by the fact that the balance of the securities authorized cannot be issued by reason of the net indebtedness limitation or lapse of time.

(4) Nothing in this division (I) shall be interpreted or applied to prevent the issuance of securities in an amount to fund or refund anticipatory securities lawfully issued.

(5) The limitations of divisions (I)(1) and (2) of this section do not apply to any securities authorized at an election under this section if at least ten per cent of the principal amount of the securities, including anticipatory securities, authorized has theretofore been issued, or if the securities are to be issued for the purpose of participating in any federally or state-assisted program.

(6) The certificate of the fiscal officer of the subdivision is conclusive proof of the facts referred to in this division.

Sec. 133.20.  (A) This section applies to bonds that are general obligation Chapter 133. securities. If the bonds are payable as to principal by provision for annual installments, the period of limitations on their last maturity, referred to as their maximum maturity, shall be measured from a date twelve months prior to the first date on which provision for payment of principal is made. If the bonds are payable as to principal by provision for semiannual installments, the period of limitations on their last maturity shall be measured from a date six months prior to the first date on which provision for payment of principal is made.

(B) Bonds issued for the following permanent improvements or for permanent improvements for the following purposes shall have maximum maturities not exceeding the number of years stated:

(1) Fifty years:

(a) The clearance and preparation of real property for redevelopment as an urban redevelopment project;

(b) Acquiring, constructing, widening, relocating, enlarging, extending, and improving a publicly owned railroad or line of railway or a light or heavy rail rapid transit system, including related bridges, overpasses, underpasses, and tunnels, but not including rolling stock or equipment;

(c) Pursuant to section 307.675 of the Revised Code, constructing or repairing a bridge using long life expectancy material for the bridge deck, and purchasing, installing, and maintaining any performance equipment to monitor the physical condition of a bridge so constructed or repaired. Additionally, the average maturity of the bonds shall not exceed the expected useful life of the bridge deck as determined by the county engineer under that section.

(2) Forty years:

(a) General waterworks or water system permanent improvements, including buildings, water mains, or other structures and facilities in connection therewith;

(b) Sewers or sewage treatment or disposal works or facilities, including fireproof buildings or other structures in connection therewith;

(c) Storm water drainage, surface water, and flood prevention facilities.

(3) Thirty-five years:

(a) An arena, a convention center, or a combination of an arena and convention center under section 307.695 of the Revised Code;

(b) Sports facilities.

(4) Thirty years:

(a) Municipal recreation, excluding recreational equipment;

(b) Urban redevelopment projects;

(c) Acquisition of real property, except as provided in division (F) of this section;

(d) Street or alley lighting purposes or relocating overhead wires, cables, and appurtenant equipment underground.

(5) Twenty years: constructing, reconstructing, widening, opening, improving, grading, draining, paving, extending, or changing the line of roads, highways, expressways, freeways, streets, sidewalks, alleys, or curbs and gutters, and related bridges, viaducts, overpasses, underpasses, grade crossing eliminations, service and access highways, and tunnels.

(6) Fifteen years:

(a) Resurfacing roads, highways, streets, or alleys;

(b) Alarm, telegraph, or other communications systems for police or fire departments or other emergency services;

(c) Passenger buses used for mass transportation;

(d) Energy conservation measures as authorized by section 133.06 of the Revised Code.

(7) Ten years:

(a) Water meters;

(b) Fire department apparatus and equipment;

(c) Road rollers and other road construction and servicing vehicles;

(d) Furniture, equipment, and furnishings;

(e) Landscape planting and other site improvements;

(f) Playground, athletic, and recreational equipment and apparatus;

(g) Energy conservation measures as authorized by section 505.264 of the Revised Code.

(8) Five years: New motor vehicles other than those described in any other division of this section and those for which provision is made in other provisions of the Revised Code.

(C) Bonds issued for any permanent improvements not within the categories set forth in division (B) of this section shall have maximum maturities of from five to thirty years as the fiscal officer estimates is the estimated life or period of usefulness of those permanent improvements. Bonds issued under section 133.51 of the Revised Code for purposes other than permanent improvements shall have the maturities, not to exceed forty years, that the taxing authority shall specify. Bonds issued for energy conservation measures under section 307.041 of the Revised Code shall have maximum maturities not exceeding the lesser of the average life of the energy conservation measures as detailed in the energy conservation report prepared under that section or thirty years.

(D) Securities issued under section 505.265 of the Revised Code shall mature not later than December 31, 2035.

(E) A securities issue for one purpose may include permanent improvements within two or more categories under divisions (B) and (C) of this section. The maximum maturity of such a bond issue shall not exceed the average number of years of life or period of usefulness of the permanent improvements as measured by the weighted average of the amounts expended or proposed to be expended for the categories of permanent improvements.

(F) Securities issued by a school district or county to acquire or construct real property shall have a maximum maturity longer than thirty years, but not longer than forty years, if the school district's fiscal officer of the school district or county estimates the real property's useful life to be longer than thirty years, and certifies that estimate to the board of education or board of county commissioners, respectively.

Sec. 133.55.  Before adopting any reassessment provided for in section 133.54 of the Revised Code, the fiscal officer shall prepare and file for public inspection a list containing the names of the owners, a tax duplicate description of each parcel of land on which the reassessment will be levied, and the total amount to be reassessed, separately stated as to each parcel, and the taxing authority shall publish notice for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the political subdivision, or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, that such reassessment has been prepared by the fiscal officer and that it is on file in his the fiscal officer's office for the inspection and examination of the persons interested therein. Sections 727.13, 727.15, and 727.16 of the Revised Code do not apply to any such assessments, but any person may file objections in writing with the fiscal officer within one week after the expiration of such notice and the taxing authority shall hear and determine any such objections at its next meeting. Such objections shall be limited solely to matters of description of parcels and owners and of computations of amounts, and no matters concluded by any proceedings on the original assessments shall form the basis for any such objections. When the reassessment list is confirmed by the taxing authority, it shall be complete and final and shall be recorded in the office of the fiscal officer.

Sec. 135.05.  Each governing board shall, at least three weeks prior to the date when it is required by section 135.12 of the Revised Code to designate public depositories, by resolution, estimate the aggregate maximum amount of public moneys subject to its control to be awarded and be on deposit as inactive deposits. The state board of deposit shall cause a copy of such resolution, together with a notice of the date on which the meeting of the board for the designation of such depositories will be held and the period for which such inactive deposits will be awarded, to be published once a week for two consecutive weeks in two newspapers of general circulation in each of the three most populous counties. The governing board of each subdivision shall cause a copy of such resolution, together with a notice of the date on which the meeting of the board for the designation of such depositories will be held and the period for which such inactive deposits will be awarded, to be published once a week for two consecutive weeks in two newspapers a newspaper of opposite politics and of general circulation in the county or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. If a subdivision is located in more than one county, such publication shall be made in newspapers published a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the major part of such subdivision is located, and of general circulation in the subdivision. A written notice stating the aggregate maximum amount to be awarded as inactive deposits of the subdivision shall be given to each eligible depository by the governing board at the time the first publication is made in the newspapers newspaper.

All deposits of the public moneys of the state or any subdivision made during the period covered by the designation in excess of the aggregate amount so estimated shall be active deposits or interim deposits. Inactive, interim, and active deposits shall be separately awarded, made, and administered as provided by sections 135.01 to 135.21, inclusive, of the Revised Code.

Sec. 135.61.  As used in sections 135.61 to 135.67 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Eligible small business" means any person, including, but not limited to a person engaged in agriculture, that has all of the following characteristics:

(1) Is headquartered in this state;

(2) Maintains offices and operating facilities exclusively in this state and transacts business in this state;

(3) Employs fewer than one hundred fifty employees, the majority of whom are residents of this state;

(4) Is organized for profit.

(B) "Eligible lending institution" means a financial institution that is eligible to make commercial loans, is a public depository of state funds under section 135.03 of the Revised Code, and agrees to participate in the linked deposit program.

(C) "Linked deposit" means a certificate of deposit or other financial institution instrument placed by the treasurer of state with an eligible lending institution at a rate below current market rates, as determined and calculated by the treasurer of state, provided the institution agrees to lend the value of such deposit, according to the deposit agreement provided in division (C) of section 135.65 of the Revised Code, to eligible small businesses at a rate that reflects an equal percentage rate reduction below the present borrowing rate applicable to each specific business at the time of the deposit of state funds in the institution.

(D) "Other financial institution instrument" has the same meaning as in section 135.81 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 135.65.  (A) The treasurer of state may accept or reject a linked deposit loan package or any portion thereof, based on the treasurer's evaluation of the eligible small businesses included in the package and the amount of state funds to be deposited. When evaluating the eligible small businesses, the treasurer shall give priority to the economic needs of the area where the business is located and the ratio of state funds to be deposited to jobs sustained or created and shall also consider any reports, statements, or plans applicable to the business, the overall financial need of the business, and such other factors as the treasurer considers appropriate.

(B) Upon acceptance of the linked deposit loan package or any portion thereof, the treasurer of state may place certificates of deposit or other financial institution instruments with the eligible lending institution at a rate below current market rates, as determined and calculated by the treasurer of state. When necessary, the treasurer may place certificates of deposit or other financial institution instruments prior to acceptance of a linked deposit loan package.

(C) The eligible lending institution shall enter into a deposit agreement with the treasurer of state, which shall include requirements necessary to carry out the purposes of sections 135.61 to 135.67 of the Revised Code. Such requirements shall reflect the market conditions prevailing in the eligible lending institution's lending area. The agreement may include a specification of the period of time in which the lending institution is to lend funds upon the placement of a linked deposit, and shall include provisions for the certificates of deposit or other financial institution instruments to be placed for any maturity considered appropriate by the treasurer of state not to exceed two years, and may be renewed for up to an additional two years at the option of the treasurer. Interest shall be paid at the times determined by the treasurer of state.

(D) Eligible lending institutions shall comply fully with Chapter 135. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 135.66.  (A) Upon the placement of a linked deposit with an eligible lending institution, such institution is required to lend such funds to each approved eligible small business listed in the linked deposit loan package required by division (D) of section 135.64 of the Revised Code and in accordance with the deposit agreement required by division (C) of section 135.65 of the Revised Code. The loan shall be at a rate that reflects a percentage rate reduction below the present borrowing rate applicable to each business that is equal to the percentage rate reduction below market rates at which the certificate certificates of deposits deposit or other financial institution instruments that constitute the linked deposit were placed. A certification of compliance with this section in the form and manner as prescribed by the treasurer of state shall be required of the eligible lending institution.

(B) The treasurer of state shall take any and all steps necessary to implement the linked deposit program and monitor compliance of eligible lending institutions and eligible small businesses, including the development of guidelines as necessary. The treasurer of state and the department of development shall notify each other at least quarterly of the names of the businesses receiving financial assistance from their respective programs.

Annually, by the first day of February, the treasurer of state shall report on the linked deposits program for the preceding calendar year to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the president of the senate. The speaker of the house shall transmit copies of this report to the chairpersons of the standing committees in the house which customarily consider legislation regarding agriculture and small business, and the president of the senate shall transmit copies of this report to the chairpersons of the standing committees in the senate which customarily consider legislation regarding agriculture and small business. The report shall set forth the linked deposits made by the treasurer of state under the program during the year and shall include information regarding the nature, terms, and amounts of the loans upon which the linked deposits were based and the eligible small businesses to which the loans were made.

Sec. 145.27.  (A)(1) As used in this division, "personal history record" means information maintained by the public employees retirement board on an individual who is a member, former member, contributor, former contributor, retirant, or beneficiary that includes the address, telephone number, social security number, record of contributions, correspondence with the public employees retirement system, or other information the board determines to be confidential.

(2) The records of the board shall be open to public inspection, except that the following shall be excluded, except with the written authorization of the individual concerned:

(a) The individual's statement of previous service and other information as provided for in section 145.16 of the Revised Code;

(b) The amount of a monthly allowance or benefit paid to the individual;

(c) The individual's personal history record.

(B) All medical reports and recommendations required by this chapter are privileged, except that copies of such medical reports or recommendations shall be made available to the personal physician, attorney, or authorized agent of the individual concerned upon written release from the individual or the individual's agent, or when necessary for the proper administration of the fund, to the board assigned physician.

(C) Any person who is a member or contributor of the system shall be furnished with a statement of the amount to the credit of the individual's account upon written request. The board is not required to answer more than one such request of a person in any one year. The board may issue annual statements of accounts to members and contributors.

(D) Notwithstanding the exceptions to public inspection in division (A)(2) of this section, the board may furnish the following information:

(1) If a member, former member, contributor, former contributor, or retirant is subject to an order issued under section 2907.15 of the Revised Code or an order issued under division (A) or (B) of section 2929.192 of the Revised Code or is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of section 2921.41 of the Revised Code, on written request of a prosecutor as defined in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code, the board shall furnish to the prosecutor the information requested from the individual's personal history record.

(2) Pursuant to a court or administrative order issued pursuant to Chapter 3119., 3121., 3123., or 3125. of the Revised Code, the board shall furnish to a court or child support enforcement agency the information required under that section.

(3) At the written request of any person, the board shall provide to the person a list of the names and addresses of members, former members, contributors, former contributors, retirants, or beneficiaries. The costs of compiling, copying, and mailing the list shall be paid by such person.

(4) Within fourteen days after receiving from the director of job and family services a list of the names and social security numbers of recipients of public assistance pursuant to section 5101.181 of the Revised Code, the board shall inform the auditor of state of the name, current or most recent employer address, and social security number of each member whose name and social security number are the same as that of a person whose name or social security number was submitted by the director. The board and its employees shall, except for purposes of furnishing the auditor of state with information required by this section, preserve the confidentiality of recipients of public assistance in compliance with division (A) of section 5101.181 of the Revised Code.

(5) The system shall comply with orders issued under section 3105.87 of the Revised Code.

On the written request of an alternate payee, as defined in section 3105.80 of the Revised Code, the system shall furnish to the alternate payee information on the amount and status of any amounts payable to the alternate payee under an order issued under section 3105.171 or 3105.65 of the Revised Code.

(6) At the request of any person, the board shall make available to the person copies of all documents, including resumes, in the board's possession regarding filling a vacancy of an employee member or retirant member of the board. The person who made the request shall pay the cost of compiling, copying, and mailing the documents. The information described in division (D)(6) of this section is a public record.

(E) A statement that contains information obtained from the system's records that is signed by the executive director or an officer of the system and to which the system's official seal is affixed, or copies of the system's records to which the signature and seal are attached, shall be received as true copies of the system's records in any court or before any officer of this state.

Sec. 149.01.  Each elective state officer, the adjutant general, the adult parole authority, the department of agriculture, the director of administrative services, the public utilities commission, the superintendent of insurance, the superintendent of financial institutions, the superintendent of purchases and printing, the state commissioner of soldiers' claims, the fire marshal, the industrial commission, the administrator of workers' compensation, the state department of transportation, the department of health, the state medical board, the state dental board, the board of embalmers and funeral directors, the Ohio commission for the blind, the accountancy board of Ohio, the state council of uniform state laws, the board of commissioners of the sinking fund, the department of taxation, the board of tax appeals, the clerk of the supreme court, the division of liquor control, the director of state armories, the trustees of the Ohio state university, and every private or quasi-public institution, association, board, or corporation receiving state money for its use and purpose shall make annually, at the end of each fiscal year, in quadruplicate, a report of the transactions and proceedings of that office or department for that fiscal year, excepting receipts and disbursements unless otherwise specifically required by law. The report shall contain a summary of the official acts of the officer, board, council, commission, institution, association, or corporation and any suggestions and recommendations that are proper. On the first day of August of each year, one of the reports shall be filed with the governor, one with the secretary of state, and one with the state library, and one shall be kept on file in the office of the officer, board, council, commission, institution, association, or corporation.

Sec. 149.091.  (A) Except as otherwise provided in division (C) of this section, the The secretary of state shall compile, publish, and distribute the session laws either annually or biennially in a paper or electronic format a maximum of nine hundred copies of the session laws. The annual or biennial publication shall contain all enrolled acts and joint resolutions. The secretary of state shall cause to be printed with each compilation of enrolled acts and joint resolutions distributed, a subject index, a table indicating Revised Code sections affected, and the secretary of state's certificate that the laws, as compiled and distributed, are true copies of the original enrolled acts or joint resolutions in the secretary of state's office.

(B)(1) The secretary of state shall may distribute the compilations paper or electronic format of the session laws in free of charge to the following manner persons or entities:

(1) One shall be forwarded to each (a) Each county auditor.

(2) One shall be forwarded to each (b) Each county law library.

(3) Two hundred may be distributed, free of charge, to (c) Other public officials upon request of the public official.

(4) Remaining compilations may be sold by the secretary of state at a price that shall not exceed the actual cost of publication and distribution.

(B) Notwithstanding division (C) of this section, the secretary of state shall compile, publish, and distribute, either annually or biennially, in permanently bound volumes, a minimum of twenty-five copies of the session laws. The annual or biennial volumes shall contain copies of all enrolled acts and joint resolutions. The secretary of state shall cause to be printed with each volume of enrolled acts and joint resolutions distributed a subject index, a table indicating Revised Code sections affected, and the secretary of state's certificate that the laws so assembled are true copies of the original enrolled acts or joint resolutions in the secretary of state's office.

(2) The secretary of state shall distribute the permanently bound volumes paper or electronic format of the session laws in free of charge to the following manner persons or entities:

(1) Five copies shall be forwarded to the (a) The clerk of the house of representatives.

(2) Five copies shall be forwarded to the (b) The clerk of the senate.

(3) Five copies shall be forwarded to the (c) The legislative service commission.

(4) Two copies shall be forwarded to the (d) The Ohio supreme court.

(5) Two copies shall be forwarded to the (e) The document division of the library of congress.

(6) Two copies shall be forwarded to the (f) The state library.

(7) Two copies shall be forwarded to the (g) The Ohio historical society.

(8) Two copies shall be retained by the The secretary of state shall retain a paper or electronic format of the session laws.

(C) The secretary of state annually or biennially may compile, publish, and distribute the session laws in an electronic format instead of compiling and publishing the session laws as provided in division (A) of this section. If the secretary of state compiles and publishes the session laws in an electronic format, the following apply:

(1) The session laws in electronic format shall include copies of all enrolled acts and joint resolutions and shall contain a subject index and a table indicating Revised Code sections affected.

(2) Each compilation of the session laws in electronic format shall include the secretary of state's certificate that the laws so compiled and published are true copies of the original enrolled acts and joint resolutions in the secretary of state's office.

(3) The session laws may be distributed in an electronic format to public officials free of charge.

(4) The session laws may be sold in an a paper or electronic format to individuals or entities not specified in division (A) or (B) of this section. The price shall not exceed the actual cost of producing and distributing the session laws in an a paper or electronic format.

Sec. 149.11.  Any department, division, bureau, board, or commission of the state government issuing a report, pamphlet, document, or other publication intended for general public use and distribution, which publication is reproduced by duplicating processes such as mimeograph, multigraph, planograph, rotaprint, or multilith, or printed internally or through a contract awarded to any person, company, or the state printing division of the department of administrative services, shall cause to be delivered to the state library one hundred copies of the publication, subject to the provisions of section 125.42 of the Revised Code.

The state library board shall distribute the publications so received as follows:

(A) Retain two copies in the state library;

(B) Send two copies to the document division of the library of congress;

(C) Send one copy to the Ohio historical society and to each public or college library in the state designated by the state library board to be a depository for state publications. In designating which libraries shall be depositories, the board shall select those libraries that can best preserve those publications and that are so located geographically as will make the publications conveniently accessible to residents in all areas of the state.

(D) Send one copy to each state in exchange for like publications of that state.

The provisions of this section shall do not apply to any publication of the general assembly or to the publications described in sections 149.07, 149.08, 149.091, and 149.17 of the Revised Code, except that the secretary of state shall forward to the document division of the library of congress two copies of all journals, two copies of the session laws in bound form as provided for in section 149.091 of the Revised Code, and two copies of all appropriation laws in separate form.

Sec. 149.308. There is hereby created in the state treasury the Ohio historical society income tax contribution fund, which shall consist of money contributed to it under section 5747.113 of the Revised Code for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, and of contributions made directly to it. Any person may contribute directly to the fund in addition to or independently of the income tax refund contribution system established in section 5747.113 of the Revised Code.

The Ohio historical society shall use money credited to the fund in furtherance of the public functions with which the society is charged under section 149.30 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 149.311.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Historic building" means a building, including its structural components, that is located in this state and that is either individually listed on the national register of historic places under 16 U.S.C. 470a, located in a registered historic district, and certified by the state historic preservation officer as being of historic significance to the district, or is individually listed as a historic landmark designated by a local government certified under 16 U.S.C. 470a(c).

(2) "Qualified rehabilitation expenditures" means expenditures paid or incurred during the rehabilitation period, and before and after that period as determined under 26 U.S.C. 47, by an owner of a historic building to rehabilitate the building. "Qualified rehabilitation expenditures" includes architectural or engineering fees paid or incurred in connection with the rehabilitation, and expenses incurred in the preparation of nomination forms for listing on the national register of historic places. "Qualified rehabilitation expenditures" does not include any of the following:

(a) The cost of acquiring, expanding, or enlarging a historic building;

(b) Expenditures attributable to work done to facilities related to the building, such as parking lots, sidewalks, and landscaping;

(c) New building construction costs.

(3) "Owner" of a historic building means a person holding the fee simple interest in the building. "Owner" does not include the state or a state agency, or any political subdivision as defined in section 9.23 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Certificate owner" means the owner of a historic building to which a rehabilitation tax credit certificate was issued under this section.

(5) "Registered historic district" means a historic district listed in the national register of historic places under 16 U.S.C. 470a, a historic district designated by a local government certified under 16 U.S.C. 470a(c), or a local historic district certified under 36 C.F.R. 67.8 and 67.9.

(6) "Rehabilitation" means the process of repairing or altering a historic building or buildings, making possible an efficient use while preserving those portions and features of the building and its site and environment that are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values.

(7) "Rehabilitation period" means one of the following:

(a) If the rehabilitation initially was not planned to be completed in stages, a period chosen by the owner not to exceed twenty-four months during which rehabilitation occurs;

(b) If the rehabilitation initially was planned to be completed in stages, a period chosen by the owner not to exceed sixty months during which rehabilitation occurs.

(8) "State historic preservation officer" or "officer" means the state historic preservation officer appointed by the governor under 16 U.S.C. 470a.

(9) "Application period" means any of the following time periods for which an application for a rehabilitation tax credit certificate may be filed under this section:

(a) July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008;

(b) July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010;

(c) July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011.

(B) For any application period, the The owner of a historic building may apply to the state historic preservation officer for a rehabilitation tax credit certificate for qualified rehabilitation expenditures paid or incurred after April 4, 2007, for rehabilitation of a historic building. The form and manner of filing such applications shall be prescribed by rule of the director of development, and, except as otherwise provided in division (D) of this section, applications expire at the end of each application period. Each application shall state the amount of qualified rehabilitation expenditures the applicant estimates will be paid or incurred. The director may require applicants to furnish documentation of such estimates.

The director, after consultation with the tax commissioner and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall adopt rules that establish all of the following:

(1) Forms and procedures by which applicants may apply for rehabilitation tax credit certificates;

(2) Criteria for reviewing, evaluating, and approving applications for certificates within the limitations under division (D) of this section, criteria for assuring that the certificates issued encompass a mixture of high and low qualified rehabilitation expenditures, and criteria for issuing certificates under division (C)(3)(b) of this section;

(3) Eligibility requirements for obtaining a certificate under this section;

(4) The form of rehabilitation tax credit certificates;

(5) Reporting requirements and monitoring procedures;

(6) Any other rules necessary to implement and administer this section.

(C) The state historic preservation officer shall accept applications and forward them to the director of development, who shall review the applications and determine whether all of the following criteria are met:

(1) That the building that is the subject of the application is a historic building and the applicant is the owner of the building;

(2) That the rehabilitation will satisfy standards prescribed by the United States secretary of the interior under 16 U.S.C. 470, et seq., as amended, and 36 C.F.R. 67.7 or a successor to that section;

(3) That receiving a rehabilitation tax credit certificate under this section is a major factor in:

(a) The applicant's decision to rehabilitate the historic building; or

(b) To increase the level of investment in such rehabilitation.

An applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the state historic preservation officer and director of development that the rehabilitation will satisfy the standards described in division (C)(2) of this section before the applicant begins the physical rehabilitation of the historic building.

(D)(1) The director of development may approve an application and issue a rehabilitation tax credit certificate to an applicant only if the director determines that the criteria in divisions (C)(1), (2), and (3) of this section are met. The director shall consider the potential economic impact and the regional distributive balance of the credits throughout the state.

(2) A rehabilitation tax credit certificate shall not be issued before rehabilitation of a historic building is completed or for an amount greater than the estimated amount furnished by the applicant on the application for such certificate and approved by the director. The director shall not approve more than a total of sixty twenty-five million dollars of rehabilitation tax credits for an application period per fiscal year.

(3) Of the sixty million dollars approved for application periods July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010, and July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, forty-five million dollars shall be reserved in each application period for the award of rehabilitation tax credit certificates to applicants who, as of March 1, 2008, had filed completed applications that met the criteria described in divisions (C)(1), (2), and (3) of this section, who have not withdrawn the application, and who have not yet been approved to receive a certificate. If the total amount of credits awarded for such applications is less than forty-five million dollars in an application period, the remainder shall be made available for other qualifying applications for that application period.

(4) If an applicant whose application is approved for receipt of a rehabilitation tax credit certificate fails to provide to the director of development sufficient evidence of reviewable progress, including a viable financial plan, copies of final construction drawings, and evidence that the applicant has obtained all historic approvals within twelve months after the date the applicant received notification of approval, or if the applicant fails to provide evidence to the director of development that the applicant has secured and closed on financing for the rehabilitation within eighteen months after receiving notification of approval, the director shall notify the applicant that the approval has been rescinded. Credits that would have been available to an applicant whose approval was rescinded shall be available for other qualified applicants. Nothing in this division prohibits an applicant whose approval has been rescinded from submitting a new application for a rehabilitation tax credit certificate.

(E) Issuance of a certificate represents a finding by the director of development of the matters described in divisions (C)(1), (2), and (3) of this section only; issuance of a certificate does not represent a verification or certification by the director of the amount of qualified rehabilitation expenditures for which a tax credit may be claimed under section 5725.151, 5725.34, 5729.17, 5733.47, or 5747.76 of the Revised Code. The amount of qualified rehabilitation expenditures for which a tax credit may be claimed is subject to inspection and examination by the tax commissioner or employees of the commissioner under section 5703.19 of the Revised Code and any other applicable law. Upon the issuance of a certificate, the director shall certify to the tax commissioner, in the form and manner requested by the tax commissioner, the name of the applicant, the amount of qualified rehabilitation expenditures shown on the certificate, and any other information required by the rules adopted under this section.

(F)(1) On or before the first day of December in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 each year, the director of development and tax commissioner jointly shall submit to the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives a report on the tax credit program established under this section and sections 5725.151, 5725.34, 5729.17, 5733.47, and 5747.76 of the Revised Code. The report shall present an overview of the program and shall include information on the number of rehabilitation tax credit certificates issued under this section during an application period the preceding fiscal year, an update on the status of each historic building for which an application was approved under this section, the dollar amount of the tax credits granted under sections 5725.151, 5725.34, 5729.17, 5733.47, and 5747.76 of the Revised Code, and any other information the director and commissioner consider relevant to the topics addressed in the report.

(2) On or before December 1, 2012, the director of development and tax commissioner jointly shall submit to the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives a comprehensive report that includes the information required by division (F)(1) of this section and a detailed analysis of the effectiveness of issuing tax credits for rehabilitating historic buildings. The report shall be prepared with the assistance of an economic research organization jointly chosen by the director and commissioner.

Sec. 153.01. (A) Whenever any building or structure for the use of the state or any institution supported in whole or in part by the state or in or upon the public works of the state that is administered by the director of administrative services or by any other state officer or state agency authorized by law to administer a project, including an educational institution listed in section 3345.50 of the Revised Code, is to be erected or constructed, whenever additions, alterations, or structural or other improvements are to be made, or whenever heating, cooling, or ventilating plants or other equipment is to be installed or material supplied therefor, the aggregate estimated cost of which amounts to fifty two hundred thousand dollars or more, or the amount determined pursuant to section 153.53 of the Revised Code or more, each officer, board, or other authority upon which devolves the duty of constructing, erecting, altering, or installing the same, referred to in sections 153.01 to 153.60 of the Revised Code as the owner public authority, shall cause to be made, by an architect or engineer whose contract of employment shall be prepared and approved by the attorney general, the following:

(A)(1) Full and accurate plans, suitable for the use of mechanics and other builders in the construction, improvement, addition, alteration, or installation;

(B)(2) Details to scale and full-sized, so drawn and represented as to be easily understood;

(C) Accurate bills showing the exact quantity of different kinds of material necessary to the construction;

(D)(3) Definite and complete specifications of the work to be performed, together with directions that will enable a competent mechanic or other builder to carry them out and afford bidders all needful information;

(E)(4) A full and accurate estimate of each item of expense and the aggregate cost of those items of expense;

(F)(5) A life-cycle cost analysis;

(G)(6) Further data as may be required by the department of administrative services.

(B) The data described in divisions (A)(1) to (6) of this section shall not be required with respect to any work to be performed pursuant to a construction management contract entered into with a construction manager at risk as described in section 9.334 of the Revised Code or pursuant to a design-build contract entered into with a design-build firm as described in section 153.693 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 153.02.  (A) The director of administrative services, on the director's own initiative or upon request of the Ohio school facilities commission, may debar a contractor from contract awards for public improvements as referred to in section 153.01 of the Revised Code or for projects as defined in section 3318.01 of the Revised Code, upon proof that the contractor has done any of the following:

(1) Defaulted on a contract requiring the execution of a takeover agreement as set forth in division (B) of section 153.17 of the Revised Code;

(2) Knowingly failed during the course of a contract to maintain the coverage required by the bureau of workers' compensation;

(3) Knowingly failed during the course of a contract to maintain the contractor's drug-free workplace program as required by the contract;

(4) Knowingly failed during the course of a contract to maintain insurance required by the contract or otherwise by law, resulting in a substantial loss to the owner, as owner is referred to in section 153.01 of the Revised Code, or to the commission and school district board, as provided in division (F) of section 3318.08 of the Revised Code;

(5) Misrepresented the firm's qualifications in the selection process set forth in sections 153.65 to 153.71 or section 3318.10 of the Revised Code;

(6) Been convicted of a criminal offense related to the application for or performance of any public or private contract, including, but not limited to, embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, receiving stolen property, and any other offense that directly reflects on the contractor's business integrity;

(7) Been convicted of a criminal offense under state or federal antitrust laws;

(8) Deliberately or willfully submitted false or misleading information in connection with the application for or performance of a public contract;

(9) Been debarred from bidding on or participating in a contract with any state or federal agency.

(B) When the director reasonably believes that grounds for debarment exist, the director shall send the contractor a notice of proposed debarment indicating the grounds for the proposed debarment and the procedure for requesting a hearing on the proposed debarment. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the contractor does not respond with a request for a hearing in the manner specified in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the director shall issue the debarment decision without a hearing and shall notify the contractor of the decision by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(C) The director shall determine the length of the debarment period and may rescind the debarment at any time upon notification to the contractor. During the period of debarment, the contractor is not eligible to bid for or participate in any contract for a public improvement as referred to in section 153.01 of the Revised Code or for a project as defined in section 3318.01 of the Revised Code. After the debarment period expires, the contractor shall be eligible to bid for and participate in such contracts for a public improvement as referred to in section 153.01 of the Revised Code.

(D) The director, through the office of the state architect, shall maintain a list of all contractors currently debarred under this section. Any governmental entity awarding a contract for construction of a public improvement or project may use a contractor's presence on the debarment list to determine whether a contractor is responsible or best under section 9.312 or any other section of the Revised Code in the award of a contract.

Sec. 153.03. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Contracting authority" means any state agency or other state instrumentality that is authorized to award a public improvement contract.

(2) "Bidder" means a person who submits a bid to a contracting authority to perform work under a public improvement contract.

(3) "Contractor" means any person with whom a contracting authority has entered into a public improvement contract to provide labor for a public improvement and includes a construction manager at risk and a design-build firm.

(4) "Subcontractor" means any person who undertakes to provide any part of the labor on the site of a public improvement under a contract with any person other than the contracting authority, including all such persons in any tier.

(5) "Construction manager" means a person with substantial discretion and authority to plan, coordinate, manage, and direct all phases of a project for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction of any public building, structure, or other improvement has the same meaning as in section 9.33 of the Revised Code.

(6) "Construction manager at risk" has the same meaning as in section 9.33 of the Revised Code.

(7) "Design-build firm" has the same meaning as in section 153.65 of the Revised Code.

(8) "Labor" means any activity performed by a person that contributes to the direct installation of a product, component, or system, or that contributes to the direct removal of a product, component, or system.

(7)(9) "Public improvement contract" means any contract that is financed in whole or in part with money appropriated by the general assembly, or that is financed in any manner by a contracting authority, and that is awarded by a contracting authority for the construction, alteration, or repair of any public building, public highway, or other public improvement.

(8)(10) "State agency" means every organized body, office, or agency established by the laws of this state for the exercise of any function of state government.

(B) A contracting authority shall not award a public improvement contract to a bidder, and a construction manager at risk or design-build firm shall not award a subcontract, unless the contract or subcontract contains both of the following:

(1) The statements described in division (E) of this section;

(2) Terms that require the contractor or subcontractor to be enrolled in and be in good standing in the drug-free workplace program of the bureau of workers' compensation or a comparable program approved by the bureau that requires an employer to do all of the following:

(a) Develop, implement, and provide to all employees a written substance use policy that conveys full and fair disclosure of the employer's expectations that no employee be at work with alcohol or drugs in the employee's system, and specifies the consequences for violating the policy.

(b) Conduct drug and alcohol tests on employees in accordance with division (B)(2)(c) of this section and under the following conditions:

(i) Prior to an individual's employment or during an employee's probationary period for employment, which shall not exceed one hundred twenty days after the probationary period begins;

(ii) At random intervals while an employee provides labor or onsite on-site supervision of labor for a public improvement contract. The employer shall use the neutral selection procedures required by the United States department of transportation to determine which employees to test and when to test those employees.

(iii) After an accident at the site where labor is being performed pursuant to a public improvement contract. For purposes of this division, "accident" has the meaning established in rules the administrator of workers' compensation adopts pursuant to Chapters 4121. and 4123. of the Revised Code for the bureau's drug-free workplace program, as those rules exist on the effective date of this section March 30, 2007.

(iv) When the employer or a, construction manager, construction manager at risk, or design-build firm has reasonable suspicion that prior to an accident an employee may be in violation of the employer's written substance use policy. For purposes of this division, "reasonable suspicion" has the meaning established in rules the administrator adopts pursuant to Chapters 4121. and 4123. of the Revised Code for the bureau's drug-free workplace program, as those rules exist on the effective date of this section March 30, 2007.

(v) Prior to an employee returning to a work site to provide labor for a public improvement contract after the employee tested positive for drugs or alcohol, and again after the employee returns to that site to provide labor under that contract, as required by either the employer, the construction manager, construction manager at risk, design-build firm, or conditions in the contract.

(c) Use the following types of tests when conducting a test on an employee under the conditions described in division (B)(2)(b) of this section:

(i) Drug and alcohol testing that uses the federal testing model that the administrator has incorporated into the bureau's drug-free workplace program;

(ii) Testing to determine whether the concentration of alcohol on an employee's breath is equal to or in excess of the level specified in division (A)(1)(d) or (h) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code, which is obtained through an evidentiary breath test conducted by a breath alcohol technician using breath testing equipment that meets standards established by the United States department of transportation, or, if such technician and equipment are unavailable, a blood test may be used to determine whether the concentration of alcohol in an employee's blood is equal to or in excess of the level specified in division (A)(1)(b) or (f) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code.

(d) Require all employees to receive at least one hour of training that increases awareness of and attempts to deter substance abuse and supplies information about employee assistance to deal with substance abuse problems, and require all supervisors to receive one additional hour of training in skill building to teach a supervisor how to observe and document employee behavior and intervene when reasonable suspicion exists of substance use;

(e) Require all supervisors and employees to receive the training described in division (B)(2)(d) of this section before work for a public improvement contract commences or during the term of a public improvement contract;

(f) Require that the training described in division (B)(2)(d) of this section be provided using material prepared by an individual who has credentials or experience in substance abuse training;

(g) Assist employees by providing, at a minimum, a list of community resources from which an employee may obtain help with substance abuse problems, except that this requirement does not preclude an employer from having a policy that allows an employer to terminate an employee's employment the first time the employee tests positive for drugs or alcohol or if an employee refuses to be tested for drugs, alcohol, or both.

(C) Any time the United States department of health and human services changes the federal testing model that the administrator has incorporated into the bureau's drug-free workplace program in a manner that allows additional or new products, protocols, procedures, and standards in the model, the administrator may adopt rules establishing standards to allow employers to use those additional or new products, protocols, procedures, or standards to satisfy the requirements of division (B)(2)(c) of this section, and the bureau may approve an employer's drug-free workplace program that meets the administrator's standards and the other requirements specified in division (B)(2) of this section.

(D) A contracting authority shall ensure that money appropriated by the general assembly for the contracting authority's public improvement contract or, in the case of a state institution of higher education, the institution's financing for the public improvement contract, is not expended unless the contractor for that contract is enrolled in and in good standing in a drug-free workplace program described in division (B) of this section. Prior to awarding a contract to a bidder, a contracting authority shall verify that the bidder is enrolled in and in good standing in such a program.

(E) A contracting authority shall include all of the following statements in the public improvement contract entered into between the contracting authority and a contractor for the public improvement:

(1) "Each contractor shall require all subcontractors with whom the contractor is in contract for the public improvement to be enrolled in and be in good standing in the Bureau of Workers' Compensation's Drug-Free Workplace Program or a comparable program approved by the Bureau that meets the requirements specified in section 153.03 of the Revised Code prior to a subcontractor providing labor at the project site of the public improvement."

(2) "Each subcontractor shall require all lower-tier subcontractors with whom the subcontractor is in contract for the public improvement to be enrolled in and be in good standing in the Bureau of Workers' Compensation's Drug-Free Workplace Program or a comparable program approved by the Bureau that meets the requirements specified in section 153.03 of the Revised Code prior to a lower-tier subcontractor providing labor at the project site of the public improvement."

(3) "Failure of a contractor to require a subcontractor to be enrolled in and be in good standing in the Bureau of Workers' Compensation's Drug-Free Workplace Program or a comparable program approved by the Bureau that meets the requirements specified in section 153.03 of the Revised Code prior to the time that the subcontractor provides labor at the project site will result in the contractor being found in breach of the contract and that breach shall be used in the responsibility analysis of that contractor or the subcontractor who was not enrolled in a program for future contracts with the state for five years after the date of the breach."

(4) "Failure of a subcontractor to require a lower-tier subcontractor to be enrolled in and be in good standing in the Bureau of Workers' Compensation's Drug-Free Workplace Program or a comparable program approved by the Bureau that meets the requirements specified in section 153.03 of the Revised Code prior to the time that the lower-tier subcontractor provides labor at the project site will result in the subcontractor being found in breach of the contract and that breach shall be used in the responsibility analysis of that subcontractor or the lower-tier subcontractor who was not enrolled in a program for future contracts with the state for five years after the date of the breach."

(F) In the event a construction manager, construction manager at risk, or design-build firm intends and is authorized to provide labor for a public improvement contract, a contracting authority shall verify, prior to awarding a contract for construction management services or design-build services, that the construction manager, construction manager at risk, or design-build firm was enrolled in and in good standing in a drug-free workplace program described in division (B) of this section prior to entering into the public improvement contract. The contracting authority shall not award a contract for construction manager services to a construction manager or design-build services if the construction manager, construction manager at risk, or design-build firm is not enrolled in or in good standing in such a program.

Sec. 153.07.  The notice provided for in section 153.06 of the Revised Code shall be published once each week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation, or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, in the county where the activity for which bids are submitted is to occur and in such other newspapers as ordered by the department of administrative services, the last publication to be at least eight days preceding the day for opening the bids, and in such form and with such phraseology as the department orders. Copies of the plans, details, bills of material, estimates of cost, and specifications shall be open to public inspection at all business hours between the day of the first publication and the day for opening the bids, at the office of the department where the bids are received, and such other place as may be designated in such notice.

Sec. 153.08.  On the day and at the place named in the notice provided for in section 153.06 of the Revised Code, the owner referred to in section 153.01 of the Revised Code shall open the bids and shall publicly, with the assistance of the architect or engineer, immediately proceed to tabulate the bids upon duplicate sheets. The public bid opening may be broadcast by electronic means pursuant to rules established by the director of administrative services. A bid shall be invalid and not considered unless a bid guaranty meeting the requirements of section 153.54 of the Revised Code and in the form approved by the department of administrative services is filed with such bid and unless such. For a bid that is not filed electronically, the bid and bid guaranty are shall be filed in one sealed envelope. If the bid and bid guaranty are filed electronically, they must be received electronically before the deadline published pursuant to section 153.06 of the Revised Code. For all bids filed electronically, the original, unaltered bid guaranty shall be made available to the public authority after the public bid opening. After investigation, which shall be completed within thirty days, the contract shall be awarded by such owner to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in accordance with section 9.312 of the Revised Code.

No contract shall be entered into until the industrial commission has certified that the person so awarded the contract has complied with sections 4123.01 to 4123.94 of the Revised Code, until, if the bidder so awarded the contract is a foreign corporation, the secretary of state has certified that such corporation is authorized to do business in this state, until, if the bidder so awarded the contract is a person nonresident of this state, such person has filed with the secretary of state a power of attorney designating the secretary of state as its agent for the purpose of accepting service of summons in any action brought under section 153.05 of the Revised Code or under sections 4123.01 to 4123.94 of the Revised Code, and until the contract and bond, if any, are submitted to the attorney general and the attorney general's approval certified thereon.

No contract shall be entered into unless the bidder possesses a valid certificate of compliance with affirmative action programs issued pursuant to section 9.47 of the Revised Code and dated no earlier than one hundred eighty days prior to the date fixed for the opening of bids for a particular project.

Sec. 153.50.  (A) An As used in sections 153.50 to 153.52 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Construction manager at risk" has the same meaning as in section 9.33 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Design-assist" means monitoring and assisting in the completion of the plans and specifications.

(3) "Design-assist firm" means a person capable of performing design-assist.

(4) "Design-build firm" has the same meaning as in section 153.65 of the Revised Code.

(5) "General contracting" means constructing and managing an entire public improvement project, including the branches or classes of work specified in division (B) of this section, under the award of a single aggregate lump sum contract.

(6) "General contracting firm" means a person capable of performing general contracting.

(B) Except for contracts made with a construction manager at risk, with a design-build firm, or with a general contracting firm, an officer, board, or other authority of the state, a county, township, municipal corporation, or school district, or of any public institution belonging thereto, authorized to contract for the erection, repair, alteration, or rebuilding of a public building, institution, bridge, culvert, or improvement and required by law to advertise and receive bids for furnishing of materials and doing the work necessary for the erection thereof, shall require separate and distinct bids to be made for furnishing such materials or doing such work, or both, in their discretion, for each of the following branches or classes of work to be performed, and all work kindred thereto, entering into the improvement:

(1) Plumbing and gas fitting;

(2) Steam and hot-water heating, ventilating apparatus, and steam-power plant;

(3) Electrical equipment.

(B) A public authority is not required to solicit separate bids for a branch or class of work specified in division (A) of this section for an improvement if the estimated cost for that branch or class of work is less than five thousand dollars.

Sec. 153.501. (A) A public authority may accept a subcontract awarded by a construction manager at risk, a design-build firm, or a general contracting firm, or may reject any such contract if the public authority determines that the bidder is not responsible.

(B) A public authority may authorize a construction manager at risk or design-build firm to utilize a design-assist firm on any public improvement project.

(C) If the construction manager at risk or design-build firm intends and is permitted by the public authority to self-perform a portion of the work to be performed, the construction manager at risk or design-build firm shall submit a sealed bid for the portion of the work prior to accepting and opening any bids for the same work.

Sec. 153.502. The department of administrative services, pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and not later than June 30, 2012, shall adopt rules to do both of the following:

(A) Prescribe the procedures and criteria for determining the best value selection of a construction manager at risk or design-build firm;

(B) Prescribe the form for the contract documents to be used by a public authority when entering into a contract with a construction manager at risk or design-build firm.

Sec. 153.51.  (A) When more than one branch or class of work specified in division (A) of If separate and distinct bids are required pursuant to section 153.50 of the Revised Code is required, no contract for the entire job, or for a greater portion thereof than is embraced in one such branch or class of work shall may be awarded, unless the separate bids do not cover all the work and materials required or the bids for the whole or for two or more kinds of work or materials are lower than the separate bids in the aggregate.

(B)(1) The If the public authority referred to in section 153.50 of the Revised Code also may award awards a single, aggregate contract for the entire project pursuant to division (A) of this section. This, the award shall be made to the bidder who is the lowest responsive and responsible bidder or the lowest and best bidder, as applicable, as specified in section 153.52 of the Revised Code.

(2) The public authority referred to in section 153.50 of the Revised Code may assign all or any portion of its interest in the contract of the lowest responsive and responsible bidder or the lowest and best bidder, as applicable, to another successful bidder as an agreed condition for an award of the contract for the amount of its respective bid. Such assignment may include, but is not limited to, the duty to schedule, coordinate, and administer the contracts.

(C) A public authority referred to in division (A) of section 153.50 of the Revised Code is not required to award separate contracts for a branch or class of work specified in division (A) of section 153.50 of the Revised Code entering into an improvement if the estimated cost for that branch or class of work is less than five thousand dollars.

Sec. 153.52.  The A contract for general contracting or for doing the work belonging to each separate branch or class of work specified in division (A)(B) of section 153.50 of the Revised Code, or for the furnishing of materials therefor, or both, shall be awarded by the public authority referred to in section 153.50 of the Revised Code, in its discretion, to the lowest responsive and responsible separate bidder therefor, in accordance with section 9.312 of the Revised Code in the case of any public authority of the state or any public institution belonging thereto, and to the lowest and best separate bidder in the case of a county, township, or municipal corporation, or school district, or any public institution belonging thereto, and to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in the case of a school district, and shall be made directly with the bidder in the manner and upon the terms, conditions, and limitations as to giving bond or bid guaranties as prescribed by law, unless it is let as a whole, or to bidders for more than one kind of work or materials. Sections 153.50 to 153.52 of the Revised Code do not apply to the erection of buildings and other structures which cost less than fifty thousand dollars.

Sec. 153.53.  (A) As used in this section, "rate of inflation" has the same meaning as in section 107.032 of the Revised Code.

(B) Five years after the effective date of this section and every five years thereafter, the director of administrative services shall evaluate the monetary threshold specified in section 153.01 of the Revised Code and adopt rules adjusting that amount based on the average rate of inflation during each of the previous five years immediately preceding such adjustment.

Sec. 153.54.  (A) Each Except with respect to a contract described in section 9.334 or 153.693 of the Revised Code, each person bidding for a contract with the state or any political subdivision, district, institution, or other agency thereof, excluding therefrom the department of transportation, for any public improvement shall file with the bid, a bid guaranty in the form of either:

(1) A bond in accordance with division (B) of this section for the full amount of the bid;

(2) A certified check, cashier's check, or letter of credit pursuant to Chapter 1305. of the Revised Code, in accordance with division (C) of this section. Any such letter of credit is revocable only at the option of the beneficiary state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency. The amount of the certified check, cashier's check, or letter of credit shall be equal to ten per cent of the bid.

(B) A bid guaranty filed pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section shall be conditioned to:

(1) Provide that, if the bid is accepted, the bidder, after the awarding or the recommendation for the award of the contract, whichever the contracting authority designates, will enter into a proper contract in accordance with the bid, plans, details, and specifications, and bills of material. If for any reason, other than as authorized by section 9.31 of the Revised Code or division (G) of this section, the bidder fails to enter into the contract, and the contracting authority awards the contract to the next lowest bidder, the bidder and the surety on the bidder's bond are liable to the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency for the difference between the bid and that of the next lowest bidder, or for a penal sum not to exceed ten per cent of the amount of the bond, whichever is less. If the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency does not award the contract to the next lowest bidder but resubmits the project for bidding, the bidder failing to enter into the contract and the surety on the bidder's bond, except as provided in division (G) of this section, are liable to the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency for a penal sum not to exceed ten per cent of the amount of the bid or the costs in connection with the resubmission of printing new contract documents, required advertising, and printing and mailing notices to prospective bidders, whichever is less.

(2) Indemnify the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency against all damage suffered by failure to perform the contract according to its provisions and in accordance with the plans, details, and specifications, and bills of material therefor and to pay all lawful claims of subcontractors, material suppliers, and laborers for labor performed or material furnished in carrying forward, performing, or completing the contract; and agree and assent that this undertaking is for the benefit of any subcontractor, material supplier, or laborer having a just claim, as well as for the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency.

(C)(1) A bid guaranty filed pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section shall be conditioned to provide that if the bid is accepted, the bidder, after the awarding or the recommendation for the award of the contract, whichever the contracting authority designates, will enter into a proper contract in accordance with the bid, plans, details, specifications, and bills of material. If for any reason, other than as authorized by section 9.31 of the Revised Code or division (G) of this section, the bidder fails to enter into the contract, and the contracting authority awards the contract to the next lowest bidder, the bidder is liable to the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency for the difference between the bidder's bid and that of the next lowest bidder, or for a penal sum not to exceed ten per cent of the amount of the bid, whichever is less. If the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency does not award the contract to the next lowest bidder but resubmits the project for bidding, the bidder failing to enter into the contract, except as provided in division (G) of this section, is liable to the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency for a penal sum not to exceed ten per cent of the amount of the bid or the costs in connection with the resubmission, of printing new contract documents, required advertising, and printing and mailing notices to prospective bidders, whichever is less.

If the bidder enters into the contract, the bidder, at the time the contract is entered to, shall file a bond for the amount of the contract to indemnify the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency against all damage suffered by failure to perform the contract according to its provisions and in accordance with the plans, details, and specifications, and bills of material therefor and to pay all lawful claims of subcontractors, material suppliers, and laborers for labor performed or material furnished in carrying forward, performing, or completing the contract; and agree and assent that this undertaking is for the benefit of any subcontractor, material supplier, or laborer having a just claim, as well as for the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency.

(2) A construction manager who enters into a contract pursuant to sections 9.33 to 9.333 of the Revised Code, if required by the public owner authority at the time the construction manager enters into the contract, shall file a letter of credit pursuant to Chapter 1305. of the Revised Code, bond, certified check, or cashier's check, for the value of the construction management contract to indemnify the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency against all damage suffered by the construction manager's failure to perform the contract according to its provisions, and shall agree and assent that this undertaking is for the benefit of the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency. A letter of credit provided by the construction manager is revocable only at the option of the beneficiary state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency.

(D) Where the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency accepts a bid but the bidder fails or refuses to enter into a proper contract in accordance with the bid, plans, details, and specifications, and bills of material within ten days after the awarding of the contract, the bidder and the surety on any bond, except as provided in division (G) of this section, are liable for the amount of the difference between the bidder's bid and that of the next lowest bidder, but not in excess of the liability specified in division (B)(1) or (C) of this section. Where the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency then awards the bid to such next lowest bidder and such next lowest bidder also fails or refuses to enter into a proper contract in accordance with the bid, plans, details, and specifications, and bills of material within ten days after the awarding of the contract, the liability of such next lowest bidder, except as provided in division (G) of this section, is the amount of the difference between the bids of such next lowest bidder and the third lowest bidder, but not in excess of the liability specified in division (B)(1) or (C) of this section. Liability on account of an award to any lowest bidder beyond the third lowest bidder shall be determined in like manner.

(E) Notwithstanding division (C) of this section, where the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency resubmits the project for bidding, each bidder whose bid was accepted but who failed or refused to enter into a proper contract, except as provided in division (G) of this section, is liable for an equal share of a penal sum in connection with the resubmission, of printing new contract documents, required advertising, and printing and mailing notices to prospective bidders, but no bidder's liability shall exceed the amount of the bidder's bid guaranty.

(F) All bid guaranties filed pursuant to this section shall be payable to the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency, be for the benefit of the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency or any person having a right of action thereon, and be deposited with, and held by, the board, officer, or agent contracting on behalf of the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency. All bonds filed pursuant to this section shall be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in this state as surety approved by the board, officer, or agent awarding the contract on behalf of the state, political subdivision, district, institution, or agency.

(G) A bidder for a contract with the state or any political subdivision, district, institution, or other agency thereof, excluding therefrom the Ohio department of transportation, for a public improvement costing less than one-half million dollars may withdraw the bid from consideration if the bidder's bid for some other contract with the state or any political subdivision, district, institution, or other agency thereof, excluding therefrom the department of transportation, for the public improvement costing less than one-half million dollars has already been accepted, if the bidder certifies in good faith that the total amount of all the bidder's current contracts is less than one-half million dollars, and if the surety certifies in good faith that the bidder is unable to perform the subsequent contract because to do so would exceed the bidder's bonding capacity. If a bid is withdrawn under authority of this division, the contracting authority may award the contract to the next lowest bidder or reject all bids and resubmit the project for bidding, and neither the bidder nor the surety on the bidder's bond are liable for the difference between the bidder's bid and that of the next lowest bidder, for a penal sum, or for the costs of printing new contract documents, required advertising, and printing and mailing notices to prospective bidders.

(H) Bid guaranties filed pursuant to division (A) of this section shall be returned to all unsuccessful bidders immediately after the contract is executed. The bid guaranty filed pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section shall be returned to the successful bidder upon filing of the bond required in division (C) of this section.

(I) For the purposes of this section, "next lowest bidder" means, in the case of a political subdivision that has adopted the model Ohio and United States preference requirements promulgated pursuant to division (E) of section 125.11 of the Revised Code, the next lowest bidder that qualifies under those preference requirements.

(J) For the purposes of this section and sections 153.56, 153.57, and 153.571 of the Revised Code, "public improvement," "subcontractor," "material supplier," "laborer," and "materials" have the same meanings as in section 1311.25 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 153.55.  (A) For purposes of calculating the amount of a public improvement project to determine whether it is subject to section 153.01 of the Revised Code, no officer, board, or other authority of the state or any institution supported by the state shall subdivide a public improvement project into component parts or separate projects in order to avoid the threshold of that section, unless the component parts or separate projects thus created are conceptually separate and unrelated to each other, or encompass independent or unrelated needs.

(B) In calculating the project amount for purposes of the threshold in section 153.01 of the Revised Code, the following expenses shall be included as costs of the project:

(1) Professional fees and expenses for services associated with the preparation of plans;

(2) Permit costs, testing costs, and other fees associated with the work;

(3) Project construction costs;

(4) A contingency reserve fund.

Sec. 153.56. (A) Any person to whom any money is due for labor or work performed or materials furnished in a public improvement as provided in section 153.54 of the Revised Code, at any time after performing the labor or work or furnishing the materials, but not later than ninety days after the completion of the contract by the principal contractor or design-build firm and the acceptance of the public improvement for which the bond was provided by the duly authorized board or officer, shall furnish the sureties on the bond, a statement of the amount due to the person.

(B) A suit shall not be brought against sureties on the bond until after sixty days after the furnishing of the statement described in division (A) of this section. If the indebtedness is not paid in full at the expiration of that sixty days, and if the person complies with division (C) of this section, the person may bring an action in the person's own name upon the bond, as provided in sections 2307.06 and 2307.07 of the Revised Code, that action to be commenced, notwithstanding section 2305.12 of the Revised Code, not later than one year from the date of acceptance of the public improvement for which the bond was provided.

(C) To exercise rights under this section, a subcontractor or materials supplier supplying labor or materials that cost more than thirty thousand dollars, who is not in direct privity of contract with the principal contractor or design-build firm for the public improvement, shall serve a notice of furnishing upon the principal contractor or design-build firm in the form provided in section 1311.261 of the Revised Code.

(D) A subcontractor or materials supplier who serves a notice of furnishing under division (C) of this section as required to exercise rights under this section has the right of recovery only as to amounts owed for labor and work performed and materials furnished during and after the twenty-one days immediately preceding service of the notice of furnishing.

(E) For purposes of this section, "principal:

(1) "Design-build firm" has the same meaning as in section 153.65 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Principal contractor" has the same meaning as in section 1311.25 of the Revised Code, and may include a "construction manager" and a "construction manager at risk" as defined in section 9.33 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 153.57.  (A) The bond provided for in division (B) of section 9.333, division (C)(1) of section 153.54, and division (C) of section 153.70 of the Revised Code shall be in substantially the following form, and recovery of any claimant thereunder shall be subject to sections 153.01 to 153.60 of the Revised Code, to the same extent as if the provisions of those sections were fully incorporated in the bond form:

"KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that we, the undersigned ............................ as principal and ................... as sureties, are hereby held and firmly bound unto ................... in the penal sum of ............. dollars, for the payment of which well and truly to be made, we hereby jointly and severally bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.

Signed this ............. day of ................, ....

THE CONDITION OF THE ABOVE OBLIGATION IS SUCH, that whereas the above named principal did on the ................ day of ....................., ...., enter into a contract with ................., which said contract is made a part of this bond the same as though set forth herein;

Now, if the said ....................... shall well and faithfully do and perform the things agreed by .................. to be done and performed according to the terms of said contract; and shall pay all lawful claims of subcontractors, material suppliers, and laborers, for labor performed and materials furnished in the carrying forward, performing, or completing of said contract; we agreeing and assenting that this undertaking shall be for the benefit of any material supplier or laborer having a just claim, as well as for the obligee herein; then this obligation shall be void; otherwise the same shall remain in full force and effect; it being expressly understood and agreed that the liability of the surety for any and all claims hereunder shall in no event exceed the penal amount of this obligation as herein stated.

The said surety hereby stipulates and agrees that no modifications, omissions, or additions, in or to the terms of the said contract or in or to the plans or specifications therefor shall in any wise affect the obligations of said surety on its bond."

(B) The bond provided for in division (C)(2) of section 153.54 of the Revised Code shall be in substantially the following form:

"KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that we, the undersigned ......... as principal and ............. as sureties, are hereby held and firmly bound unto ............. in the penal sum of .............. dollars, for the payment of which well and truly be made, we hereby jointly and severally bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.

Signed this ......... day of ........., .......

THE CONDITION OF THE ABOVE OBLIGATION IS SUCH, that whereas the above named principal did on the ........ day of ........, ......, entered into a contract with ............... which said contract is made a part of this bond the same as though set forth herein;

Now, if the said ................ shall well and faithfully do and perform the things agreed by ............. to be done and performed according to the terms of the said contract; we agreeing and assenting that this undertaking shall be for the benefit of the obligee herein; then this obligation shall be void; otherwise the same shall remain in full force and effect; it being expressly understood and agreed that the liability of the surety for any and all claims hereunder shall in no event exceed the penal amount of the obligation as herein stated.

The surety hereby stipulates and agrees that no modifications, omissions, or additions, in or to the terms of the contract shall in any way affect the obligation of the surety on its bond."

Sec. 153.581.  As used in sections 153.581 and 153.591 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Public works contract" means any contract awarded by a contracting authority for the construction, engineering, alteration, or repair of any public building, public highway, or other public work.

(B) "Contracting authority" means the state, any township, county, municipal corporation, school board, or other governmental entity empowered to award a public works contract, and any construction manager at risk as defined in section 9.33 of the Revised Code or design-build firm as defined in section 153.65 of the Revised Code awarding a subcontract.

(C) "Contractor" means any person, partnership, corporation, or association that has been awarded a public works contract.

Sec. 153.65.  As used in sections 153.65 to 153.71 153.73 of the Revised Code:

(A)(1) "Public authority" means the state, a state institution of higher education as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, a county, township, municipal corporation, school district, or other political subdivision, or any public agency, authority, board, commission, instrumentality, or special purpose district of the state or of a county, township, municipal corporation, school district, or other political subdivision.

(2) "Public authority" does not include the Ohio turnpike commission.

(B) "Professional design firm" means any person legally engaged in rendering professional design services.

(C) "Professional design services" means services within the scope of practice of an architect or landscape architect registered under Chapter 4703. of the Revised Code or a professional engineer or surveyor registered under Chapter 4733. of the Revised Code.

(D) "Qualifications" means all of the following:

(1) Competence of the (a) For a professional design firm, competence to perform the required professional design services as indicated by the technical training, education, and experience of the firm's personnel, especially the technical training, education, and experience of the employees within the firm who would be assigned to perform the services;

(b) For a design-build firm, competence to perform the required design-build services as indicated by the technical training, education, and experience of the design-build firm's personnel and key consultants, especially the technical training, education, and experience of the employees and consultants of the design-build firm who would be assigned to perform the services, including the proposed architect of record.

(2) Ability of the firm in terms of its workload and the availability of qualified personnel, equipment, and facilities to perform the required professional design services or design-build services competently and expeditiously;

(3) Past performance of the firm as reflected by the evaluations of previous clients with respect to such factors as control of costs, quality of work, and meeting of deadlines;

(4) Any other relevant factors as determined by the public authority;

(5) With respect to a design-build firm, compliance with sections 4703.182, 4703.332, and 4733.16 of the Revised Code, including the use of a licensed professional for all design services.

(E) "Design-build contract" means a contract between a public authority and another person that obligates the person to provide design-build services.

(F) "Design-build firm" means a person capable of providing design-build services.

(G) "Design-build services" means services that form an integrated delivery system for which a person is responsible to a public authority for both the design and construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction of a public improvement.

(H) "Architect of record" means the architect that serves as the final signatory on the plans and specifications for the design-build project.

(I) "Criteria architect or engineer" means the architect or engineer retained by a public authority to prepare conceptual plans and specifications, to assist the public authority in connection with the establishment of the design criteria for a design-build project, and, if requested by the public authority, to serve as the representative of the public authority and provide, during the design-build project, other design and construction administration services on behalf of the public authority, including but not limited to, confirming that the design prepared by the design-build firm reflects the original design intent established in the design criteria package.

(J) "Open book pricing method" means a method in which a design-build firm provides the public authority, at the public authority's request, all books, records, documents, contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and other data in its possession pertaining to the bidding, pricing, or performance of a contract for design-build services awarded to the design-build firm.

Sec. 153.66.  (A) Each public authority planning to contract for professional design services or design-build services shall encourage professional design firms and design-build firms to submit a statement of qualifications and update the statements at regular intervals.

(B) Notwithstanding any contrary requirements in sections 153.65 to 153.70 of the Revised Code, for every design-build contract, each public authority planning to contract for design-build services shall evaluate the statements of qualifications submitted by design-build firms for the project, including the qualifications of the design-build firm's proposed architect of record, in consultation with the criteria architect or engineer before selecting a design-build firm pursuant to section 153.693 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 153.67.  Each public authority planning to contract for professional design services or design-build services shall publicly announce all contracts available from it for such services. The announcements shall:

(A) Be made in a uniform and consistent manner and shall be made sufficiently in advance of the time that responses must be received from qualified professional design firms or design-build firms for the firms to have an adequate opportunity to submit a statement of interest in the project;

(B) Include a general description of the project, a statement of the specific professional design services or design-build services required, and a description of the qualifications required for the project;

(C) Indicate how qualified professional design firms or design-build firms may submit statements of qualifications in order to be considered for a contract to design or design-build the project;

(D) Be sent to either any of the following that the public authority considers appropriate:

(1) Each professional design firm that has a current statement of qualifications on file with the public authority and is qualified to perform the required professional design services Design-build firms, including contractors or other entities that seek to perform the work as a design-build firm;

(2) Architect, landscape architect, engineer, and surveyor trade associations, the;

(3) The news media, and any;

(4) Any publications or other public media that the public authority considers appropriate, including electronic media.

Sec. 153.69.  For every professional design services contract, each public authority planning to contract for professional design services shall evaluate the statements of qualifications of professional design firms currently on file, together with those that are submitted by other professional design firms specifically regarding the project, and may hold discussions with individual firms to explore further the firms' statements of qualifications, the scope and nature of the services the firms would provide, and the various technical approaches the firms may take toward the project. Following this evaluation, the public authority shall:

(A) Select and rank no fewer than three firms which it considers to be the most qualified to provide the required professional design services, except when the public authority determines in writing that fewer than three qualified firms are available in which case the public authority shall select and rank those firms;

(B) Negotiate a contract with the firm ranked most qualified to perform the required services at a compensation determined in writing to be fair and reasonable to the public authority. Contract negotiations shall be directed toward:

(1) Ensuring that the professional design firm and the agency have a mutual understanding of the essential requirements involved in providing the required services;

(2) Determining that the firm will make available the necessary personnel, equipment, and facilities to perform the services within the required time;

(3) Agreeing upon compensation which is fair and reasonable, taking into account the estimated value, scope, complexity, and nature of the services.

(C) If a contract is negotiated with the firm ranked to perform the required services most qualified, the public authority shall, if applicable under section 127.16 of the Revised Code, request approval of the board to make expenditures under the contract.

(D) Upon failure to negotiate a contract with the firm ranked most qualified, the public authority shall inform the firm in writing of the termination of negotiations and may enter into negotiations with the firm ranked next most qualified. If negotiations again fail, the same procedure shall may be followed with each next most qualified firm selected and ranked pursuant to division (A) of this section, in order of ranking, until a contract is negotiated.

(E) Should the public authority fail to negotiate a contract with any of the firms selected pursuant to division (A) of this section, the public authority shall may select and rank additional firms, based on their qualifications, and negotiations shall may continue as with the firms selected and ranked initially until a contract is negotiated.

(F) Nothing in this section affects a public authority's right to accept or reject any or all proposals in whole or in part.

Sec. 153.692. For every design-build contract, the public authority planning to contract for design-build services shall first obtain the services of a criteria architect or engineer by doing either of the following:

(A) Contracting for the services consistent with sections 153.65 to 153.70 of the Revised Code;

(B) Obtaining the services through an architect or engineer who is an employee of the public authority and notifying the department of administrative services before the services are performed.

Sec. 153.693.  (A) For every design-build contract, the public authority planning to contract for design-build services, in consultation with the criteria architect or engineer, shall evaluate the statements of qualifications submitted by design-build firms specifically regarding the project, including the design-build firm's proposed architect of record. Following this evaluation, the public authority shall:

(1) Select and rank not fewer than three firms which it considers to be the most qualified to provide the required design-build services, except that the public authority shall select and rank fewer than three firms when the public authority determines in writing that fewer than three qualified firms are available;

(2) Provide each selected design-build firm with all of the following:

(a) A description of the project and project delivery;

(b) The design criteria produced by the criteria architect or engineer under section 153.692 of the Revised Code;

(c) A preliminary project schedule;

(d) A description of any preconstruction services;

(e) A description of the proposed design services;

(f) A description of a guaranteed maximum price, including the estimated level of design on which such guaranteed maximum price is based;

(g) The form of the design-build services contract;

(h) A request for a pricing proposal that shall be divided into a design services fee and a preconstruction and design-build services fee. The pricing proposal of each design-build firm shall include at least all of the following:

(i) A list of key personnel and consultants for the project;

(ii) Design concepts adhering to the design criteria produced by the criteria architect or engineer under section 153.692 of the Revised Code;

(iii) The design-build firm's statement of general conditions and estimated contingency requirements;

(iv) A preliminary project schedule.

(3) Evaluate the pricing proposal submitted by each selected firm and, at its discretion, hold discussions with each firm to further investigate its pricing proposal, including the scope and nature of the firm's proposed services and potential technical approaches;

(4) Rank the selected firms based on the public authority's evaluation of the value of each firm's pricing proposal, with such evaluation considering each firm's proposed costs and qualifications;

(5) Enter into contract negotiations for design-build services with the design-build firm whose pricing proposal the public authority determines to be the best value under this section.

(B) In complying with division (A)(5) of this section, contract negotiations shall be directed toward:

(1) Ensuring that the design-build firm and the public authority mutually understand the essential requirements involved in providing the required design-build services, the provisions for the use of contingency funds, and the terms of the contract, including terms related to the possible distribution of savings in the final costs of the project;

(2) Ensuring that the design-build firm shall be able to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and facilities to perform the design-build services within the time required by the design-build construction contract;

(3) Agreeing upon a procedure and schedule for determining a guaranteed maximum price using an open book pricing method that shall represent the total maximum amount to be paid by the public authority to the design-build firm for the project and that shall include the costs of all work, the cost of its general conditions, the contingency, and the fee payable to the design-build firm.

(C) If the public authority fails to negotiate a contract with the design-build firm whose pricing proposal the public authority determines to be the best value as determined under this section, the public authority shall inform the design-build firm in writing of the termination of negotiations. The public authority may then do the following:

(1) Negotiate a contract with a design-build firm ranked next highest under this section following the negotiation procedure described in this section;

(2) If negotiations fail with the design-build firm under division (C)(1) of this section, negotiate a contract with the design-build firm ranked next highest under this section following the negotiation procedure described in this section and continue negotiating with the design-build firms selected under this section in the order of their ranking until a contract is negotiated.

(D) If the public authority fails to negotiate a contract with a design-build firm whose pricing proposal the public authority determines to be the best value as determined under this section, it may select additional design-build firms to provide pricing proposals to the public authority pursuant to this section or may select an alternative delivery method for the project.

(E) The public authority may provide a stipend for pricing proposals received from design-build firms.

(F) Nothing in this section affects a public authority's right to accept or reject any or all proposals in whole or in part.

Sec. 153.694.  If a professional design firm selected as the criteria architect or engineer creates the preliminary criteria and design criteria for a project and provides professional design services to a public authority to assist that public authority in evaluating the design-build requirements provided to the public authority by a design-build firm pursuant to section 153.692 of the Revised Code, that professional design firm shall not provide any design-build services pursuant to a design-build contract under section 153.693 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 153.70.  (A) Except for any person providing professional design services of a research or training nature, any person rendering professional design services to a public authority or to a design-build firm, including a criteria architect or engineer and person performing architect of record services, shall have and maintain, or be covered by, during the period the services are rendered, a professional liability insurance policy or policies with a company or companies that are authorized to do business in this state and that afford professional liability coverage for the professional design services rendered. The insurance shall be in amount considered sufficient by the public authority. At the public authority's discretion, the design-build firm shall carry contractor's professional liability insurance and any other insurance the public authority considers appropriate.

(B) The requirement for professional liability insurance set forth in division (A) of this section may be waived by the public authority for good cause, or the public authority may allow the person providing the professional design services to provide other assurances of financial responsibility.

(C) Before construction begins pursuant to a contract for design-build services with a design-build firm, the design-build firm shall provide a surety bond to the public authority in accordance with section 153.57 of the Revised Code in an amount not less than the combined contract values of any work under contract to be constructed pursuant to the contract for design-build services prior to the establishment of the guaranteed maximum price or in the amount of the guaranteed maximum price as agreed to by the public authority, as the case may be.

Sec. 153.71.  Any public authority planning to contract for professional design services or design-build services may adopt, amend, or rescind rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, to implement sections 153.66 to 153.70 of the Revised Code. Sections 153.66 to 153.70 of the Revised Code do not apply to any of the following:

(A) Any project with an estimated professional design fee of less than twenty-five thousand dollars;

(B) Any project determined in writing by the public authority head to be an emergency requiring immediate action including, but not limited to, any projects requiring multiple contracts let as part of a program requiring a large number of professional design firms of the same type;

(C) Any public authority that is not empowered by law to contract for professional design services.

Sec. 153.72.  A design-build firm contracted for design-build services by a public authority may do either of the following:

(A) Perform design, construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction work pursuant to such contract;

(B) Perform professional design services when contracted by a public authority for design-build services even if the design-build firm is not a professional design firm.

Sec. 153.73.  The requirements set forth in sections 153.65 to 153.72 of the Revised Code for the bidding, selection, and award of a contract for professional design services or design-build services by a public authority prevail in the event of any conflict with any other provision of this chapter.

Sec. 153.80.  (A) A contract for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction of a public improvement entered into on or after the effective date of this section April 16, 1993, shall be deemed to include the provisions contained in division (B) of this section.

(B)(1) In regard to any bond filed by the contractor for the work contracted, the contracting authority, in its sole discretion, may reduce the bond required by twenty-five per cent of the total amount of the bond after at least fifty per cent of the work contracted for has been completed and by fifty per cent after at least seventy-five per cent of the work contracted for has been completed provided that all of the following conditions are met:

(a) The contracting authority determines that the percentage of the work that has been completed at the time of determination has been satisfactorily performed and meets the terms of the contract, including a provision in regard to the time when the whole or any specified portion of work contemplated in the contract must be completed;

(b) The contracting authority determines that no disputed claim caused by the contractor exists or remains unresolved;

(c) The successful bid upon which the contract is based was not more than ten per cent below the next lowest bid or not more than ten per cent below a cost estimate for the work as published by the contracting authority.

(2) In regard to the amount of any funds retained, the contracting authority, in its sole discretion, may reduce the amount of funds retained pursuant to section sections 153.12 and 153.14 of the Revised Code for the faithful performance of work by fifty per cent of the amount of funds required to be retained pursuant to those sections, provided that the surety on the bond remains liable for all of the following that are caused due to default by the contractor:

(a) Completion of the job;

(b) All delay claims;

(c) All liquidated damages;

(d) All additional expenses incurred by the contracting authority.

(C) As used in this section:

(1) "Contracting authority" means an officer, board, or other authority of the state, a county, township, municipal corporation, or school district, or of any other political subdivision of the state, authorized to contract for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction of a public improvement, and any construction manager at risk as defined in section 9.33 of the Revised Code or design-build firm as defined in section 153.65 of the Revised Code awarding a subcontract, but does not include an officer, board, or other authority of the department of transportation.

(2) "Delay claim" means a claim that arises due to default on provisions in a contract in regard to the time when the whole or any specified portion of work contemplated in the contract must be completed.

Sec. 154.02.  (A) Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 154. of the Revised Code, the issuing authority may issue obligations as from time to time authorized by or pursuant to act or resolution of the general assembly, consistent with such limitations thereon, subject to section 154.12 of the Revised Code, as the general assembly may thereby prescribe as to principal amount, bond service charges, or otherwise, and shall cause the proceeds thereof to be applied to those capital facilities designated by or pursuant to act of the general assembly for any of the following:

(1) Mental hygiene and retardation, including housing for mental hygiene and retardation patients under Section 16 of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution;

(2) State supported and assisted institutions of higher education, including community or technical education colleges;

(3) Parks and recreation;

(4) Ohio cultural facilities;

(5) Ohio sports facilities;

(6) Housing of branches and agencies of state government.

(B) The authority provided by Chapter 154. of the Revised Code is in addition to any other authority provided by law for the same or similar purposes, except as may otherwise specifically be provided in Chapter 154. of the Revised Code. In case any section or provision of Chapter 154. of the Revised Code or in case any covenant, stipulation, obligation, resolution, trust agreement, indenture, lease agreement, act, or action, or part thereof, made, assumed, entered into, or taken under Chapter 154. of the Revised Code, or any application thereof, is for any reason held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remainder thereof or any other section or provision of Chapter 154. of the Revised Code or any other covenant, stipulation, obligation, resolution, trust agreement, indenture, lease, agreement, act, or action, or part thereof, made, assumed, entered into, or taken under such chapter, which shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid portion were not contained therein, nor shall such illegality or invalidity or any application thereof affect any legal and valid application thereof, and each such section, provision, covenant, stipulation, obligation, resolution, trust agreement, indenture, lease, agreement, act, or action, or part thereof, shall be deemed to be effective, operative, made, entered into or taken in the manner and to the full extent permitted by law.

Sec. 154.07.  For the respective purposes provided in sections 154.20, 154.21, 154.22, and 154.23, 154.24, and 154.25 of the Revised Code, the issuing authority may issue obligations of the state of Ohio as provided in Chapter 154. of the Revised Code, provided that the holders or owners of obligations shall have no right to have excises or taxes levied by the general assembly for the payment of the bond service charges. The right of holders and owners to payment of bond service charges shall be limited to the revenues or receipts and funds pledged thereto in accordance with Chapter 154. of the Revised Code, and each obligation shall bear on its face a statement to that effect. Chapter 154. of the Revised Code does not permit, and no provision of that chapter shall be applied to authorize or grant, a pledge of charges for the treatment or care of mental hygiene and retardation patients to bond service charges on obligations other than those issued for capital facilities for mental hygiene and retardation, or a pledge of any receipts of or on behalf of state supported or state assisted institutions of higher education to bond service charges on obligations other than those issued for capital facilities for state supported or state assisted institutions of higher education, or a pledge of receipts with respect to parks and recreation to bond service charges on obligations other than those issued for capital facilities for parks and recreation, or a pledge of revenues or receipts received by or on behalf of any state agency to bond service charges on obligations other than those issued for capital facilities which are in whole or in part useful to, constructed by, or financed by the state agency that receives the revenues or receipts so pledged.

Sec. 154.24.  (A) In addition to the definitions provided in section 154.01 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Capital facilities" includes, for purposes of this section, storage and parking facilities related to such capital facilities.

(2) "Costs of capital facilities" includes, for purposes of this section, the costs of assessing, planning, and altering capital facilities, and the financing thereof, all related direct administrative expenses and allocable portions of direct costs of lessee state agencies, and all other expenses necessary or incident to the assessment, planning, alteration, maintenance, equipment, or furnishing of capital facilities and the placing of the same in use and operation, including any one, part of, or combination of such classes of costs and expenses.

(3) "Governmental agency" includes, for purposes of this section, any state of the United States or any department, division, or agency of any state.

(4) "State agency" includes, for purposes of this section, branches, authorities, courts, the general assembly, counties, municipal corporations, and any other governmental entities of this state that enter into leases with the commission pursuant to this section or that are designated by law as state agencies for the purpose of performing a state function that is to be housed by a capital facility for which the issuing authority is authorized to issue revenue obligations pursuant to this section.

(B) Subject to authorization by the general assembly under section 154.02 of the Revised Code, the issuing authority may issue obligations pursuant to this chapter to pay costs of capital facilities for housing branches and agencies of state government, including capital facilities for the purpose of housing personnel, equipment, or functions, or any combination thereof that a state agency is responsible for housing, including obligations to pay the costs of capital facilities described in section 307.021 of the Revised Code, and the costs of capital facilities in which one or more state agencies are participating with the federal government, municipal corporations, counties, or other governmental entities, or any one or more of them, and in which that portion of the facility allocated to the participating state agencies is to be used for the purpose of housing branches and agencies of state government including housing personnel, equipment, or functions, or any combination thereof. Such participation may be by grants, loans, or contributions to other participating governmental agencies for any of those capital facilities.

(C) The commission may lease any capital facilities for housing branches and agencies of state government to, and make or provide for other agreements with respect to the use or purchase of such capital facilities with, any state agency or governmental agency having authority under law to operate such capital facilities.

(D)(1) For purposes of this division, "available receipts" means fees, charges, revenues, grants, subsidies, income from the investment of moneys, proceeds from the sale of goods or services, and all other revenues or receipts derived from the operation, leasing, or other disposition of capital facilities financed with obligations issued under this section or received by or on behalf of any state agency for which capital facilities are financed with obligations issued under this section or any state agency participating in or by which the capital facilities are constructed or financed; the proceeds of obligations issued under this section and sections 154.11 or 154.12 of the Revised Code; and any moneys appropriated by a governmental agency, and gifts, grants, donations, and pledges, and receipts therefrom, available for the payment of bond service charges on such obligations.

(2) The issuing authority may pledge all, or such portion as it determines, of the available receipts to the payment of bond service charges on obligations issued under this section and section 154.11 or 154.12 of the Revised Code and for the establishment and maintenance of any reserves, as provided in the bond proceedings, and make other provisions therein with respect to such available receipts as authorized by this chapter, which provisions shall be controlling notwithstanding any other provision of law pertaining thereto.

(E) There is hereby created one or more funds, as determined by the issuing authority in the bond proceedings, with identifying names as the issuing authority determines, which shall be in the custody of the treasurer of state but shall be separate and apart from and not a part of the state treasury. All money received by or on account of the issuing authority or the commission and required by the applicable bond proceedings to be deposited, transferred, or credited to a bond service fund created pursuant to this section, and all other money transferred or allocated to or received for the purposes of that fund, shall be deposited with the treasurer of state and credited to the applicable fund, subject to applicable provisions of the bond proceedings, but without necessity of any act or appropriation. Any bond service fund created pursuant to this section is a trust fund hereby pledged to the payment of bond service charges on the applicable obligations issued pursuant to this section and section 154.11 or 154.12 of the Revised Code to the extent provided in the applicable bond proceedings, and payment thereof from such funds shall be made or provided for by the treasurer of state in accordance with the applicable bond proceedings without necessity for any act or appropriation. The director of budget and management may also create one or more improvement funds, with identifying names as the director determines, which shall be in the state treasury, to receive the proceeds of obligations issued under this section appropriated to fund costs of capital facilities.

(F) This section is to be applied with other applicable provisions of this chapter.

Sec. 154.25. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Available community or technical college receipts" means all money received by a community or technical college or community or technical college district, including income, revenues, and receipts from the operation, ownership, or control of facilities, grants, gifts, donations, and pledges and receipts therefrom, receipts from fees and charges, the allocated state share of instruction as defined in section 3333.90 of the Revised Code, and the proceeds of the sale of obligations, including proceeds of obligations issued to refund obligations previously issued, but excluding any special fee, and receipts therefrom, charged pursuant to division (D) of section 154.21 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Community or technical college," "college," "community or technical college district," and "district" have the same meanings as in section 3333.90 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Community or technical college capital facilities" means auxiliary facilities, education facilities, and housing and dining facilities, as those terms are defined in section 3345.12 of the Revised Code, to the extent permitted to be financed by the issuance of obligations under division (A)(2) of section 3357.112 of the Revised Code, that are authorized by sections 3354.121, 3357.112, and 3358.10 of the Revised Code to be financed by obligations issued by a community or technical college district, and for which the issuing authority is authorized to issue obligations pursuant to this section, and includes any one, part of, or any combination of the foregoing, and further includes site improvements, utilities, machinery, furnishings, and any separate or connected buildings, structures, improvements, sites, open space and green space areas, utilities, or equipment to be used in, or in connection with the operation or maintenance of, or supplementing or otherwise related to the services or facilities to be provided by, such facilities.

(4) "Cost of community or technical college capital facilities" means the costs of acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, rehabilitating, remodeling, renovating, enlarging, improving, equipping, or furnishing community or technical college capital facilities, and the financing thereof, including the cost of clearance and preparation of the site and of any land to be used in connection with community or technical college capital facilities, the cost of any indemnity and surety bonds and premiums on insurance, all related direct administrative expenses and allocable portions of direct costs of the commission and the issuing authority, community or technical college or community or technical college district, cost of engineering, architectural services, design, plans, specifications and surveys, estimates of cost, legal fees, fees and expenses of trustees, depositories, bond registrars, and paying agents for obligations, cost of issuance of obligations and financing costs and fees and expenses of financial advisers and consultants in connection therewith, interest on obligations from the date thereof to the time when interest is to be covered by available receipts or other sources other than proceeds of those obligations, amounts necessary to establish reserves as required by the bond proceedings, costs of audits, the reimbursements of all moneys advanced or applied by or borrowed from the community or technical college, community or technical college district, or others, from whatever source provided, including any temporary advances from state appropriations, for the payment of any item or items of cost of community or technical college facilities, and all other expenses necessary or incident to planning or determining feasibility or practicability with respect to such facilities, and such other expenses as may be necessary or incident to the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, remodeling, renovation, enlargement, improvement, equipment, and furnishing of community or technical college capital facilities, the financing thereof and the placing of them in use and operation, including any one, part of, or combination of such classes of costs and expenses.

(5) "Capital facilities" includes community or technical college capital facilities.

(6) "Obligations" has the same meaning as in section 154.01 or 3345.12 of the Revised Code, as the context requires.

(B) The issuing authority is authorized to issue revenue obligations under Section 2i of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, on behalf of a community or technical college district and shall cause the net proceeds thereof, after any deposits of accrued interest for the payment of bond service charges and after any deposit of all or such lesser portion as the issuing authority may direct of the premium received upon the sale of those obligations for the payment of the bond service charges, to be applied to the cost of community or technical college capital facilities, provided that the issuance of such obligations is subject to the execution of a written agreement in accordance with division (C) of section 3333.90 of the Revised Code for the withholding and depositing of funds otherwise due the district, or the college it operates, in respect of its allocated state share of instruction.

(C) The bond service charges and all other payments required to be made by the trust agreement or indenture securing the obligations shall be payable solely from available community or technical college receipts pledged thereto as provided in the resolution. The available community or technical college receipts pledged and thereafter received by the commission are immediately subject to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the lien of any such pledge is valid and binding against all parties having claims of any kind against the authority, irrespective of whether those parties have notice thereof, and creates a perfected security interest for all purposes of Chapter 1309. of the Revised Code and a perfected lien for purposes of any real property interest, all without the necessity for separation or delivery of funds or for the filing or recording of the resolution, trust agreement, indenture, or other agreement by which such pledge is created or any certificate, statement, or other document with respect thereto; and the pledge of such available community or technical college receipts is effective and the money therefrom and thereof may be applied to the purposes for which pledged. Every pledge, and every covenant and agreement made with respect to the pledge, made in the resolution may therein be extended to the benefit of the owners and holders of obligations authorized by this section, and to any trustee therefor, for the further securing of the payment of the bond service charges, and all or any rights under any agreement or lease made under this section may be assigned for such purpose.

(D) This section is to be applied with other applicable provisions of this chapter.

Sec. 164.02.  (A) There is hereby created the Ohio public works commission consisting of seven members who shall be appointed as follows: two persons shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; one person shall be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; two persons shall be appointed by the president of the senate; one person shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; and one person from the private sector, who shall have at least eight years experience in matters of public finance, shall be appointed alternately by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate, with the speaker of the house making the first appointment. The director of transportation, the director of environmental protection, the director of development, the director of natural resources, and the chairperson of the Ohio water development authority shall be nonvoting, ex officio members of the commission. The initial appointments made to the commission by the minority leaders of the senate and house of representatives and one of the initial appointments made by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate shall be for terms ending December 31, 1989; one of the initial appointments made by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate shall be for terms ending December 31, 1990; and the initial term of the appointment to the commission that is alternately made by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate shall be for a term ending December 31, 1989. Thereafter, terms of office shall be for three years, each term ending on the same day of the same month of the year as did the term which it succeeds. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member is appointed. Members may be reappointed one time. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner provided for original appointments. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

The commission shall elect a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and other officers as it considers advisable. Four members constitute a quorum. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

(B) The Ohio public works commission shall:

(1) Review and evaluate persons who will be recommended to the governor for appointment to the position of director of the Ohio public works commission, and, when the commission considers it appropriate, recommend the removal of a director;

(2) Provide the governor with a list of names of three persons who are, in the judgment of the commission, qualified to be appointed to the position of director. The commission shall provide the list, which may include the name of the incumbent director to the governor, not later than sixty days prior to the expiration of the term of such incumbent director. A director shall serve a two-year term upon initial appointment, and four-year terms if subsequently reappointed by the governor; however, the governor may remove a director at any time following the commission's recommendation of such action. Upon the expiration of a director's term, or in the case of the resignation, death, or removal of a director, the commission shall provide such list of the names of three persons to the governor within thirty days of such expiration, resignation, death, or removal. Nothing in this section shall prevent the governor, in the governor's discretion, from rejecting all of the nominees of the commission and requiring the commission to select three additional nominees. However, when the governor has requested and received a second list of three additional names, the governor shall make the appointment from one of the names on the first list or the second list. Appointment by the governor is subject to the advice and consent of the senate.

In the case of the resignation, removal, or death of the director during the director's term of office, a successor shall be chosen for the remainder of the term in the same manner as is provided for an original appointment.

(3) Provide oversight to the director and advise in the development of policy guidelines for the implementation of this chapter, and report and make recommendations to the general assembly with respect to such implementation;

(4) Adopt bylaws to govern the conduct of the commission's business;

(5) Appoint the members of the Ohio small government capital improvements commission in accordance with division (C) of this section.

(C)(1) There is hereby created the Ohio small government capital improvements commission. The commission shall consist of ten members, including the director of transportation, the director of environmental protection, and the chairperson of the Ohio water development authority as nonvoting, ex officio members and seven voting members appointed by the Ohio public works commission. Each such appointee shall be a member of a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee who was appointed to the integrating and innovation committee pursuant to the majority vote of the chief executive officers of the villages of the appointee's district or by a majority of the boards of township trustees of the appointee's district.

(2) Two of the initial appointments shall be for terms ending two years after March 29, 1988. The remaining initial appointments shall be for terms ending three years after March 29, 1988. Thereafter, terms of office shall be for two years, with each term ending on the same date of the same month as did the term that it succeeds. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member is appointed. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office as a member for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration of the member's term until the member's successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first. Members of the commission may be reappointed to serve two additional terms, except that no member appointed to an initial term of three years may be reappointed to more than one additional term. No more than two members of the commission may be members of the same district public works local government integrating and innovation committee.

(3) The Ohio small government capital improvements commission shall elect one of its appointed members as chairperson and another as vice-chairperson. Four voting members of the commission constitute a quorum, and the affirmative vote of four appointed members is required for any action taken by vote of the commission. No vacancy in the membership of the commission shall impair the right of a quorum by an affirmative vote of four appointed members to exercise all rights and perform all duties of the commission. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

(D) The Ohio small government capital improvements commission shall:

(1) Advise the general assembly on the development of policy guidelines for the implementation of this chapter, especially as it relates to the interests of small governments and the use of the portion of bond proceeds set aside for the exclusive use of townships and villages;

(2) Advise the township and village subcommittees of the various district public works local government integrating and innovation committees concerning the selection of projects for which the use of such proceeds will be authorized;

(3) Affirm or overrule the recommendations of its administrator made in accordance with section 164.051 of the Revised Code concerning requests from townships and villages for financial assistance for capital improvement projects.

(E) Membership on the Ohio public works commission or the Ohio small government capital improvements commission does not constitute the holding of a public office. No appointed member shall be required, by reason of section 101.26 of the Revised Code, to resign from or forfeit membership in the general assembly.

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a county, municipal, or township public official may serve as a member of the Ohio public works commission or the Ohio small government capital improvements commission.

Members of the commissions established by this section do not have an unlawful interest in a public contract under section 2921.42 of the Revised Code solely by virtue of the receipt of financial assistance under this chapter by the local subdivision of which they are also a public official or appointee.

(F) The director of the Ohio public works commission shall administer the small counties capital improvement program, which is hereby created. The program shall provide financial assistance to county governments of counties that have a population of less than eighty-five thousand according to the most recent decennial census. Under the program, the director shall review and may approve projects submitted by subcommittees of district public works local government integrating and innovation committees under division (E) of section 164.06 of the Revised Code. In approving projects, the director shall be guided by the provisions of division (B) of that section, while taking into consideration the special capital improvement needs of small counties.

Sec. 164.04.  (A) In each of the districts created in section 164.03 of the Revised Code, a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee shall be established as follows:

(1) In district one, the district committee shall consist of seven members appointed as follows: two members shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners or the chief executive officer of the county; two members shall be appointed by the chief executive officer of the most populous municipal corporation in the district; two members shall be appointed by a majority of the chief executive officers of the other municipal corporations located within the district; and one member, who shall have experience in local infrastructure planning and economic development and who shall represent the interests of private industry within the district, shall be appointed by a majority of the members of the district committee or their alternates. Except with respect to the selection of the private sector member of the committee, the affirmative vote of at least five committee members or their alternates is required for any action taken by a vote of the committee.

(2) In district two, the district committee shall consist of nine members appointed as follows: two members shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners; three members shall be appointed by the chief executive officer of the most populous municipal corporation in the district; two members shall be appointed by a majority of the other chief executive officers of municipal corporations in the district; and two members shall be appointed by a majority of the boards of township trustees in the district. Of the members appointed by the board of county commissioners, one member shall have experience in local infrastructure planning and economic development, and one member shall be either a county commissioner or a county engineer of the district. The affirmative vote of at least seven members of the committee or their alternates is required for any action taken by a vote of the committee.

(3) In districts three, four, eight, twelve, and nineteen, the district committee shall consist of nine members appointed as follows: two members shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners or by the chief executive officer of the county; two members shall be appointed by the chief executive officer of the most populous municipal corporation located within the district; two members shall be appointed by a majority of the other chief executive officers of the municipal corporations located in the district; two members shall be appointed by a majority of the boards of township trustees located in the district; and one member, who shall have experience in local infrastructure planning and economic development and who shall represent the interests of private industry within the district, shall be appointed by a majority of the members of the committee or their alternates. Except with respect to the selection of the private sector member of the committee, the affirmative vote of at least seven committee members or their alternates is required for any action taken by a vote of the committee.

(4) In district six, the district committee shall consist of nine members appointed as follows: one member shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners of each county in the district; one member shall be appointed by the chief executive officer of the most populous municipal corporation in each county in the district; one member shall be appointed alternately by a majority of the chief executives of the municipal corporations, other than the largest municipal corporation, within one of the counties of the district; and one member shall be appointed alternately by a majority of the boards of township trustees within one of the counties in the district. The two persons who are the county engineers of the counties in the district also shall be members of the committee. At least six of these members or their alternates shall agree upon the appointment to the committee of a private sector person who shall have experience in local infrastructure planning and economic development. The affirmative vote of seven committee members or their alternates is required for any action taken by a vote of the committee.

The first appointment to the committee made by the majority of the boards of township trustees of a county shall be made by the boards of township trustees located in the least populous county of the district, and the first appointment made by the majority of the chief executives of municipal corporations, other than the largest municipal corporation, of a county shall be made by the chief executives of municipal corporations, other than the largest municipal corporation, from the most populous county in the district.

Notwithstanding division (C) of this section, the members of the district committee appointed alternately by a majority of the chief executive officers of municipal corporations, other than the largest municipal corporation, of a county and a majority of boards of township trustees of a county shall serve five-year terms.

(5) In districts seven, nine, and ten, the district committee shall consist of two members appointed by the board of county commissioners of each county in the district, two members appointed by a majority of the chief executive officers of all cities within each county in the district, three members appointed by a majority of the boards of township trustees of all townships in the district, three members appointed by a majority of chief executive officers of all villages in the district, one member who is appointed by a majority of the county engineers in the district and who shall be a county engineer, and one member, who shall have experience in local infrastructure planning and economic development, shall be appointed by a majority of all other committee members or their alternates. If there is a county in the district in which there are no cities, the member that is to be appointed by the chief executive officers of the cities within that county shall be appointed by the chief executive officer of the village with the largest population in that county.

(6) In districts five, eleven, and thirteen through eighteen, the members of each district committee shall be appointed as follows: one member shall be appointed by each board of county commissioners; one member shall be appointed by the majority of the chief executive officers of the cities located in each county; three members shall be appointed by a majority of the chief executive officers of villages located within the district; three members shall be appointed by a majority of the boards of township trustees located within the district; one member shall be appointed by a majority of the county engineers of the district and shall be a county engineer; and one member, who shall have experience in local infrastructure planning and economic development and who shall represent the interests of private industry within the district, shall be appointed by a majority of the members of the committee or their alternates. If there is a county in the district in which there are no cities, the member that is to be appointed by the chief executive officers of the cities within that county shall be appointed by the chief executive officer of the village with the largest population in that county.

(7) In districts five, seven, nine, ten, eleven, thirteen, fourteen, sixteen, and seventeen organized in accordance with divisions (A)(5) and (6) of this section, a nine-member executive committee shall be established that shall include at least one of the persons appointed to the district committee by the chief executive officers of the villages within the district, at least one of the persons appointed to the district committee by the boards of township trustees within the district, the person appointed to the district committee to represent the interests of private industry, and six additional district committee members selected to serve on the executive committee by a majority of the members of the district committee or their alternates, except that not more than three persons who were appointed to the district committee by a board of county commissioners and not more than three persons who were appointed to the district committee by the chief executives of the cities located in the district shall serve on the executive committee.

(8) In districts fifteen and eighteen organized in accordance with division (A)(6) of this section, an eleven-member executive committee shall be established that shall include at least one of the persons appointed to the district committee by the chief executive officers of the villages within the district, at least one of the persons appointed to the district committee by the boards of township trustees within the district, the person appointed to the district committee to represent the interests of private industry, and eight additional district committee members selected to serve on the executive committee by a majority of the members of the district committee or their alternates, except that not more than four persons who were appointed to the district committee by a board of county commissioners and not more than four persons who were appointed to the district committee by the chief executives of the cities located in the district shall serve on the executive committee. No more than two persons from each county shall be on the executive committee.

All decisions of a district committee required to be organized in accordance with divisions (A)(5) and (6) of this section shall be approved by its executive committee. The affirmative vote of at least seven executive committee members or their alternates for executive committees formed under division (A)(7) of this section and at least nine members or their alternates for executive committees formed under division (A)(8) of this section is required for any action taken by vote of the executive committee, except that any decision of the executive committee may be rejected by a vote of at least two-thirds of the full membership of the district committee within thirty days of the executive committee action. Only projects approved by the executive committee may be submitted to the director of the Ohio public works commission pursuant to section 164.05 of the Revised Code.

(B) Appointing authorities that appoint district committee members also may appoint an alternate for each committee member appointed under divisions (A)(1) to (6) of this section. If a district committee member is absent from a district or executive committee or subcommittee meeting, the alternate has the right to vote and participate in all proceedings and actions at that meeting.

(C) Terms of office for members of district committees and their alternates shall be for three years, with each term ending on the same day of the same month as did the term that it succeeds. Each member and that member's alternate shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member is appointed, except that, with respect to any member who was an elected or appointed official of a township, county, or municipal corporation or that member's alternate, the term of office for that person under this section shall not extend beyond the member's term as an elected or appointed official unless the member was appointed by a group of officials of more than one political subdivision or the members of the district committee, in which case the member's alternate shall continue to serve for the full term. Members and their alternates may be reappointed. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner provided for original appointments. Any member or that member's alternate appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member's or alternate's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of that term. A member or that member's alternate shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's or alternate's term until the member's or alternate's successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first. Each district public works local government integrating and innovation committee shall elect a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and other officers it considers advisable.

(D) For purposes of this chapter, if a subdivision is located in more than one county or in more than one district, the subdivision shall be deemed to be a part of the county or district in which the largest number of its population is located. However, if after a decennial census the change in a subdivision's population would result in the subdivision becoming part of a different county or district, the legislative authority of the subdivision may, by resolution, choose to remain a part of the county or district of which the subdivision was originally deemed to be a part. Such a decision is not revocable unless similar conditions arise following the next decennial census.

(E) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a county, municipal, or township public official may serve as a member of a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee.

(F) A member of a district committee or that member's alternate does not have an unlawful interest in a public contract under section 2921.42 of the Revised Code solely by virtue of the receipt of financial assistance under this chapter by the local subdivision of which the member or that member's alternate is also a public official or appointee.

Sec. 164.05.  (A) The director of the Ohio public works commission shall do all of the following:

(1) Approve requests for financial assistance from district public works local government integrating and innovation committees and enter into agreements with one or more local subdivisions to provide loans, grants, and local debt support and credit enhancements for a capital improvement project if the director determines that:

(a) The project is an eligible project pursuant to this chapter;

(b) The financial assistance for the project has been properly approved and requested by the district committee of the district which includes the recipient of the loan or grant;

(c) The amount of the financial assistance, when added to all other financial assistance provided during the fiscal year for projects within the district, does not exceed that district's allocation of money from the state capital improvements fund for that fiscal year;

(d) The district committee has provided such documentation and other evidence as the director may require that the district committee has satisfied the requirements of section 164.06 or 164.14 of the Revised Code;

(e) The portion of a district's annual allocation which the director approves in the form of loans and local debt support and credit enhancements for eligible projects is consistent with divisions (E) and (F) of this section.

(2) Authorize payments to local subdivisions or their contractors for costs incurred for capital improvement projects which have been approved pursuant to this chapter. All requests for payments shall be submitted to the director on forms and in accordance with procedures specified in rules adopted by the director pursuant to division (A)(4) of this section.

(3) Retain the services of or employ financial consultants, engineers, accountants, attorneys, and such other employees as the director determines are necessary to carry out the director's duties under this chapter and fix the compensation for their services;

(4) Adopt rules establishing the procedures for making applications, reviewing, approving, and rejecting projects for which assistance is authorized under this chapter, and any other rules needed to implement the provisions of this chapter. Such rules shall be adopted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(5) Provide information and other assistance to local subdivisions and district public works local government integrating and innovation committees in developing their requests for financial assistance for capital improvements under this chapter and encourage cooperation and coordination of requests and the development of multisubdivision and multidistrict projects in order to maximize the benefits that may be derived by districts from each year's allocation;

(6) Require local subdivisions, to the extent practicable, to use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in connection with any capital improvement project financed in whole or in part under this chapter;

(7) Notify the director of budget and management of all approved projects, and supply all information necessary to track approved projects through the state accounting system;

(8) Appoint the administrator of the Ohio small government capital improvements commission;

(9) Do all other acts, enter into contracts, and execute all instruments necessary or appropriate to carry out this chapter;

(10) Develop a standardized methodology for evaluating capital improvement needs which will be used by local subdivisions in preparing the plans required by division (C) of section 164.06 of the Revised Code. The director shall develop this methodology not later than July 1, 1991.

(11) Establish a program to provide local subdivisions with technical assistance in preparing project applications. The program shall be designed to assist local subdivisions that lack the financial or technical resources to prepare project applications on their own.

(B) When the director of the Ohio public works commission decides to conditionally approve or disapprove projects, the director's decisions and the reasons for which they are made shall be made in writing. These written decisions shall be conclusive for the purposes of the validity and enforceability of such determinations.

(C) Fees, charges, rates of interest, times of payment of interest and principal, and other terms, conditions, and provisions of and security for financial assistance provided pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be such as the director determines to be appropriate. If any payments required by a loan agreement entered into pursuant to this chapter are not paid, the funds which would otherwise be apportioned to the local subdivision from the county undivided local government fund, pursuant to sections 5747.51 to 5747.53 of the Revised Code, may, at the direction of the director of the Ohio public works commission, be reduced by the amount payable. The county treasurer shall, at the direction of the director, pay the amount of such reductions to the state capital improvements revolving loan fund. The director may renegotiate a loan repayment schedule with a local subdivision whose payments from the county undivided local government fund could be reduced pursuant to this division, but such a renegotiation may occur only one time with respect to any particular loan agreement.

(D) Grants approved for the repair and replacement of existing infrastructure pursuant to this chapter shall not exceed ninety per cent of the estimated total cost of the capital improvement project. Grants approved for new or expanded infrastructure shall not exceed fifty per cent of the estimated cost of the new or expansion elements of the capital improvement project. A local subdivision share of the estimated cost of a capital improvement may consist of any of the following:

(1) The reasonable value, as determined by the director or the administrator, of labor, materials, and equipment that will be contributed by the local subdivision in performing the capital improvement project;

(2) Moneys received by the local subdivision in any form from an authority, commission, or agency of the United States for use in performing the capital improvement project;

(3) Loans made to the local subdivision under this chapter;

(4) Engineering costs incurred by the local subdivision in performing engineering activities related to the project.

A local subdivision share of the cost of a capital improvement shall not include any amounts awarded to it from the local transportation improvement program fund created in section 164.14 of the Revised Code.

(E) The following portion of a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee's annual allocation share pursuant to section 164.08 of the Revised Code may be awarded to subdivisions only in the form of interest-free, low-interest, market rate of interest, or blended-rate loans:

(F) The following portion of a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee's annual allocation pursuant to section 164.08 of the Revised Code shall be awarded to subdivisions in the form of local debt supported and credit enhancements:

(G) For the period commencing on March 29, 1988 and ending on June 30, 1993, for the period commencing July 1, 1993, and ending June 30, 1999, and for each five-year period thereafter, the total amount of financial assistance awarded under sections 164.01 to 164.08 of the Revised Code for capital improvement projects located wholly or partially within a county shall be equal to at least thirty per cent of the amount of what the county would have been allocated from the obligations authorized to be sold under this chapter during each period, if such amounts had been allocable to each county on a per capita basis.

(H) The amount of the annual allocations made pursuant to divisions (B)(1) and (6) of section 164.08 of the Revised Code which can be used for new or expanded infrastructure is limited as follows:

(I) The following portion of a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee's annual allocation share pursuant to section 164.08 of the Revised Code shall be awarded to subdivisions in the form of interest-free, low-interest, market rate of interest, or blended-rate loans, or local debt support and credit enhancements:

(J) No project shall be approved under this section unless the project is designed to have a useful life of at least seven years. In addition, the average useful life of all projects for which grants or loans are awarded in each district during a program year shall not be less than twenty years.

Sec. 164.051.  (A) The administrator of the Ohio small government capital improvements commission shall review projects submitted to him the administrator by subcommittees of district public works local government integrating and innovation committees in accordance with section 164.06 of the Revised Code. If he the administrator determines that a project satisfies the criteria of division (B) of that section, while taking into consideration the special needs of villages and townships, the administrator shall recommend to the Ohio small government capital improvements commission that the project be approved. If he the administrator determines that a project should not be approved or that a decision on the project should be delayed, such determinations and an explanation should also be sent to the Ohio small government capital improvements commission for final resolution.

(B) With respect to projects which the Ohio small government capital improvements commission approves, the administrator is authorized to:

(1) Enter into agreements to provide financial assistance in the form of loans, grants, or local debt support and credit enhancements to villages or townships with populations in the unincorporated areas of the township of less than five thousand;

(2) Authorize payments to such villages or townships or their contractors for the costs incurred for capital improvement projects which have been approved in accordance with this chapter. All requests for payments shall be submitted to the administrator on forms and in accordance with procedures specified in rules adopted pursuant to division (A)(4) of section 164.05 of the Revised Code.

(3) Notify the director of budget and management of all approved projects, and supply all information necessary to track the approved projects through the state accounting system.

(4) Do all other acts and enter into contracts and execute all instruments necessary or appropriate to carry out this section.

(C) Fees, charges, rates of interest, times of payment of interest and principal, and other terms, conditions, and provisions of and security for financial assistance provided pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be such as the administrator determines to be appropriate. If any payments required by a loan agreement entered into pursuant to this section are not paid, the funds which would otherwise be apportioned to the local subdivision from the county undivided local government fund, pursuant to sections 5747.51 to 5747.53 of the Revised Code, may, at the direction of the Ohio small government capital improvements commission, be reduced by the amount payable. The county treasurer shall, at the direction of the commission, pay the amount of such reductions to the state capital improvements revolving loan fund. Subject to the approval of the Ohio small government capital improvements commission, the administrator may renegotiate a loan repayment schedule with a local subdivision whose payments from the county undivided local government fund could be reduced pursuant to this division, but such a renegotiation may occur only one time with respect to any particular loan agreement.

Sec. 164.06.  (A) Each district public works local government integrating and innovation committee shall evaluate materials submitted to it by the local subdivisions located in the district concerning capital improvements for which assistance is sought from the state capital improvements fund and shall, pursuant to division (B) of this section, select the requests for financial assistance that will be formally submitted by the district to the director of the Ohio public works commission. In order to provide for the efficient use of the district's state capital improvements fund allocation each year, a district committee shall assist its subdivisions in the preparation and coordination of project plans.

(B) In selecting the requests for assistance for capital improvement projects which will be submitted to the director, and in determining the nature, amount, and terms of the assistance that will be requested, a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee shall give priority to capital improvement projects for the repair or replacement of existing infrastructure and which would be unlikely to be undertaken without assistance under this chapter, and shall specifically consider all of the following factors:

(1) The infrastructure repair and replacement needs of the district;

(2) The age and condition of the system to be repaired or replaced;

(3) Whether the project would generate revenue in the form of user fees or assessments;

(4) The importance of the project to the health and safety of the citizens of the district;

(5) The cost of the project and whether it is consistent with division (G) of section 164.05 of the Revised Code and the district's allocation for grants, loans, and local debt support and credit enhancements for that year;

(6) The effort and ability of the benefited local subdivisions to assist in financing the project;

(7) The availability of federal or other funds for the project;

(8) The overall economic health of the particular local subdivision;

(9) The adequacy of the planning for the project and the readiness of the applicant to proceed should the project be approved;

(10) Any other factors relevant to a particular project.

(C) Prior to filing an application with its district public works local government integrating and innovation committee for assistance in financing a capital improvement project under this section, a local subdivision shall conduct a study of its existing capital improvements, the condition of those improvements, and the projected capital improvement needs of the subdivision in the ensuing five-year period. After completing this study, the subdivision shall compile a report that includes an inventory of its existing capital improvements, a plan detailing the capital improvement needs of the subdivision in the ensuing five-year period, and a list of the subdivision's priorities with respect to addressing those needs. Each year, the report shall be reviewed and updated by the subdivision to reflect capital improvement projects undertaken or completed in the past year and any changes in the subdivision's plan or priorities. The report and annual updates shall be made available upon request to the Ohio public works commission, the Ohio small government capital improvements commission, and the district public works local government integrating and innovation committee of the district of which the subdivision is a part.

(D) In addition to reviewing and selecting the projects for which approval will be sought from the director of the Ohio public works commission for financial assistance from the state capital improvements fund, each district public works local government integrating and innovation committee shall appoint a subcommittee of its members that will represent the interests of villages and townships and that will review and select the capital improvement projects which will be submitted by the subcommittee to the administrator of the Ohio small government capital improvements commission for consideration of assistance from the portion of the net proceeds of obligations issued and sold by the treasurer of state which is allocated pursuant to division (B)(1) of section 164.08 of the Revised Code. In reviewing and approving the projects selected by its subcommittee, the administrator, and the Ohio small government capital improvements commission shall be guided by the provisions of division (B) of this section, and shall also take into account the fact that villages and townships may have different public infrastructure needs than larger subdivisions.

(E) The district public works local government integrating and innovation committee for each district that includes at least one county with a population of less than eighty-five thousand according to the most recent decennial census shall appoint a subcommittee of its members for the purposes of the small counties capital improvement program created under division (F) of section 164.02 of the Revised Code. The subcommittee shall select and submit to the director the projects that will be considered for assistance from the money allocated to the program under division (B)(4) of section 164.08 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 164.08.  (A) Except as provided in sections 151.01 and 151.08 or section 164.09 of the Revised Code, the net proceeds of obligations issued and sold by the treasurer of state pursuant to section 164.09 of the Revised Code before September 30, 2000, or pursuant to sections 151.01 and 151.08 of the Revised Code, for the purpose of financing or assisting in the financing of the cost of public infrastructure capital improvement projects of local subdivisions, as provided for in Section 2k, 2m, or 2p of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, and this chapter, shall be paid into the state capital improvements fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury. Investment earnings on moneys in the fund shall be credited to the fund.

(B) Beginning July 1, 2011, each program year the amount of obligations authorized by the general assembly in accordance with sections 151.01 and 151.08 or section 164.09 of the Revised Code, excluding the proceeds of refunding or renewal obligations, shall be allocated by the director of the Ohio public works commission as follows:

(1) First, fifteen million dollars of the amount of obligations authorized shall be allocated to provide financial assistance to villages and to townships with populations in the unincorporated areas of the township of less than five thousand persons, for capital improvements in accordance with section 164.051 and division (D) of section 164.06 of the Revised Code. As used in division (B)(1) of this section, "capital improvements" includes resurfacing and improving roads.

(2) Following the allocation required by division (B)(1) of this section, the director may allocate three million dollars of the authorized obligations to provide financial assistance to local subdivisions for capital improvement projects which in the judgment of the director of the Ohio public works commission are necessary for the immediate preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the local subdivision requesting assistance.

(3) For the second, third, fourth, and fifth years that obligations are authorized and are available for allocation under this chapter, one million dollars shall be allocated to the sewer and water fund created in section 1525.11 of the Revised Code. Money from this allocation shall be transferred to that fund when needed to support specific payments from that fund.

(4) For program years twelve and fourteen that obligations are authorized and available for allocation under this chapter, two million dollars each program year shall be allocated to the small county capital improvement program for use in providing financial assistance under division (F) of section 164.02 of the Revised Code.

(5) After the allocation required by division (B)(3) of this section is made, the director shall determine the amount of the remaining obligations authorized to be issued and sold that each county would receive if such amounts were allocated on a per capita basis each year. If a county's per capita share for the year would be less than three hundred thousand dollars, the director shall allocate to the district in which that county is located an amount equal to the difference between three hundred thousand dollars and the county's per capita share.

(6) After making the allocation required by division (B)(5) of this section, the director shall allocate the remaining amount to each district on a per capita basis.

(C)(1) There is hereby created in the state treasury the state capital improvements revolving loan fund, into which shall be deposited all repayments of loans made to local subdivisions for capital improvements pursuant to this chapter. Investment earnings on moneys in the fund shall be credited to the fund.

(2) There may also be deposited in the state capital improvements revolving loan fund moneys obtained from federal or private grants, or from other sources, which are to be used for any of the purposes authorized by this chapter. Such moneys shall be allocated each year in accordance with division (B)(6) of this section.

(3) Moneys deposited into the state capital improvements revolving loan fund shall be used to make loans for the purpose of financing or assisting in the financing of the cost of capital improvement projects of local subdivisions.

(4) Investment earnings credited to the state capital improvements revolving loan fund that exceed the amounts required to meet estimated federal arbitrage rebate requirements shall be used to pay costs incurred by the public works commission in administering this section. Investment earnings credited to the state capital improvements revolving loan fund that exceed the amounts required to pay for the administrative costs and estimated rebate requirements shall be allocated to each district on a per capita basis.

(5) Each program year, loan repayments received and on deposit in the state capital improvements revolving loan fund shall be allocated as follows:

(a) Each district public works local government integrating and innovation committee shall be allocated an amount equal to the sum of all loan repayments made to the state capital improvements revolving loan fund by local subdivisions that are part of the district. Moneys not used in a program year may be used in the next program year in the same manner and for the same purpose as originally allocated.

(b) Loan repayments made pursuant to projects approved under division (B)(1) of this section shall be used to make loans in accordance with section 164.051 and division (D) of section 164.06 of the Revised Code. Allocations for this purpose made pursuant to division (C)(5) of this section shall be in addition to the allocation provided in division (B)(1) of this section.

(c) Loan repayments made pursuant to projects approved under division (B)(2) of this section shall be used to make loans in accordance with division (B)(2) of this section. Allocations for this purpose made pursuant to division (C)(5) of this section shall be in addition to the allocation provided in division (B)(2) of this section.

(d) Loans made from the state capital improvements revolving loan fund shall not be limited in their usage by divisions (E), (F), (G), (H), and (I) of section 164.05 of the Revised Code.

(D) Investment earnings credited to the state capital improvements fund that exceed the amounts required to meet estimated federal arbitrage rebate requirements shall be used to pay costs incurred by the public works commission in administering sections 164.01 to 164.12 of the Revised Code.

(E) The director of the Ohio public works commission shall notify the director of budget and management of the amounts allocated pursuant to this section and such information shall be entered into the state accounting system. The director of budget and management shall establish appropriation line items as needed to track these allocations.

(F) If the amount of a district's allocation in a program year exceeds the amount of financial assistance approved for the district by the commission for that year, the remaining portion of the district's allocation shall be added to the district's allocation pursuant to division (B) of this section for the next succeeding year for use in the same manner and for the same purposes as it was originally allocated, except that any portion of a district's allocation which was available for use on new or expanded infrastructure pursuant to division (H) of section 164.05 of the Revised Code shall be available in succeeding years only for the repair and replacement of existing infrastructure.

(G) When an allocation based on population is made by the director pursuant to division (B) of this section, the director shall use the most recent decennial census statistics, and shall not make any reallocations based upon a change in a district's population.

Sec. 164.14.  (A) The local transportation improvement program fund is hereby created in the state treasury. The fund shall consist of moneys credited to it pursuant to sections 117.16 and 5735.23 of the Revised Code, and, subject to the limitations of section 5735.05 of the Revised Code, shall be used to make grants to local subdivisions for projects that have been approved by district public works local government integrating and innovation committees and the Ohio public works commission in accordance with this section. The fund shall be administered by the Ohio public works commission, and shall be allocated each fiscal year on a per capita basis to district public works local government integrating and innovation committees in accordance with the most recent decennial census statistics. Money in the fund may be used to pay reasonable costs incurred by the commission in administering this section. Investment earnings on moneys credited to the fund shall be retained by the fund.

(B) Grants awarded under this section may provide up to one hundred per cent of the estimated total cost of the project.

(C) No grant shall be awarded for a project under this section unless the project is designed to have a useful life of at least seven years, except that the average useful life of all such projects for which grants are awarded in each district during a fiscal year shall be not less than twenty years.

(D) For the period beginning on July 1, 1989, and ending on June 30, 1994, and for each succeeding five-year period, at least one-third of the total amount of money allocated to each district from the local transportation improvement program fund shall be awarded as follows:

(1) Forty-two and eight-tenths per cent for projects of municipal corporations;

(2) Thirty-seven and two-tenths per cent for projects of counties;

(3) Twenty per cent for projects of townships, except that the requirement of division (D)(3) of this section shall not apply in districts where the combined population of the townships in the district is less than five per cent of the population of the district.

(E) Each district public works local government integrating and innovation committee shall review, and approve or disapprove requests submitted to it by local subdivisions for assistance from the local transportation improvement program fund. In reviewing projects submitted to it, a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee shall consider the following factors:

(1) Whether the project is of critical importance to the safety of the residents of the local subdivision;

(2) Whether the project would alleviate serious traffic problems or hazards or would respond to needs caused by rapid growth and development;

(3) Whether the project would assist the local subdivision in attaining the transportation infrastructure needed to pursue significant and specific economic development opportunities;

(4) The availability of other sources of funding for the project;

(5) The adequacy of the planning for the project and the readiness of the local subdivision to proceed should the project be approved;

(6) The local subdivision's ability to pay for and history of investing in bridge and highway improvements;

(7) The impact of the project on the multijurisdictional highway and bridge needs of the district;

(8) The requirements of divisions (A), (B), (C), and (D) of this section;

(9) The condition of the infrastructure system proposed for improvement;

(10) Any other factors related to the safety, orderly growth, or economic development of the district or local subdivision that the district public works local government integrating and innovation committee considers relevant.

A district public works local government integrating and innovation committee or its executive committee may appoint a subcommittee to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities under this section.

(F) Every project approved by a district public works local government integrating and innovation committee shall be submitted to the Ohio public works commission for its review and approval or disapproval. The commission shall not approve any project that fails to meet the requirements of this section.

(G) Grants awarded from the local transportation improvement program fund shall not be limited in their usage by divisions (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), and (I) of section 164.05 of the Revised Code.

(H) As used in this section, "local subdivision" means a county, municipal corporation, or township.

(I) The director of the Ohio public works commission shall notify the director of budget and management of the amounts allocated pursuant to this section, and the allocation information shall be entered into the state accounting system. The director of budget and management shall establish appropriation line items as needed to track these allocations.

Sec. 164.21.  (A) Each district public works local government integrating and innovation committee or, if applicable, the executive committee of the integrating and innovation committee shall appoint a natural resources assistance council consisting of eleven members. Of the eleven members, one shall be a member of the appointing integrating and innovation committee and one shall represent a soil and water conservation district that is located within the geographical jurisdiction of the appointing integrating and innovation committee. The nine other members of the council shall be appointed from the following categories of organizations, units of government, or agencies and shall include at least one member from each of those categories:

(1) A county, municipal corporation, township, conservancy district, regional or joint district or unit of local government, or regional or joint political subdivision that is located within the geographical jurisdiction of the appointing integrating and innovation committee;

(2) A conservation organization, an environmental advocacy organization, an organization with a primary interest in watershed protection and restoration, the department of natural resources, the environmental protection agency, or the United States natural resources conservation service;

(3) A city park system or metropolitan park system or a board of park commissioners from a county that is located within the geographical jurisdiction of the appointing integrating and innovation committee, a statewide parks and recreation organization, or the United States national park service;

(4) A statewide organization representing agriculture, an organization representing forestry interests, the department of agriculture, or the United States department of agriculture;

(5) An organization representing business, local realtors, or a planning agency, including a port authority, located within the geographical jurisdiction of the appointing integrating and innovation committee.

No organization, unit of government, or agency that is listed in divisions (A)(1) to (5) of this section shall be represented by more than one member on the council at any given time. The membership of a natural resources assistance council shall reflect the demographic and economic diversity of the population located within the geographical area represented by the council.

A council shall be appointed by the appropriate integrating and innovation committee not later than ninety days after the effective date of this section July 26, 2001. Of the initial members appointed to the council, four shall be appointed for one year, four shall be appointed for two years, and three shall be appointed for three years. Thereafter, terms of office for members of the council shall be for three years, with each term ending on the same day of the same month as did the term that it succeeds. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member is appointed, except that, with respect to any member who is an elected or appointed official of a township, municipal corporation, or county, the term of office for that person on the council shall not extend beyond the member's term as an elected or appointed official.

Members may be reappointed. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner provided for original appointments. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first. Members may be removed by the district public works local government integrating and innovation committee for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office.

(B) A natural resources assistance council shall elect a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and other officers that the council considers appropriate. A council may adopt bylaws governing its operation, including bylaws that establish the frequency of regular meetings and any necessary procedures. All meetings of a council are subject to section 121.22 of the Revised Code.

(C) Serving as a member of a natural resources assistance council under this section does not constitute holding a public office or position of employment under the laws of this state and does not confer a right to compensation from any agency of this state. A member of a natural resources assistance council does not have an unlawful interest in a public contract under section 2921.42 of the Revised Code solely by virtue of the receipt of financial assistance under sections 164.20 to 164.27 of the Revised Code by the local political subdivision of which the member is also a public official or appointee.

(D) Sections 101.82 to 101.87 of the Revised Code do not apply to natural resources assistance councils.

Sec. 164.30.  (A) There is hereby created in the state treasury the local government integrating and innovation fund. The fund shall be composed of credits to the fund from revenue from the commercial activity tax under section 5751.20 of the Revised Code. The purpose of the fund is to provide grants to local subdivisions to implement and enhance the sharing of services.

(B) Money in the fund shall be allocated among the local government integrating and innovation committees created under section 164.03 of the Revised Code beginning in fiscal year 2012. The amount allocated to each such committee each fiscal year shall be proportionate to the amount distributed in the most recently closed program year from the state capital improvements fund to local subdivisions within the district represented by that committee.

(C) Local subdivisions in each district may apply to the district's local government integrating and innovation committee for grants from the local government integrating and innovation fund to assist with the payment of allowable expenses of implementing or enhancing service sharing among local subdivisions. For the purposes of this section, allowable expenses include costs of making the transition to shared services, establishing shared services, and paying for the initial operations of the shared services; allowable expenses does not include costs of ongoing operations of shared services. The applications shall describe, in the manner and as directed by the committee, the shared services, the projected cost savings of the shared services, and any other matters the committee requires.

(D) Each local government integrating and innovation committee shall accept and review such applications and award grants to the applicants the committee determines to be proposing shared services resulting in the greatest cost efficiencies, subject to the following:

(1) Not less than twenty per cent of the grant money available to each district shall be awarded to townships.

(2) Up to thirty per cent of the grant money available to each district may be awarded to local subdivisions determined to be in fiscal emergency under Chapter 118. of the Revised Code, the primary cause of the emergency being, in the opinion of the committee, reductions in revenue from federal, state, or local government sources since 2008.

(3) Not more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars may be awarded to each applicant for each service-sharing proposal.

Upon approval of a grant application, a committee shall forward the application and evidence of the committee's approval to the director of the Ohio public works commission, who shall review the materials and, if the director finds that the application was properly approved under the terms of this section, the director shall authorize the award of the grant to the local subdivision.

(E) Not more than three per cent of the money credited to the local government integrating and innovation fund may be used by the director of the Ohio public works commission to defray the costs of the commission or of local government integrating and innovation committees in administering this section.

Sec. 166.02.  (A) The general assembly finds that many local areas throughout the state are experiencing economic stagnation or decline, and that the economic development programs provided for in this chapter will constitute deserved, necessary reinvestment by the state in those areas, materially contribute to their economic revitalization, and result in improving the economic welfare of all the people of the state. Accordingly, it is declared to be the public policy of the state, through the operations of this chapter and other applicable laws adopted pursuant to Section 2p or 13 of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, and other authority vested in the general assembly, to assist in and facilitate the establishment or development of eligible projects or assist and cooperate with any governmental agency in achieving such purpose.

(B) In furtherance of such public policy and to implement such purpose, the director of development may:

(1) After consultation with appropriate governmental agencies, enter into agreements with persons engaged in industry, commerce, distribution, or research and with governmental agencies to induce such persons to acquire, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, renovate, enlarge, improve, equip, or furnish, or otherwise develop, eligible projects and make provision therein for project facilities and governmental actions, as authorized by this chapter and other applicable laws, subject to any required actions by the general assembly or the controlling board and subject to applicable local government laws and regulations;

(2) Provide for the guarantees and loans as provided for in sections 166.06 and 166.07 of the Revised Code;

(3) Subject to release of such moneys by the controlling board, contract for labor and materials needed for, or contract with others, including governmental agencies, to provide, project facilities the allowable costs of which are to be paid for or reimbursed from moneys in the facilities establishment fund, and contract for the operation of such project facilities;

(4) Subject to release thereof by the controlling board, from moneys in the facilities establishment fund acquire or contract to acquire by gift, exchange, or purchase, including the obtaining and exercise of purchase options, property, and convey or otherwise dispose of, or provide for the conveyance or disposition of, property so acquired or contracted to be acquired by sale, exchange, lease, lease purchase, conditional or installment sale, transfer, or other disposition, including the grant of an option to purchase, to any governmental agency or to any other person without necessity for competitive bidding and upon such terms and conditions and manner of consideration pursuant to and as the director determines to be appropriate to satisfy the objectives of sections 166.01 to 166.11 of the Revised Code;

(5) Retain the services of or employ financial consultants, appraisers, consulting engineers, superintendents, managers, construction and accounting experts, attorneys, and employees, agents, and independent contractors as are necessary in the director's judgment and fix the compensation for their services;

(6) Receive and accept from any person grants, gifts, and contributions of money, property, labor, and other things of value, to be held, used and applied only for the purpose for which such grants, gifts, and contributions are made;

(7) Enter into appropriate arrangements and agreements with any governmental agency for the taking or provision by that governmental agency of any governmental action;

(8) Do all other acts and enter into contracts and execute all instruments necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this chapter;

(9) Adopt rules to implement any of the provisions of this chapter applicable to the director.

(C) The determinations by the director that facilities constitute eligible projects, that facilities are project facilities, that costs of such facilities are allowable costs, and all other determinations relevant thereto or to an action taken or agreement entered into shall be conclusive for purposes of the validity and enforceability of rights of parties arising from actions taken and agreements entered into under this chapter.

(D) Except as otherwise prescribed in this chapter, all expenses and obligations incurred by the director in carrying out the director's powers and in exercising the director's duties under this chapter, shall be payable solely from, as appropriate, moneys in the facilities establishment fund, the loan guarantee fund, the innovation Ohio loan guarantee fund, the innovation Ohio loan fund, the research and development loan fund, the logistics and distribution infrastructure fund, the logistics and distribution infrastructure taxable bond fund, or moneys appropriated for such purpose by the general assembly. This chapter does not authorize the director or the issuing authority under section 166.08 of the Revised Code to incur bonded indebtedness of the state or any political subdivision thereof, or to obligate or pledge moneys raised by taxation for the payment of any bonds or notes issued or guarantees made pursuant to this chapter.

(E) No financial assistance for project facilities shall be provided under this chapter unless the provisions of the agreement providing for such assistance specify that all wages paid to laborers and mechanics employed on such project facilities for which the assistance is granted shall be paid at the prevailing rates of wages of laborers and mechanics for the class of work called for by such project facilities, which wages shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 4115. of the Revised Code for determination of prevailing wage rates, provided that the requirements of this division do not apply where the federal government or any of its agencies provides financing assistance as to all or any part of the funds used in connection with such project facilities and prescribes predetermined minimum wages to be paid to such laborers and mechanics; and provided further that should a nonpublic user beneficiary of the eligible project undertake, as part of the eligible project, construction to be performed by its regular bargaining unit employees who are covered under a collective bargaining agreement which was in existence prior to the date of the document authorizing such assistance then, in that event, the rate of pay provided under the collective bargaining agreement may be paid to such employees.

(F) Any governmental agency may enter into an agreement with the director, any other governmental agency, or a person to be assisted under this chapter, to take or provide for the purposes of this chapter any governmental action it is authorized to take or provide, and to undertake on behalf and at the request of the director any action which the director is authorized to undertake pursuant to divisions (B)(3), (4), and (5) of this section or divisions (B)(3), (4), and (5) of section 166.12 of the Revised Code. Governmental agencies of the state shall cooperate with and provide assistance to the director of development and the controlling board in the exercise of their respective functions under this chapter.

Sec. 173.14.  As used in sections 173.14 to 173.27 of the Revised Code:

(A)(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (A)(2) of this section, "long-term care facility" includes any residential facility that provides personal care services for more than twenty-four hours for two or more unrelated adults, including all of the following:

(a) A "nursing home," "residential care facility," or "home for the aging" as defined in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code;

(b) A facility authorized to provide extended care services under Title XVIII of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C. 301, as amended, including a long-term acute care hospital that provides medical and rehabilitative care to patients who require an average length of stay greater than twenty-five days and is classified by the centers for medicare and medicaid services as a long-term care hospital pursuant to 42 C.F.R. 412.23(e);

(c) A county home or district home operated pursuant to Chapter 5155. of the Revised Code;

(d) An "adult care facility" as defined in section 3722.01 5119.70 of the Revised Code;

(e) A facility approved by the veterans administration under section 104(a) of the "Veterans Health Care Amendments of 1983," 97 Stat. 993, 38 U.S.C. 630, as amended, and used exclusively for the placement and care of veterans;

(f) An adult foster home certified under section 173.36 5119.692 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Long-term care facility" does not include a "residential facility" as defined in section 5119.22 of the Revised Code or a "residential facility" as defined in section 5123.19 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Resident" means a resident of a long-term care facility and, where appropriate, includes a prospective, previous, or deceased resident of a long-term care facility.

(C) "Community-based long-term care services" means health and social services provided to persons in their own homes or in community care settings, and includes any of the following:

(1) Case management;

(2) Home health care;

(3) Homemaker services;

(4) Chore services;

(5) Respite care;

(6) Adult day care;

(7) Home-delivered meals;

(8) Personal care;

(9) Physical, occupational, and speech therapy;

(10) Transportation;

(11) Any other health and social services provided to persons that allow them to retain their independence in their own homes or in community care settings.

(D) "Recipient" means a recipient of community-based long-term care services and, where appropriate, includes a prospective, previous, or deceased recipient of community-based long-term care services.

(E) "Sponsor" means an adult relative, friend, or guardian who has an interest in or responsibility for the welfare of a resident or a recipient.

(F) "Personal care services" has the same meaning as in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code.

(G) "Regional long-term care ombudsperson program" means an entity, either public or private and nonprofit, designated as a regional long-term care ombudsperson program by the state long-term care ombudsperson.

(H) "Representative of the office of the state long-term care ombudsperson program" means the state long-term care ombudsperson or a member of the ombudsperson's staff, or a person certified as a representative of the office under section 173.21 of the Revised Code.

(I) "Area agency on aging" means an area agency on aging established under the "Older Americans Act of 1965," 79 Stat. 219, 42 U.S.C.A. 3001, as amended.

Sec. 173.21.  (A) The office of the state long-term care ombudsman ombudsperson program, through the state long-term care ombudsman ombudsperson and the regional long-term care ombudsman ombudsperson programs, shall require each representative of the office to complete a training and certification program in accordance with this section and to meet the continuing education requirements established under this section.

(B) The department of aging shall adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code specifying the content of training programs for representatives of the office of the state long-term care ombudsman ombudsperson program. Training for representatives other than those who are volunteers providing services through regional long-term care ombudsman ombudsperson programs shall include instruction regarding federal, state, and local laws, rules, and policies on long-term care facilities and community-based long-term care services; investigative techniques; and other topics considered relevant by the department and shall consist of the following:

(1) A minimum of forty clock hours of basic instruction, which shall be completed before the trainee is permitted to handle complaints without the supervision of a representative of the office certified under this section;

(2) An additional sixty clock hours of instruction, which shall be completed within the first fifteen months of employment;

(3) An internship of twenty clock hours, which shall be completed within the first twenty-four months of employment, including instruction in, and observation of, basic nursing care and long-term care provider operations and procedures. The internship shall be performed at a site that has been approved as an internship site by the state long-term care ombudsman ombudsperson.

(4) One of the following, which shall be completed within the first twenty-four months of employment:

(a) Observation of a survey conducted by the director of health to certify a facility to receive funds under sections 5111.20 to 5111.32 of the Revised Code;

(b) Observation of an inspection conducted by the director of mental health to license an adult care facility under section 3722.04 5119.73 of the Revised Code.

(5) Any other training considered appropriate by the department.

(C) Persons who for a period of at least six months prior to June 11, 1990, served as ombudsmen through the long-term care ombudsman ombudsperson program established by the department of aging under division (M) of section 173.01 of the Revised Code shall not be required to complete a training program. These persons and persons who complete a training program shall take an examination administered by the department of aging. On attainment of a passing score, the person shall be certified by the department as a representative of the office. The department shall issue the person an identification card, which the representative shall show at the request of any person with whom he the representative deals while performing his the representative's duties and which he shall surrender be surrendered at the time he the representative separates from the office.

(D) The state ombudsman ombudsperson and each regional program shall conduct training programs for volunteers on their respective staffs in accordance with the rules of the department of aging adopted under division (B) of this section. Training programs may be conducted that train volunteers to complete some, but not all, of the duties of a representative of the office. Each regional office shall bear the cost of training its representatives who are volunteers. On completion of a training program, the representative shall take an examination administered by the department of aging. On attainment of a passing score, he a volunteer shall be certified by the department as a representative authorized to perform services specified in the certification. The department shall issue an identification card, which the representative shall show at the request of any person with whom he the representative deals while performing his the representative's duties and which he shall surrender be surrendered at the time he the representative separates from the office. Except as a supervised part of a training program, no volunteer shall perform any duty unless he is certified as a representative having received appropriate training for that duty.

(E) The state ombudsman ombudsperson shall provide technical assistance to regional programs conducting training programs for volunteers and shall monitor the training programs.

(F) Prior to scheduling an observation of a certification survey or licensing inspection for purposes of division (B)(4) of this section, the state ombudsman ombudsperson shall obtain permission to have the survey or inspection observed from both the director of health and the long-term care facility at which the survey or inspection is to take place.

(G) The department of aging shall establish continuing education requirements for representatives of the office.

Sec. 173.26.  (A) Each of the following facilities shall annually pay to the department of aging six dollars for each bed maintained by the facility for use by a resident during any part of the previous year:

(1) Nursing homes, residential care facilities, and homes for the aging as defined in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code;

(2) Facilities authorized to provide extended care services under Title XVIII of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C. 301, as amended, including a long-term acute care hospital that provides medical and rehabilitative care to patients who require an average length of stay greater than twenty-five days and is classified by the centers for medicare and medicaid services as a long-term care hospital pursuant to 42 C.F.R. 412.23(e);

(3) County homes and district homes operated pursuant to Chapter 5155. of the Revised Code;

(4) Adult care facilities as defined in section 3722.01 5119.70 of the Revised Code;

(5) Facilities approved by the Veterans Administration under Section 104(a) of the "Veterans Health Care Amendments of 1983," 97 Stat. 993, 38 U.S.C. 630, as amended, and used exclusively for the placement and care of veterans.

The department shall, by rule adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, establish deadlines for payments required by this section. A facility that fails, within ninety days after the established deadline, to pay a payment required by this section shall be assessed at two times the original invoiced payment.

(B) All money collected under this section shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the office of the state long-term care ombudsperson program fund, which is hereby created. Money credited to the fund shall be used solely to pay the costs of operating the regional long-term care ombudsperson programs.

(C) The state long-term care ombudsperson and the regional programs may solicit and receive contributions to support the operation of the office or a regional program, except that no contribution shall be solicited or accepted that would interfere with the independence or objectivity of the office or program.

Sec. 173.391. (A) The department of aging or its designee shall do all of the following in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code:

(1) Certify a person or government entity to provide community-based long-term care services under a program the department administers if the person or government entity satisfies the requirements for certification established by rules adopted under division (B) of this section and pays the fee, if any, established by rules adopted under division (G) of this section;

(2) When required to do so by rules adopted under division (B) of this section, take one or more of the following disciplinary actions against a person or government entity issued a certificate certified under division (A)(1) of this section:

(a) Issue a written warning;

(b) Require the submission of a plan of correction or evidence of compliance with requirements identified by the department;

(c) Suspend referrals;

(d) Remove clients;

(e) Impose a fiscal sanction such as a civil monetary penalty or an order that unearned funds be repaid;

(f) Suspend the certification;

(g) Revoke the certificate certification;

(g)(h) Impose another sanction.

(3) Hold Except as provided in division (E) of this section, hold hearings when there is a dispute between the department or its designee and a person or government entity concerning actions the department or its designee takes or does not take regarding a decision not to certify the person or government entity under division (A)(1) of this section or a disciplinary action under division (A)(1) or (2)(c)(e) to (g)(h) of this section.

(B) The director of aging shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing certification requirements and standards for determining which type of disciplinary action to take under division (A)(2) of this section in individual situations. The rules shall establish procedures for all of the following:

(1) Ensuring that community-based long-term care agencies comply with section 173.394 of the Revised Code;

(2) Evaluating the services provided by the agencies to ensure that they the services are provided in a quality manner advantageous to the individual receiving the services;

(3) Determining when to take disciplinary action under division (A)(2) of this section and which disciplinary action to take;

(4) Determining what constitutes another sanction for purposes of division (A)(2)(h) of this section.

(C) The procedures established in rules adopted under division (B)(2) of this section shall require that all of the following be considered as part of an evaluation described in division (B)(2) of this section:

(1) The service provider's community-based long-term care agency's experience and financial responsibility;

(2) The service provider's agency's ability to comply with standards for the community-based long-term care services that the provider agency provides under a program the department administers;

(3) The service provider's agency's ability to meet the needs of the individuals served;

(4) Any other factor the director considers relevant.

(D) The rules adopted under division (B)(3) of this section shall specify that the reasons disciplinary action may be taken under division (A)(2) of this section include good cause, including misfeasance, malfeasance, nonfeasance, confirmed abuse or neglect, financial irresponsibility, or other conduct the director determines is injurious, or poses a threat, to the health or safety of individuals being served.

(E) Subject to division (F) of this section, the department is not required to hold hearings under division (A)(3) of this section if any of the following conditions apply:

(1) Rules adopted by the director of aging pursuant to this chapter require the community-based long-term care agency to be a party to a provider agreement; hold a license, certificate, or permit; or maintain a certification, any of which is required or issued by a state or federal government entity other than the department of aging, and either of the following is the case:

(a) The provider agreement has not been entered into or the license, certificate, permit, or certification has not been obtained or maintained.

(b) The provider agreement, license, certificate, permit, or certification has been denied, revoked, not renewed, or suspended or has been otherwise restricted.

(2) The agency's certification under this section has been denied, suspended, or revoked for any of the following reasons:

(a) A government entity of this state, other than the department of aging, has terminated or refused to renew any of the following held by, or has denied any of the following sought by, a community-based long-term care agency: a provider agreement, license, certificate, permit, or certification. Division (E)(2)(a) of this section applies regardless of whether the agency has entered into a provider agreement in, or holds a license, certificate, permit, or certification issued by, another state.

(b) The agency or a principal owner or manager of the agency who provides direct care has entered a guilty plea for, or has been convicted of, an offense materially related to the medicaid program.

(c) The agency or a principal owner or manager of the agency who provides direct care has entered a guilty plea for, or been convicted of, an offense listed in division (C)(1)(a) of section 173.394 of the Revised Code, but only if none of the personal character standards established by the department in rules adopted under division (F) of section 173.394 of the Revised Code apply.

(d) The United States department of health and human services has taken adverse action against the agency and that action impacts the agency's participation in the medicaid program.

(e) The agency has failed to enter into or renew a provider agreement with the PASSPORT administrative agency, as that term is defined in section 173.42 of the Revised Code, that administers programs on behalf of the department of aging in the region of the state in which the agency is certified to provide services.

(f) The agency has not billed or otherwise submitted a claim to the department for payment under the medicaid program in at least two years.

(g) The agency denied or failed to provide the department or its designee access to the agency's facilities during the agency's normal business hours for purposes of conducting an audit or structural compliance review.

(h) The agency has ceased doing business.

(i) The agency has voluntarily relinquished its certification for any reason.

(3) The agency's provider agreement with the department of job and family services has been suspended under division (C) of section 5111.031 of the Revised Code.

(4) The agency's provider agreement with the department of job and family services is denied or revoked because the agency or its owner, officer, authorized agent, associate, manager, or employee has been convicted of an offense that caused the provider agreement to be suspended under section 5111.031 of the Revised Code.

(F) If the department does not hold hearings when any condition described in division (E) of this section applies, the department may send a notice to the agency describing a decision not to certify the agency under division (A)(1) of this section or the disciplinary action the department proposes to take under division (A)(2)(e) to (h) of this section. The notice shall be sent to the agency's address that is on record with the department and may be sent by regular mail.

(G) The director of aging may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing a fee to be charged by the department of aging or its designee for certification issued under this section.

All fees collected by the department or its designee under this section shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the provider certification fund, which is hereby created. Money credited to the fund shall be used to pay for community-based long-term care services, administrative costs associated with community-based long-term care agency certification under this section, and administrative costs related to the publication of the Ohio long-term care consumer guide.

Sec. 173.40.  (A) As used in sections 173.40 to 173.402 of the Revised Code, "PASSPORT:

"Medicaid waiver component" has the same meaning as in section 5111.85 of the Revised Code.

"PASSPORT program" means the program created under this section.

"PASSPORT waiver" means the federal medicaid waiver granted by the United States secretary of health and human services that authorizes the medicaid-funded component of the PASSPORT program.

"Unified long-term services and support medicaid waiver component" means the medicaid waiver component authorized by section 5111.863 of the Revised Code.

(B) There is hereby created the preadmission screening system providing options and resources today program, or PASSPORT. The PASSPORT program shall provide home and community-based services as an alternative to nursing facility placement for individuals who are aged and disabled medicaid recipients and meet the program's applicable eligibility requirements. The Subject to division (C) of this section, the program shall have a medicaid-funded component and a state-funded component.

(C)(1) Unless the medicaid-funded component of the PASSPORT program is terminated under division (C)(2) of this section, all of the following apply:

(a) The department of aging shall administer the medicaid-funded component through a contract entered into with the department of job and family services under section 5111.91 of the Revised Code.

(b) The medicaid-funded component shall be operated as a separate medicaid waiver component, as defined in section 5111.85 of the Revised Code, until the United States secretary of health and human services approves the consolidated federal medicaid waiver sought under section 5111.861 of the Revised Code. The program shall be part of the consolidated federal medicaid waiver sought under that section if the United States secretary approves the waiver. The department of aging shall administer the program through a contract entered into with the department of job and family services under section 5111.91 of the Revised Code. The

(c) For an individual to be eligible for the medicaid-funded component, the individual must be a medicaid recipient and meet the additional eligibility requirements applicable to the individual established in rules adopted under division (C)(1)(d) of this section.

(d) The director of job and family services shall adopt rules under section 5111.85 of the Revised Code and the director of aging shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement the program medicaid-funded component.

(2) If the unified long-term services and support medicaid waiver component is created, the departments of aging and job and family services shall work together to determine whether the medicaid-funded component of the PASSPORT program should continue to operate as a separate medicaid waiver component or be terminated. If the departments determine that the medicaid-funded component of the PASSPORT program should be terminated, the medicaid-funded component shall cease to exist on a date the departments shall specify.

(D)(1) The department of aging shall administer the state-funded component of the PASSPORT program. The state-funded component shall not be administered as part of the medicaid program.

(2) For an individual to be eligible for the state-funded component, the individual must meet one of the following requirements and meet the additional eligibility requirements applicable to the individual established in rules adopted under division (D)(4) of this section:

(a) The individual must have been enrolled in the state-funded component on September 1, 1991, (as the state-funded component was authorized by uncodified law in effect at that time) and have had one or more applications for enrollment in the medicaid-funded component (or, if the medicaid-funded component is terminated under division (C)(2) of this section, the unified long-term services and support medicaid waiver component) denied.

(b) The individual must have had the individual's enrollment in the medicaid-funded component (or, if the medicaid-funded component is terminated under division (C)(2) of this section, the unified long-term services and support medicaid waiver component) terminated and the individual must still need the home and community-based services provided under the PASSPORT program to protect the individual's health and safety.

(c) The individual must have an application for the medicaid-funded component (or, if the medicaid-funded component is terminated under division (C)(2) of this section, the unified long-term services and support medicaid waiver component) pending and the department or the department's designee must have determined that the individual meets the nonfinancial eligibility requirements of the medicaid-funded component (or, if the medicaid-funded component is terminated under division (C)(2) of this section, the unified long-term services and support medicaid waiver component) and not have reason to doubt that the individual meets the financial eligibility requirements of the medicaid-funded component (or, if the medicaid-funded component is terminated under division (C)(2) of this section, the unified long-term services and support medicaid waiver component).

(3) An individual who is eligible for the state-funded component because the individual meets the requirement of division (D)(2)(c) of this section may participate in the component for not more than three months.

(4) The director of aging shall adopt rules in accordance with section 111.15 of the Revised Code to implement the state-funded component. The additional eligibility requirements established in the rules may vary for the different groups of individuals specified in divisions (D)(2)(a), (b), and (c) of this section.

Sec. 173.401.  (A) As used in this section:

"Area agency on aging" has the same meaning as in section 173.14 of the Revised Code.

"Long-term care consultation program" means the program the department of aging is required to develop under section 173.42 of the Revised Code.

"Long-term care consultation program administrator" or "administrator" means the department of aging or, if the department contracts with an area agency on aging or other entity to administer the long-term care consultation program for a particular area, that agency or entity.

"Nursing facility" has the same meaning as in section 5111.20 of the Revised Code.

"PASSPORT waiver" means the federal medicaid waiver granted by the United States secretary of health and human services that authorizes the PASSPORT program.

(B) The Subject to division (C)(2) of section 173.40 of the Revised Code, the department shall establish a home first component of the PASSPORT program under which eligible individuals may be enrolled in the medicaid-funded component of the PASSPORT program in accordance with this section. An individual is eligible for the PASSPORT program's home first component if all both of the following apply:

(1) The individual is has been determined to be eligible for the medicaid-funded component of the PASSPORT program.

(2) The individual is on the unified waiting list established under section 173.404 of the Revised Code.

(3) At least one of the following applies:

(a) The individual has been admitted to a nursing facility.

(b) A physician has determined and documented in writing that the individual has a medical condition that, unless the individual is enrolled in home and community-based services such as the PASSPORT program, will require the individual to be admitted to a nursing facility within thirty days of the physician's determination.

(c) The individual has been hospitalized and a physician has determined and documented in writing that, unless the individual is enrolled in home and community-based services such as the PASSPORT program, the individual is to be transported directly from the hospital to a nursing facility and admitted.

(d) Both of the following apply:

(i) The individual is the subject of a report made under section 5101.61 of the Revised Code regarding abuse, neglect, or exploitation or such a report referred to a county department of job and family services under section 5126.31 of the Revised Code or has made a request to a county department for protective services as defined in section 5101.60 of the Revised Code.

(ii) A county department of job and family services and an area agency on aging have jointly documented in writing that, unless the individual is enrolled in home and community-based services such as the PASSPORT program, the individual should be admitted to a nursing facility.

(C) Each month, each area agency on aging shall identify individuals residing in the area that the agency serves who are eligible for the home first component of the PASSPORT program. When an area agency on aging identifies such an individual, the agency shall notify the long-term care consultation program administrator serving the area in which the individual resides. The administrator shall determine whether the PASSPORT program is appropriate for the individual and whether the individual would rather participate in the PASSPORT program than continue or begin to reside in a nursing facility. If the administrator determines that the PASSPORT program is appropriate for the individual and the individual would rather participate in the PASSPORT program than continue or begin to reside in a nursing facility, the administrator shall so notify the department of aging. On receipt of the notice from the administrator, the department shall approve the individual's enrollment in the medicaid-funded component of the PASSPORT program regardless of the unified waiting list established under section 173.404 of the Revised Code, unless the enrollment would cause the PASSPORT program component to exceed any limit on the number of individuals who may be enrolled in the program component as set by the United States secretary of health and human services in the PASSPORT waiver.

(D) Each quarter, the department of aging shall certify to the director of budget and management the estimated increase in costs of the PASSPORT program resulting from enrollment of individuals in the PASSPORT program pursuant to this section.

Sec. 173.403.  "Choices (A) As used in this section:

"Choices program" means the program created under this section.

There "Medicaid waiver component" has the same meaning as in section 5111.85 of the Revised Code.

"Unified long-term services and support medicaid waiver component" means the medicaid waiver component authorized by section 5111.863 of the Revised Code.

(B) Subject to division (C) of this section, there is hereby created the choices program. The program shall provide home and community-based services. The choices program shall be operated as a separate medicaid waiver component, as defined in section 5111.85 of the Revised Code, until the United States secretary of health and human services approves the consolidated federal medicaid waiver sought under section 5111.861 of the Revised Code. The program shall be part of the consolidated federal medicaid waiver sought under that section if the United States secretary approves the waiver. The department of aging shall administer the program through a contract entered into with the department of job and family services under section 5111.91 of the Revised Code. Subject to federal approval, the program shall be available statewide.

(C) If the unified long-term services and support medicaid waiver component is created, the departments of aging and job and family services shall work together to determine whether the choices program should continue to operate as a separate medicaid waiver component or be terminated. If the departments determine that the choices program should be terminated, the program shall cease to exist on a date the departments shall specify.

Sec. 173.404.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Department of aging-administered medicaid waiver component" means each of the following:

(a) The medicaid-funded component of the PASSPORT program created under section 173.40 of the Revised Code;

(b) The choices program created under section 173.403 of the Revised Code;

(c) The medicaid-funded component of the assisted living program created under section 5111.89 of the Revised Code.

(2) "PACE program" means the component of the medicaid program the department of aging administers pursuant to section 173.50 of the Revised Code.

(B) The If the department of aging determines that there are insufficient funds to enroll all individuals who have applied and been determined eligible for department of aging-administered medicaid waiver components and the PACE program, the department of aging shall establish a unified waiting list for department of aging-administered medicaid waiver the components and the PACE program. Only individuals eligible for a department of aging-administered medicaid waiver component or the PACE program may be placed on the unified waiting list. An individual who may be enrolled in a department of aging-administered medicaid waiver component or the PACE program through a home first component established under section 173.401, 173.501, or 5111.894 of the Revised Code may be so enrolled without being placed on the unified waiting list.

Sec. 173.41.  (A) The department of aging shall promote the development of a statewide aging and disabilities resource network through which older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers are provided with both of the following:

(1) Information on any long-term care service options available to the individuals;

(2) Streamlined access to long-term care services, both publicly funded services and services available through private payment.

(B) Area agencies on aging shall establish the network throughout the state. In doing so, the agencies shall collaborate with centers for independent living and other locally funded organizations to establish a cost-effective and consumer-friendly network that builds on existing, local infrastructures of services that support consumers in their communities.

Sec. 173.42.  (A) As used in sections 173.42 to 173.434 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Area agency on aging" means a public or private nonprofit entity designated under section 173.011 of the Revised Code to administer programs on behalf of the department of aging.

(2) "Department of aging-administered medicaid waiver component" means each of the following:

(a) The medicaid-funded component of the PASSPORT program created under section 173.40 of the Revised Code;

(b) The choices program created under section 173.403 of the Revised Code;

(c) The medicaid-funded component of the assisted living program created under section 5111.89 of the Revised Code;

(d) Any other medicaid waiver component, as defined in section 5111.85 of the Revised Code, that the department of aging administers pursuant to an interagency agreement with the department of job and family services under section 5111.91 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Home and community-based services covered by medicaid components the department of aging administers" means all of the following:

(a) Medicaid waiver services available to a participant in a department of aging-administered medicaid waiver component;

(b) The following medicaid state plan services available to a participant in a department of aging-administered medicaid waiver component as specified in rules adopted under section 5111.02 of the Revised Code:

(i) Home health services;

(ii) Private duty nursing services;

(iii) Durable medical equipment;

(iv) Services of a clinical nurse specialist;

(v) Services of a certified nurse practitioner.

(c) Services available to a participant of the PACE program.

(4) "Long-term care consultation" or "consultation" means the consultation service made available by the department of aging or a program administrator through the long-term care consultation program established pursuant to this section.

(5) "Medicaid" means the medical assistance program established under Chapter 5111. of the Revised Code.

(6) "Nursing facility" has the same meaning as in section 5111.20 of the Revised Code.

(7) "PACE program" means the component of the medicaid program the department of aging administers pursuant to section 173.50 of the Revised Code.

(8) "PASSPORT administrative agency" means an entity under contract with the department of aging to provide administrative services regarding the PASSPORT program.

(9) "Program administrator" means an area agency on aging or other entity under contract with the department of aging to administer the long-term care consultation program in a geographic region specified in the contract.

(10) "Representative" means a person acting on behalf of an individual specified in division (G) of this section. A representative may be a family member, attorney, hospital social worker, or any other person chosen to act on behalf of the individual.

(B) The department of aging shall develop a long-term care consultation program whereby individuals or their representatives are provided with long-term care consultations and receive through these professional consultations information about options available to meet long-term care needs and information about factors to consider in making long-term care decisions. The long-term care consultations provided under the program may be provided at any appropriate time, as permitted or required under this section and the rules adopted under it, including either prior to or after the individual who is the subject of a consultation has been admitted to a nursing facility or granted assistance in receiving home and community-based services covered by medicaid components the department of aging administers.

(C) The long-term care consultation program shall be administered by the department of aging, except that the department may have the program administered on a regional basis by one or more program administrators. The department and each program administrator shall administer the program in such a manner that all of the following are included:

(1) Coordination and collaboration with respect to all available funding sources for long-term care services;

(2) Assessments of individuals regarding their long-term care service needs;

(3) Assessments of individuals regarding their on-going eligibility for long-term care services;

(4) Procedures for assisting individuals in obtaining access to, and coordination of, health and supportive services, including department of aging-administered medicaid waiver components;

(5) Priorities for using available resources efficiently and effectively.

(D) The program's long-term care consultations shall be provided by individuals certified by the department under section 173.422 of the Revised Code.

(E) The information provided through a long-term care consultation shall be appropriate to the individual's needs and situation and shall address all of the following:

(1) The availability of any long-term care options open to the individual;

(2) Sources and methods of both public and private payment for long-term care services;

(3) Factors to consider when choosing among the available programs, services, and benefits;

(4) Opportunities and methods for maximizing independence and self-reliance, including support services provided by the individual's family, friends, and community.

(F) An individual's long-term care consultation may include an assessment of the individual's functional capabilities. The consultation may incorporate portions of the determinations required under sections 5111.202, 5119.061, and 5123.021 of the Revised Code and may be provided concurrently with the assessment required under section 5111.204 of the Revised Code.

(G)(1) Unless an exemption specified in division (I) of this section is applicable, each of the following shall be provided with a long-term care consultation:

(a) An individual who applies or indicates an intention to apply for admission to a nursing facility, regardless of the source of payment to be used for the individual's care in a nursing facility;

(b) An individual who requests a long-term care consultation;

(c) An individual identified by the department or a program administrator as being likely to benefit from a long-term care consultation.

(2) In addition to the individuals specified in division (G)(1) of this section, a long-term care consultation may be provided to a nursing facility resident regardless of the source of payment being used for the resident's care in the nursing facility.

(H)(1) Except as provided in division (H)(2) or (3) of this section, a long-term care consultation provided pursuant to division (G) of this section shall be provided as follows:

(a) If the individual for whom the consultation is being provided has applied for medicaid and the consultation is being provided concurrently with the assessment required under section 5111.204 of the Revised Code, the consultation shall be completed in accordance with the applicable time frames specified in that section for providing a level of care determination based on the assessment.

(b) In all other cases, the consultation shall be provided not later than five calendar days after the department or program administrator receives notice of the reason for which the consultation is to be provided pursuant to division (G) of this section.

(2) An individual or the individual's representative may request that a long-term care consultation be provided on a date that is later than the date required under division (H)(1)(a) or (b) of this section.

(3) If a long-term care consultation cannot be completed within the number of days required by division (H)(1) or (2) of this section, the department or program administrator may do any of the following:

(a) In the case of an individual specified in division (G)(1) of this section, exempt the individual from the consultation pursuant to rules that may be adopted under division (L) of this section;

(b) In the case of an applicant for admission to a nursing facility, provide the consultation after the individual is admitted to the nursing facility;

(c) In the case of a resident of a nursing facility, provide the consultation as soon as practicable.

(I) An individual is not required to be provided a long-term care consultation under division (G)(1) of this section if any of the following apply:

(1) The department or program administrator has attempted to provide the consultation, but the individual or the individual's representative refuses to cooperate;

(2) The individual is to receive care in a nursing facility under a contract for continuing care as defined in section 173.13 of the Revised Code;

(3) The individual has a contractual right to admission to a nursing facility operated as part of a system of continuing care in conjunction with one or more facilities that provide a less intensive level of services, including a residential care facility licensed under Chapter 3721. of the Revised Code, an adult care facility licensed under Chapter 3722. sections 5119.70 to 5119.88 of the Revised Code, or an independent living arrangement;

(4) The individual is to receive continual care in a home for the aged exempt from taxation under section 5701.13 of the Revised Code;

(5) The individual is seeking admission to a facility that is not a nursing facility with a provider agreement under section 5111.22, 5111.671, or 5111.672 of the Revised Code;

(6) The individual is exempted from the long-term care consultation requirement by the department or the program administrator pursuant to rules that may be adopted under division (L) of this section.

(J) As part of the long-term care consultation program, the department or program administrator shall assist an individual or individual's representative in accessing all sources of care and services that are appropriate for the individual and for which the individual is eligible, including all available home and community-based services covered by medicaid components the department of aging administers. The assistance shall include providing for the conduct of assessments or other evaluations and the development of individualized plans of care or services under section 173.424 of the Revised Code.

(K) No nursing facility for which an operator has a provider agreement under section 5111.22, 5111.671, or 5111.672 of the Revised Code shall admit any individual as a resident, unless the nursing facility has received evidence that a long-term care consultation has been completed for the individual or division (I) of this section is applicable to the individual.

(L) The director of aging may adopt any rules the director considers necessary for the implementation and administration of this section. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and may specify any or all of the following:

(1) Procedures for providing long-term care consultations pursuant to this section;

(2) Information to be provided through long-term care consultations regarding long-term care services that are available;

(3) Criteria and procedures to be used to identify and recommend appropriate service options for an individual receiving a long-term care consultation;

(4) Criteria for exempting individuals from the long-term care consultation requirement;

(5) Circumstances under which it may be appropriate to provide an individual's long-term care consultation after the individual's admission to a nursing facility rather than before admission;

(6) Criteria for identifying nursing facility residents who would benefit from the provision of a long-term care consultation;

(7) A description of the types of information from a nursing facility that is needed under the long-term care consultation program to assist a resident with relocation from the facility;

(8) Standards to prevent conflicts of interest relative to the referrals made by a person who performs a long-term care consultation, including standards that prohibit the person from being employed by a provider of long-term care services;

(9) Procedures for providing notice and an opportunity for a hearing under division (N) of this section.

(M) To assist the department and each program administrator with identifying individuals who are likely to benefit from a long-term care consultation, the department and program administrator may ask to be given access to nursing facility resident assessment data collected through the use of the resident assessment instrument specified in rules adopted under section 5111.02 of the Revised Code for purposes of the medicaid program. Except when prohibited by state or federal law, the department of health, department of job and family services, or nursing facility holding the data shall grant access to the data on receipt of the request from the department of aging or program administrator.

(N)(1) The director of aging, after providing notice and an opportunity for a hearing, may fine a nursing facility an amount determined by rules the director shall adopt in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code for any of the following reasons:

(a) The nursing facility admits an individual, without evidence that a long-term care consultation has been provided, as required by this section;

(b) The nursing facility denies a person attempting to provide a long-term care consultation access to the facility or a resident of the facility;

(c) The nursing facility denies the department of aging or program administrator access to the facility or a resident of the facility, as the department or administrator considers necessary to administer the program.

(2) In accordance with section 5111.62 of the Revised Code, all fines collected under division (N)(1) of this section shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the residents protection fund.

Sec. 173.45. As used in this section and in sections 173.46 to 173.49 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Adult care facility" has the same meaning as in section 5119.70 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Community-based long-term care services" has the same meaning as in section 173.14 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Long-term care facility" means a nursing home or residential care facility.

(B)(D) "Nursing home" and "residential care facility" have the same meanings as in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code.

(C)(E) "Nursing facility" has the same meaning as in section 5111.20 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 173.46. (A) The department of aging shall develop and publish a guide to long-term care facilities for use by individuals considering long-term care facility admission and their families, friends, and advisors. The guide, which shall be titled the Ohio long-term care consumer guide, may be published in printed form or in electronic form for distribution over the internet. The guide may be developed as a continuation or modification of the guide published by the department prior to the effective date of this section September 29, 2005, under rules adopted under section 173.02 of the Revised Code.

(B) The Ohio long-term care consumer guide shall include information on each long-term care facility in this state. For each facility, the guide shall include the following information, as applicable to the facility:

(1) Information regarding the facility's compliance with state statutes and rules and federal statutes and regulations;

(2) Information generated by the centers for medicare and medicaid services of the United States department of health and human services from the quality measures developed as part of its nursing home quality initiative;

(3) Results of the customer satisfaction surveys conducted under section 173.47 of the Revised Code;

(4) Any other information the department specifies in rules adopted under section 173.49 of the Revised Code.

(C) The Ohio long-term care consumer guide may include information on adult care facilities and providers of community-based long-term care services. The department may adopt rules under section 173.49 of the Revised Code to specify the information to be included in the guide pursuant to this division.

Sec. 173.47. (A) For purposes of publishing the Ohio long-term care consumer guide, the department of aging shall conduct or provide for the conduct of an annual customer satisfaction survey of each long-term care facility. The results of the surveys may include information obtained from long-term care facility residents, their families, or both.

(B)(1) The department may charge fees for the conduct of annual customer satisfaction surveys. The department may contract with any person or government entity to collect the fees on its behalf. All fees collected under this section shall be deposited in accordance with section 173.48 of the Revised Code.

(2) The fees charged under this section shall not exceed the following amounts:

(a) Four hundred dollars for the customer satisfaction survey of a long-term care facility that is a nursing home;

(b) Three hundred dollars for the customer satisfaction survey pertaining to a long-term care facility that is a residential care facility.

(3) Fees paid by a long-term care facility that is a nursing facility shall be reimbursed through the medicaid program operated under Chapter 5111. of the Revised Code.

(C) Each long-term care facility shall cooperate in the conduct of its annual customer satisfaction survey.

Sec. 173.48. (A)(1) The department of aging may charge annual fees to long-term care facilities for the publication of the Ohio long-term care consumer guide. The department may contract with any person or government entity to collect the fees on its behalf. All fees collected under this section shall be deposited in accordance with division (B) of this section.

(2) The annual fees charged under this section shall not exceed the following amounts:

(a) Six hundred fifty dollars for each long-term care facility that is a nursing home;

(b) Three hundred dollars for each long-term care facility that is a residential care facility.

(3) Fees paid by a long-term care facility that is a nursing facility shall be reimbursed through the medicaid program operated under Chapter 5111. of the Revised Code.

(B) There is hereby created in the state treasury the long-term care consumer guide fund. Money collected from the fees charged for the conduct of customer satisfaction surveys publication of the Ohio long-term care consumer guide under division (A) of this section 173.47 of the Revised Code shall be credited to the fund. The department of aging shall use money in the fund for costs associated with publishing the Ohio long-term care consumer guide, including, but not limited to, costs incurred in conducting or providing for the conduct of customer satisfaction surveys.

Sec. 173.501.  (A) As used in this section:

"Nursing facility" has the same meaning as in section 5111.20 of the Revised Code.

"PACE provider" has the same meaning as in 42 U.S.C. 1396u-4(a)(3).

(B) The department of aging shall establish a home first component of the PACE program under which eligible individuals may be enrolled in the PACE program in accordance with this section. An individual is eligible for the PACE program's home first component if all both of the following apply:

(1) The individual is has been determined to be eligible for the PACE program.

(2) The individual is on the unified waiting list established under section 173.404 of the Revised Code.

(3) At least one of the following applies:

(a) The individual has been admitted to a nursing facility.

(b) A physician has determined and documented in writing that the individual has a medical condition that, unless the individual is enrolled in home and community-based services such as the PACE program, will require the individual to be admitted to a nursing facility within thirty days of the physician's determination.

(c) The individual has been hospitalized and a physician has determined and documented in writing that, unless the individual is enrolled in home and community-based services such as the PACE program, the individual is to be transported directly from the hospital to a nursing facility and admitted.

(d) Both of the following apply:

(i) The individual is the subject of a report made under section 5101.61 of the Revised Code regarding abuse, neglect, or exploitation or such a report referred to a county department of job and family services under section 5126.31 of the Revised Code or has made a request to a county department for protective services as defined in section 5101.60 of the Revised Code.

(ii) A county department of job and family services and an area agency on aging have jointly documented in writing that, unless the individual is enrolled in home and community-based services such as the PACE program, the individual should be admitted to a nursing facility.

(C) Each month, the department of aging shall identify individuals who are eligible for the home first component of the PACE program. When the department identifies such an individual, the department shall notify the PACE provider serving the area in which the individual resides. The PACE provider shall determine whether the PACE program is appropriate for the individual and whether the individual would rather participate in the PACE program than continue or begin to reside in a nursing facility. If the PACE provider determines that the PACE program is appropriate for the individual and the individual would rather participate in the PACE program than continue or begin to reside in a nursing facility, the PACE provider shall so notify the department of aging. On receipt of the notice from the PACE provider, the department of aging shall approve the individual's enrollment in the PACE program in accordance with priorities established in rules adopted under section 173.50 of the Revised Code.

(D) Each quarter, the department of aging shall certify to the director of budget and management the estimated increase in costs of the PACE program resulting from enrollment of individuals in the PACE program pursuant to this section.

Sec. 183.151.  (A) As used in this section, "eligible institution of higher education" includes any of the following:

(1) A state institution of higher education as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code;

(2) A private, nonprofit college or university that holds a certificate of authorization issued under Chapter 1713. of the Revised Code;

(3) An institution that has a certificate of registration from the state board of career colleges and schools;

(4) A private institution exempt from regulation under Chapter 3332. of the Revised Code as prescribed in section 3333.046 of the Revised Code;

(5) An institution of higher education located outside of the state, but within fifty miles of the borders of this state.

(B) Grants or loans awarded by the southern Ohio agricultural and community development foundation to provide education and training assistance pursuant to section 183.15 of the Revised Code shall be limited to applicants who are enrolled in an eligible institution of higher education. This section applies to grants and loans awarded by the foundation after the effective date of this section.

Sec. 183.30.  (A)(1) Except as provided in division (C)(A)(2) of this section, no more than five per cent of the total disbursements, encumbrances, and obligations of the southern Ohio agricultural and community development foundation in a fiscal year shall be for administrative expenses of the foundation in the same fiscal year.

(B) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, no more than five per cent of the total disbursements, encumbrances, and obligations of the biomedical research and technology transfer trust fund in a fiscal year shall be for expenses relating to the administration of the trust fund by the third frontier commission in the same fiscal year.

(C) This section's (2) The five per cent limitation on administrative expenses does not apply to any fiscal year for which the controlling board approves a spending plan that the foundation or commission submits to the board.

(B) Payments may be made from the biomedical research and technology transfer trust fund for third frontier commission expenses related to the administration of awards made from the fund prior to the effective date of this section. No such payments shall be made after June 30, 2013.

Sec. 183.51. (A) As used in this section and in the applicable bond proceedings unless otherwise provided:

(1) "Bond proceedings" means the resolutions, orders, indentures, purchase and sale and trust and other agreements including any amendments or supplements to them, and credit enhancement facilities, and amendments and supplements to them, or any one or more or combination of them, authorizing, awarding, or providing for the terms and conditions applicable to or providing for the security or liquidity of, the particular obligations, and the provisions contained in those obligations.

(2) "Bond service fund" means the bond service fund created in the bond proceedings for the obligations.

(3) "Capital facilities" means, as applicable, capital facilities or projects as referred to in section 151.03 or 151.04 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Consent decree" means the consent decree and final judgment entered November 25, 1998, in the court of common pleas of Franklin county, Ohio, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

(5) "Cost of capital facilities" has the same meaning as in section 151.01 of the Revised Code, as applicable.

(6) "Credit enhancement facilities," "financing costs," and "interest" or "interest equivalent" have the same meanings as in section 133.01 of the Revised Code.

(7) "Debt service" means principal, including any mandatory sinking fund or redemption requirements for retirement of obligations, interest and other accreted amounts, interest equivalent, and any redemption premium, payable on obligations. If not prohibited by the applicable bond proceedings, "debt service" may include costs relating to credit enhancement facilities that are related to and represent, or are intended to provide a source of payment of or limitation on, other debt service.

(8) "Improvement fund" means, as applicable, the school building program assistance fund created in section 3318.25 of the Revised Code and the higher education improvement fund created in section 154.21 of the Revised Code.

(9) "Issuing authority" means the buckeye tobacco settlement financing authority created in section 183.52 of the Revised Code.

(10) "Net proceeds" means amounts received from the sale of obligations, excluding amounts used to refund or retire outstanding obligations, amounts required to be deposited into special funds pursuant to the applicable bond proceedings, and amounts to be used to pay financing costs.

(11) "Obligations" means bonds, notes, or other evidences of obligation of the issuing authority, including any appertaining interest coupons, issued by the issuing authority under this section and Section 2i of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, for the purpose of providing funds to the state, in exchange for the assignment and sale described in division (B) of this section, for the purpose of paying costs of capital facilities for: (a) housing branches and agencies of state government limited to facilities for a system of common schools throughout the state and (b) state-supported or state-assisted institutions of higher education.

(12) "Pledged receipts" means, as and to the extent provided for in the applicable bond proceedings:

(a) Pledged tobacco settlement receipts;

(b) Accrued interest received from the sale of obligations;

(c) Income from the investment of the special funds;

(d) Additional or any other specific revenues or receipts lawfully available to be pledged, and pledged, pursuant to the bond proceedings, including but not limited to amounts received under credit enhancement facilities, to the payment of debt service.

(13) "Pledged tobacco settlement receipts" means all amounts received by the issuing authority pursuant to division (B) of this section.

(14) "Principal amount" means the aggregate of the amount as stated or provided for in the applicable bond proceedings as the amount on which interest or interest equivalent on particular obligations is initially calculated. "Principal amount" does not include any premium paid to the issuing authority by the initial purchaser of the obligations. "Principal amount" of a capital appreciation bond, as defined in division (C) of section 3334.01 of the Revised Code, means its original face amount and not its accreted value, and "principal amount" of a zero coupon bond, as defined in division (J) of section 3334.01 of the Revised Code, means the discounted offering price at which the bond is initially sold to the public, disregarding any purchase price discount to the original purchaser, if provided in or for pursuant to the bond proceedings.

(15) "Special funds" or "funds," unless the context indicates otherwise, means the bond service fund, and any other funds, including any reserve funds, created under the bond proceedings and stated to be special funds in those proceedings, including moneys and investments, and earnings from investments, credited and to be credited to the particular fund. "Special funds" does not include any improvement fund or investment earnings on amounts in any improvement fund, or other funds created by the bond proceedings that are not stated by those proceedings to be special funds.

(B) The state may assign and sell to the issuing authority, and the issuing authority may accept and purchase, all or a portion of the amounts to be received by the state under the tobacco master settlement agreement for a purchase price payable by the issuing authority to the state consisting of the net proceeds of obligations and any residual interest, if any. Any such assignment and sale shall be irrevocable in accordance with its terms during the period any obligations secured by amounts so assigned and sold are outstanding under the applicable bond proceedings, and shall constitute a contractual obligation to the holders or owners of those obligations. Any such assignment and sale shall also be treated as an absolute transfer and true sale for all purposes, and not as a pledge or other security interest. The characterization of any such assignment and sale as a true sale and absolute transfer shall not be negated or adversely affected by only a portion of the amounts to be received under the tobacco master settlement agreement being transferred, the acquisition or retention by the state of a residual interest, the participation of any state officer or employee as a member or officer of, or providing staff support to, the issuing authority, any responsibility of an officer or employee of the state for collecting the amounts to be received under the tobacco master settlement agreement or otherwise enforcing that agreement or retaining any legal title to or interest in any portion of the amounts to be received under that agreement for the purpose of these collection activities, any characterization of the issuing authority or its obligations for purposes of accounting, taxation, or securities regulation, or by any other factors whatsoever. A true sale shall exist under this section regardless of whether the issuing authority has any recourse against the state or any other term of the bond proceedings or the treatment or characterization of the transfer as a financing for any purpose. Upon and following the assignment and sale, the state shall not have any right, title, or interest in the portion of the receipts under the tobacco master settlement agreement so assigned and sold, other than any residual interest that may be described in the applicable bond proceedings for those obligations, and that portion, if any, shall be the property of the issuing authority and not of the state, and shall be paid directly to the issuing authority, and shall be owned, received, held, and disbursed by the issuing authority and not by the state.

The state may covenant, pledge, and agree in the bond proceedings, with and for the benefit of the issuing authority, the holders and owners of obligations, and providers of any credit enhancement facilities, that it shall: (1) maintain statutory authority for, and cause to be collected and paid directly to the issuing authority or its assignee, the pledged receipts, (2) enforce the rights of the issuing authority to receive the receipts under the tobacco master settlement agreement assigned and sold to the issuing authority, (3) not materially impair the rights of the issuing authority to fulfill the terms of its agreements with the holders or owners of outstanding obligations under the bond proceedings, (4) not materially impair the rights and remedies of the holders or owners of outstanding obligations or materially impair the security for those outstanding obligations, and (5) enforce Chapter 1346. of the Revised Code, the tobacco master settlement agreement, and the consent decree to effectuate the collection of the pledged tobacco settlement receipts. The bond proceedings may provide or authorize the manner for determining material impairment of the security for any outstanding obligations, including by assessing and evaluating the pledged receipts in the aggregate.

As further provided for in division (H) of this section, the bond proceedings may also include such other covenants, pledges, and agreements by the state to protect and safeguard the security and rights of the holders and owners of the obligations, and of the providers of any credit enhancement facilities, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any covenant, pledge, or agreement customary in transactions involving the issuance of securities the debt service on which is payable from or secured by amounts received under the tobacco master settlement agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any covenant, pledge, and agreement of the state, if and when made in the bond proceedings, shall be controlling and binding upon, and enforceable against the state in accordance with its terms for so long as any obligations are outstanding under the applicable bond proceedings. The bond proceedings may also include limitations on the remedies available to the issuing authority, the holders and owners of the obligations, and the providers of any credit enhancement facilities, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a provision that those remedies may be limited to injunctive relief in circumstances where there has been no prior determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that the state has not enforced Chapter 1346. of the Revised Code, the tobacco master settlement agreement, or the consent decree as may have been covenanted or agreed in the bond proceedings under division (B)(5) of this section.

Nothing in this section or the bond proceedings shall preclude or limit, or be construed to preclude or limit, the state from regulating or authorizing or permitting the regulation of smoking or from taxing and regulating the sale of cigarettes or other tobacco products, or from defending or prosecuting cases or other actions relating to the sale or use of cigarettes or other tobacco products. Except as otherwise may be agreed in writing by the attorney general, nothing in this section or the bond proceedings shall modify or limit, or be construed to modify or limit, the responsibility, power, judgment, and discretion of the attorney general to protect and discharge the duties, rights, and obligations of the state under the tobacco master settlement agreement, the consent decree, or Chapter 1346. of the Revised Code.

The governor and the director of budget and management, in consultation with the attorney general, on behalf of the state, and any member or officer of the issuing authority as authorized by that issuing authority, on behalf of the issuing authority, may take any action and execute any documents, including any purchase and sale agreements, necessary to effect the assignment and sale and the acceptance of the assignment and title to the receipts including, providing irrevocable direction to the escrow agent acting under the tobacco master settlement agreement to transfer directly to the issuing authority the amounts to be received under that agreement that are subject to such assignment and sale. Any purchase and sale agreement or other bond proceedings may contain the terms and conditions established by the state and the issuing authority to carry out and effectuate the purposes of this section, including, without limitation, covenants binding the state in favor of the issuing authority and its assignees and the owners of the obligations. Any such purchase and sale agreement shall be sufficient to effectuate such purchase and sale without regard to any other laws governing other property sales or financial transactions by the state.

Not later than two years following the date on which there are no longer any obligations outstanding under the bond proceedings, all assets of the issuing authority shall vest in the state, the issuing authority shall execute any necessary assignments or instruments, including any assignment of any right, title, or ownership to the state for receipt of amounts under the tobacco master settlement agreement, and the issuing authority shall be dissolved.

(C) The issuing authority is authorized to issue and to sell obligations as provided in this section. The aggregate principal amount of obligations issued under this section shall not exceed six billion dollars, exclusive of obligations issued under division (M)(1) of this section to refund, renew, or advance refund other obligations issued or incurred. At least seventy-five per cent of the aggregate net proceeds of the obligations issued under the authority of this section, exclusive of obligations issued to refund, renew, or advance refund other obligations, shall be paid to the state for deposit into the school building program assistance fund created in section 3318.25 of the Revised Code.

(D) Each issue of obligations shall be authorized by resolution or order of the issuing authority. The bond proceedings shall provide for or authorize the manner for determining the principal amount or maximum principal amount of obligations of an issue, the principal maturity or maturities, the interest rate or rates, the date of and the dates of payment of interest on the obligations, their denominations, and the place or places of payment of debt service which may be within or outside the state. Unless otherwise provided by law, the latest principal maturity may not be later than the earlier of the thirty-first day of December of the fiftieth calendar year after the year of issuance of the particular obligations or of the fiftieth calendar year after the year in which the original obligation to pay was issued or entered into. Sections 9.96, 9.98, 9.981, 9.982, and 9.983 of the Revised Code apply to the obligations.

The purpose of the obligations may be stated in the bond proceedings in general terms, such as, as applicable, "paying costs of capital facilities for a system of common schools" and "paying costs of facilities for state-supported and state-assisted institutions of higher education." Unless otherwise provided in the bond proceedings or in division (C) of this section, the net proceeds from the issuance of the obligations shall be paid to the state for deposit into the applicable improvement fund. In addition to the investments authorized in Chapter 135. of the Revised Code, the net proceeds held in an improvement fund may be invested by the treasurer of state in guaranteed investment contracts with providers rated at the time of any investment in the three highest rating categories by two nationally recognized rating agencies, all subject to the terms and conditions set forth in those agreements or the bond proceedings. Notwithstanding division (B)(4) of section 3318.38 anything to the contrary in Chapter 3318. of the Revised Code, net proceeds of obligations deposited into the school building program assistance fund created in section 3318.25 of the Revised Code may be used to pay basic project costs under section 3318.38 of the Revised Code that chapter at the times determined by the Ohio school facilities commission without regard to whether those expenditures are in proportion to the state's and the school district's respective shares of that basic project cost; provided that this shall not result in any change in the state or school district shares of the basic project costs provided under Chapter 3318. of the Revised Code as determined under that chapter. As used in the preceding sentence, "Ohio school facilities commission" and "basic project costs" have the same meanings as in section 3318.01 of the Revised Code.

(E) The issuing authority may, without need for any other approval, appoint or provide for the appointment of paying agents, bond registrars, securities depositories, credit enhancement providers or counterparties, clearing corporations, and transfer agents, and retain or contract for the services of underwriters, investment bankers, financial advisers, accounting experts, marketing, remarketing, indexing, and administrative agents, other consultants, and independent contractors, including printing services, as are necessary in the judgment of the issuing authority to carry out the issuing authority's functions under this section and section 183.52 of the Revised Code. The attorney general as counsel to the issuing authority shall represent the authority in the execution of its powers and duties, and shall institute and prosecute all actions on its behalf. The issuing authority, in consultation with the attorney general, shall select counsel, and the attorney general shall appoint the counsel selected, for the purposes of carrying out the functions under this section and related sections of the Revised Code. Financing costs are payable, as may be provided in the bond proceedings, from the proceeds of the obligations, from special funds, or from other moneys available for the purpose, including as to future financing costs, from the pledged receipts.

(F) The issuing authority may irrevocably pledge and assign all, or such portion as the issuing authority determines, of the pledged receipts to the payment of the debt service charges on obligations issued under this section, and for the establishment and maintenance of any reserves, as provided in the bond proceedings, and make other provisions in the bond proceedings with respect to pledged receipts as authorized by this section, which provisions are controlling notwithstanding any other provisions of law pertaining to them. Any and all pledged receipts received by the issuing authority and required by the bond proceedings, consistent with this section, to be deposited, transferred, or credited to the bond service fund, and all other money transferred or allocated to or received for the purposes of that fund, shall be deposited and credited to the bond service fund created in the bond proceedings for the obligations, subject to any applicable provisions of those bond proceedings, but without necessity for any act of appropriation. Those pledged receipts shall immediately be subject to the lien of that pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and shall not be subject to other court judgments. The lien of the pledge of those pledged receipts shall be valid and binding against all parties having claims of any kind against the issuing authority, irrespective of whether those parties have notice thereof. The pledge shall create a perfected security interest for all purposes of Chapter 1309. of the Revised Code and a perfected lien for purposes of any other interest, all without the necessity for separation or delivery of funds or for the filing or recording of the applicable bond proceedings by which that pledge is created or any certificate, statement, or other document with respect thereto. The pledge of the pledged receipts shall be effective and the money therefrom and thereof may be applied to the purposes for which pledged.

(G) Obligations may be further secured, as determined by the issuing authority, by an indenture or a trust agreement between the issuing authority and a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank having a place of business within the state. Any indenture or trust agreement may contain the resolution or order authorizing the issuance of the obligations, any provisions that may be contained in any bond proceedings, and other provisions that are customary or appropriate in an agreement of that type, including, but not limited to:

(1) Maintenance of each pledge, indenture, trust agreement, or other instrument comprising part of the bond proceedings until the issuing authority has fully paid or provided for the payment of debt service on the obligations secured by it;

(2) In the event of default in any payments required to be made by the bond proceedings, enforcement of those payments or agreements by mandamus, the appointment of a receiver, suit in equity, action at law, or any combination of them;

(3) The rights and remedies of the holders or owners of obligations and of the trustee and provisions for protecting and enforcing them, including limitations on rights of individual holders and owners.

(H) The bond proceedings may contain additional provisions customary or appropriate to the financing or to the obligations or to particular obligations including, but not limited to, provisions for:

(1) The redemption of obligations prior to maturity at the option of the issuing authority or of the holder or upon the occurrence of certain conditions, and at a particular price or prices and under particular terms and conditions;

(2) The form of and other terms of the obligations;

(3) The establishment, deposit, investment, and application of special funds, and the safeguarding of moneys on hand or on deposit, in lieu of the applicability of provisions of Chapter 131. or 135. of the Revised Code, but subject to any special provisions of this section with respect to the application of particular funds or moneys. Any financial institution that acts as a depository of any moneys in special funds or other funds under the bond proceedings may furnish indemnifying bonds or pledge securities as required by the issuing authority.

(4) Any or every provision of the bond proceedings being binding upon the issuing authority and upon such governmental agency or entity, officer, board, authority, agency, department, institution, district, or other person or body as may from time to time be authorized to take actions as may be necessary to perform all or any part of the duty required by the provision;

(5) The maintenance of each pledge or instrument comprising part of the bond proceedings until the issuing authority has fully paid or provided for the payment of the debt service on the obligations or met other stated conditions;

(6) In the event of default in any payments required to be made by the bond proceedings, or by any other agreement of the issuing authority made as part of a contract under which the obligations were issued or secured, including a credit enhancement facility, the enforcement of those payments by mandamus, a suit in equity, an action at law, or any combination of those remedial actions;

(7) The rights and remedies of the holders or owners of obligations or of book-entry interests in them, and of third parties under any credit enhancement facility, and provisions for protecting and enforcing those rights and remedies, including limitations on rights of individual holders or owners;

(8) The replacement of mutilated, destroyed, lost, or stolen obligations;

(9) The funding, refunding, or advance refunding, or other provision for payment, of obligations that will then no longer be outstanding for purposes of this section or of the applicable bond proceedings;

(10) Amendment of the bond proceedings;

(11) Any other or additional agreements with the owners of obligations, and such other provisions as the issuing authority determines, including limitations, conditions, or qualifications, relating to any of the foregoing or the activities of the issuing authority in connection therewith.

The bond proceedings shall make provision for the payment of the expenses of the enforcement activity of the attorney general referred to in division (B) of this section from the amounts from the tobacco master settlement agreement assigned and sold to the issuing authority under that division or from the proceeds of obligations, or a combination thereof, which may include provision for both annual payments and a special fund providing reserve amounts for the payment of those expenses.

The issuing authority shall not, and shall covenant in the bond proceedings that it shall not, be authorized to and shall not file a voluntary petition under the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. 101 et seq., as amended, or voluntarily commence any similar bankruptcy proceeding under state law including, without limitation, consenting to the appointment of a receiver or trustee or making a general or specific assignment for the benefit of creditors, and neither any public officer or any organization, entity, or other person shall authorize the issuing authority to be or become a debtor under the United States Bankruptcy Code or take any of those actions under the United States Bankruptcy Code or state law. The state hereby covenants, and the issuing authority shall covenant, with the holders or owners of the obligations, that the state shall not permit the issuing authority to file a voluntary petition under the United States Bankruptcy Code or take any of those actions under the United States Bankruptcy Code or state law during the period obligations are outstanding and for any additional period for which the issuing authority covenants in the bond proceedings, which additional period may, but need not, be a period of three hundred sixty-seven days or more.

(I) The obligations requiring execution by or for the issuing authority shall be signed as provided in the bond proceedings, and may bear the official seal of the issuing authority or a facsimile thereof. Any obligation may be signed by the individual who, on the date of execution, is the authorized signer even though, on the date of the obligations, that individual is not an authorized signer. In case the individual whose signature or facsimile signature appears on any obligation ceases to be an authorized signer before delivery of the obligation, that signature or facsimile is nevertheless valid and sufficient for all purposes as if that individual had remained the authorized signer until delivery.

(J) Obligations are investment securities under Chapter 1308. of the Revised Code. Obligations may be issued in bearer or in registered form, registrable as to principal alone or as to both principal and interest, or both, or in certificated or uncertificated form, as the issuing authority determines. Provision may be made for the exchange, conversion, or transfer of obligations and for reasonable charges for registration, exchange, conversion, and transfer. Pending preparation of final obligations, the issuing authority may provide for the issuance of interim instruments to be exchanged for the final obligations.

(K) Obligations may be sold at public sale or at private sale, in such manner, and at such price at, above, or below par, all as determined by and provided by the issuing authority in the bond proceedings.

(L) Except to the extent that rights are restricted by the bond proceedings, any owner of obligations or provider of or counterparty to a credit enhancement facility may by any suitable form of legal proceedings protect and enforce any rights relating to obligations or that facility under the laws of this state or granted by the bond proceedings. Those rights include the right to compel the performance of all applicable duties of the issuing authority and the state. Each duty of the issuing authority and that issuing authority's officers, staff, and employees, and of each state entity or agency, or using district or using institution, and its officers, members, staff, or employees, undertaken pursuant to the bond proceedings, is hereby established as a duty of the entity or individual having authority to perform that duty, specifically enjoined by law and resulting from an office, trust, or station within the meaning of section 2731.01 of the Revised Code. The individuals who are from time to time members of the issuing authority, or their designees acting pursuant to section 183.52 of the Revised Code, or the issuing authority's officers, staff, agents, or employees, when acting within the scope of their employment or agency, shall not be liable in their personal capacities on any obligations or otherwise under the bond proceedings, or for otherwise exercising or carrying out any purposes or powers of the issuing authority.

(M)(1) Subject to any applicable limitations in division (C) of this section, the issuing authority may also authorize and provide for the issuance of:

(a) Obligations in the form of bond anticipation notes, and may authorize and provide for the renewal of those notes from time to time by the issuance of new notes. The holders of notes or appertaining interest coupons have the right to have debt service on those notes paid solely from the moneys and special funds, and all or any portion of the pledged receipts, that are or may be pledged to that payment, including the proceeds of bonds or renewal notes or both, as the issuing authority provides in the bond proceedings authorizing the notes. Notes may be additionally secured by covenants of the issuing authority to the effect that the issuing authority will do all things necessary for the issuance of bonds or renewal notes in such principal amount and upon such terms as may be necessary to provide moneys to pay when due the debt service on the notes, and apply their proceeds to the extent necessary, to make full and timely payment of debt service on the notes as provided in the applicable bond proceedings. In the bond proceedings authorizing the issuance of bond anticipation notes the issuing authority shall set forth for the bonds anticipated an estimated schedule of annual principal payments the latest of which shall be no later than provided in division (D) of this section. While the notes are outstanding there shall be deposited, as shall be provided in the bond proceedings for those notes, from the sources authorized for payment of debt service on the bonds, amounts sufficient to pay the principal of the bonds anticipated as set forth in that estimated schedule during the time the notes are outstanding, which amounts shall be used solely to pay the principal of those notes or of the bonds anticipated.

(b) Obligations for the refunding, including funding and retirement, and advance refunding, with or without payment or redemption prior to maturity, of any obligations previously issued under this section and any bonds or notes previously issued for the purpose of paying costs of capital facilities for: (i) state-supported or state-assisted institutions of higher education as authorized by sections 151.01 and 151.04 of the Revised Code, pursuant to Sections 2i and 2n of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, and (ii) housing branches and agencies of state government limited to facilities for a system of common schools throughout the state as authorized by sections 151.01 and 151.03 of the Revised Code, pursuant to Sections 2i and 2n of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution. Refunding obligations may be issued in amounts sufficient to pay or to provide for repayment of the principal amount, including principal amounts maturing prior to the redemption of the remaining prior obligations or bonds or notes, any redemption premium, and interest accrued or to accrue to the maturity or redemption date or dates, payable on the prior obligations or bonds or notes, and related financing costs and any expenses incurred or to be incurred in connection with that issuance and refunding. Subject to the applicable bond proceedings, the portion of the proceeds of the sale of refunding obligations issued under division (M)(1)(b) of this section to be applied to debt service on the prior obligations or bonds or notes shall be credited to an appropriate separate account in the bond service fund and held in trust for the purpose by the issuing authority or by a corporate trustee, and may be invested as provided in the bond proceedings. Obligations authorized under this division shall be considered to be issued for those purposes for which the prior obligations or bonds or notes were issued.

(2) The principal amount of refunding, advance refunding, or renewal obligations issued pursuant to division (M) of this section shall be in addition to the amount authorized in division (C) of this section.

(N) Obligations are lawful investments for banks, savings and loan associations, credit union share guaranty corporations, trust companies, trustees, fiduciaries, insurance companies, including domestic for life and domestic not for life, trustees or other officers having charge of sinking and bond retirement or other special funds of the state and political subdivisions and taxing districts of this state, notwithstanding any other provisions of the Revised Code or rules adopted pursuant to those provisions by any state agency with respect to investments by them, and are also acceptable as security for the repayment of the deposit of public moneys. The exemptions from taxation in Ohio as provided for in particular sections of the Ohio Constitution and section 5709.76 of the Revised Code apply to the obligations.

(O)(1) Unless otherwise provided or provided for in any applicable bond proceedings, moneys to the credit of or in a special fund shall be disbursed on the order of the issuing authority. No such order is required for the payment, from the bond service fund or other special fund, when due of debt service or required payments under credit enhancement facilities.

(2) Payments received by the issuing authority under interest rate hedges entered into as credit enhancement facilities under this section shall be deposited as provided in the applicable bond proceedings.

(P) The obligations shall not be general obligations of the state and the full faith and credit, revenue, and taxing power of the state shall not be pledged to the payment of debt service on them or to any guarantee of the payment of that debt service. The holders or owners of the obligations shall have no right to have any moneys obligated or pledged for the payment of debt service except as provided in this section and in the applicable bond proceedings. The rights of the holders and owners to payment of debt service are limited to all or that portion of the pledged receipts, and those special funds, pledged to the payment of debt service pursuant to the bond proceedings in accordance with this section, and each obligation shall bear on its face a statement to that effect.

(Q) Each bond service fund is a trust fund and is hereby pledged to the payment of debt service on the applicable obligations. Payment of that debt service shall be made or provided for by the issuing authority in accordance with the bond proceedings without necessity for any act of appropriation. The bond proceedings may provide for the establishment of separate accounts in the bond service fund and for the application of those accounts only to debt service on specific obligations, and for other accounts in the bond service fund within the general purposes of that fund.

(R) Subject to the bond proceedings pertaining to any obligations then outstanding in accordance with their terms, the issuing authority may in the bond proceedings pledge all, or such portion as the issuing authority determines, of the moneys in the bond service fund to the payment of debt service on particular obligations, and for the establishment and maintenance of any reserves for payment of particular debt service.

(S)(1) Unless otherwise provided in any applicable bond proceedings, moneys to the credit of special funds may be invested by or on behalf of the issuing authority only in one or more of the following:

(a) Notes, bonds, or other direct obligations of the United States or of any agency or instrumentality of the United States, or in no-front-end-load money market mutual funds consisting exclusively of those obligations, or in repurchase agreements, including those issued by any fiduciary, secured by those obligations, or in collective investment funds consisting exclusively of those obligations;

(b) Obligations of this state or any political subdivision of this state;

(c) Certificates of deposit of any national bank located in this state and any bank, as defined in section 1101.01 of the Revised Code, subject to inspection by the superintendent of financial institutions;

(d) The treasurer of state's pooled investment program under section 135.45 of the Revised Code;

(e) Other investment agreements or repurchase agreements that are consistent with the ratings on the obligations.

(2) The income from investments referred to in division (S)(1) of this section shall be credited to special funds or otherwise as the issuing authority determines in the bond proceedings. Those investments may be sold or exchanged at times as the issuing authority determines, provides for, or authorizes.

(T) The treasurer of state shall have responsibility for keeping records, making reports, and making payments, relating to any arbitrage rebate requirements under the applicable bond proceedings.

(U) The issuing authority shall make quarterly reports to the general assembly of the amounts in, and activities of, each improvement fund, including amounts and activities on the subfund level. Each report shall include a detailed description and analysis of the amount of proceeds remaining in each fund from the sale of obligations pursuant to this section, and any other deposits, credits, interest earnings, disbursements, expenses, transfers, or activities of each fund.

(V) The costs of the annual audit of the authority conducted pursuant to section 117.112 of the Revised Code are payable, as may be provided in the bond proceedings, from the proceeds of the obligations, from special funds, or from other moneys available for the purpose, including as to future financing costs, from the pledged receipts.

Sec. 185.01.  As used in this chapter:

(A) "Advanced practice nurse" has the same meaning as in section 4723.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Collaboration" has the same meaning as in section 4723.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Health care coverage and quality council" means the entity established under section 3923.90 of the Revised Code.

(D) "Patient centered medical home education advisory group" means the entity established under section 185.03 of the Revised Code to implement and administer the patient centered medical home education pilot project.

(E)(D) "Patient centered medical home education pilot project" means the pilot project established under section 185.02 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 185.03. (A) The patient centered medical home education advisory group is hereby created for the purpose of implementing and administering the patient centered medical home pilot project. The advisory group shall develop a set of expected outcomes for the pilot project.

(B) The advisory group shall consist of the following voting members:

(1) One individual with expertise in the training and education of primary care physicians who is appointed by the dean of the university of Toledo college of medicine;

(2) One individual with expertise in the training and education of primary care physicians who is appointed by the dean of the Boonshoft school of medicine at Wright state university;

(3) One individual with expertise in the training and education of primary care physicians who is appointed by the president and dean of the northeastern Ohio universities colleges of medicine and pharmacy;

(4) One individual with expertise in the training and education of primary care physicians who is appointed by the dean of the Ohio university college of osteopathic medicine;

(5) Two individuals appointed by the governing board of the Ohio academy of family physicians;

(6) One individual appointed by the governing board of the Ohio chapter of the American college of physicians;

(7) One individual appointed by the governing board of the American academy of pediatrics;

(8) One individual appointed by the governing board of the Ohio osteopathic association;

(9) One individual with expertise in the training and education of advanced practice nurses who is appointed by the governing board of the Ohio council of deans and directors of baccalaureate and higher degree programs in nursing;

(10) One individual appointed by the governing board of the Ohio nurses association;

(11) One individual appointed by the governing board of the Ohio association of advanced practice nurses;

(12) A member of the health care coverage and quality council, other than the advisory group member specified in division (C)(2) of this section, One individual appointed by the governing board of the Ohio council for home care and hospice;

(13) One individual appointed by the superintendent of insurance.

(C) The advisory group shall consist of the following nonvoting, ex officio members:

(1) The executive director of the state medical board, or the director's designee;

(2) The executive director of the board of nursing or the director's designee;

(3) The chancellor of the Ohio board of regents, or the chancellor's designee;

(4) The individual within the department of job and family services who serves as the director of medicaid, or the director's designee;

(5) The director of health or the director's designee.

(D) Advisory group members who are appointed shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authorities. Terms of office of appointed members shall be three years, except that a member's term ends if the pilot project ceases operation during the member's term.

Vacancies shall be filled in the manner provided for original appointments.

Members shall serve without compensation, except to the extent that serving on the advisory group is considered part of their regular employment duties.

(E) The advisory group shall select from among its members a chairperson and vice-chairperson. The advisory group may select any other officers it considers necessary to conduct its business.

A majority of the members of the advisory group constitutes a quorum for the transaction of official business. A majority of a quorum is necessary for the advisory group to take any action, except that when one or more members of a quorum are required to abstain from voting as provided in division (C)(1)(d) or (C)(2)(c) of section 185.05 of the Revised Code, the number of members necessary for a majority of a quorum shall be reduced accordingly.

The advisory group shall meet as necessary to fulfill its duties. The times and places for the meetings shall be selected by the chairperson.

(F) Sections 101.82 to 101.87 of the Revised Code do not apply to the advisory group.

Sec. 185.06. (A) To be eligible for inclusion in the patient centered medical home education pilot project, a physician practice shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Consist of physicians who are board-certified in family medicine, general pediatrics, or internal medicine, as those designations are issued by a medical specialty certifying board recognized by the American board of medical specialties or American osteopathic association;

(2) Be capable of adapting the practice during the period in which the practice receives funding from the patient centered medical home education advisory group in such a manner that the practice is fully compliant with the minimum standards for operation of a patient centered medical home, as those standards are established by the advisory group;

(3) Comply with any reporting requirements recommended by the health care coverage and quality council under division (A)(12) of section 3923.91 of the Revised Code;

(4) Meet any other criteria established by the advisory group as part of the selection process.

(B) To be eligible for inclusion in the pilot project, an advanced practice nurse primary care practice shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Consist of advanced practice nurses who meet all of the following requirements:

(a) Hold a certificate to prescribe issued under section 4723.48 of the Revised Code;

(b) Are board-certified as a family nurse practitioner or adult nurse practitioner by the American academy of nurse practitioners or American nurses credentialing center, board-certified as a geriatric nurse practitioner or women's health nurse practitioner by the American nurses credentialing center, or is board-certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner by the American nurses credentialing center or pediatric nursing certification board;

(c) Has a collaboration agreement with a physician with board certification as specified in division (A)(1) of this section and who is an active participant on the health care team.

(2) Be capable of adapting the primary care practice during the period in which the practice receives funding from the advisory group in such a manner that the practice is fully compliant with the minimum standards for operation of a patient centered medical home, as those standards are established by the advisory group;

(3) Comply with any reporting requirements recommended by the health care coverage and quality council under division (A)(12) of section 3923.91 of the Revised Code;

(4) Meet any other criteria established by the advisory group as part of the selection process.

Sec. 185.10. The patient centered medical home education advisory group shall seek funding sources for the patient centered medical home education pilot project. In doing so, the advisory group may apply for grants, seek federal funds, seek private donations, or seek any other type of funding that may be available for the pilot project. To ensure that appropriate sources of and opportunities for funding are identified and pursued, the advisory group may ask for assistance from the health care coverage and quality council.

Sec. 301.02.  Previous to the presentation of a petition to the general assembly praying that a new county be erected, or for the location or relocation of a county seat, notice of the intention to present such petition shall be given, at least thirty days before the ensuing session of the general assembly, by advertisement in a newspaper published of general circulation in each county from which such new county is intended to be taken. If no paper newspaper is printed of general circulation within the county, notice shall be given by advertisement affixed to the door of the house where courts are held for such county, for such period of thirty days. The notice shall set forth the boundary lines of the new county, or the place where it is proposed to locate such county seat.

Sec. 301.15.  Within sixty days after their appointment, the commissioners provided for by section 301.14 of the Revised Code, or any two of them, shall assemble at some convenient place in the new county. Twenty days' notice of the time, place, and purpose of such meeting shall be given by publication in a newspaper published in and circulated of general circulation in such the county, or by being posted in three of the most public places in such county. When assembled, after having taken the oath of office prescribed by sections 3.22 and 3.23 of the Revised Code, such commissioners shall proceed to examine and select the most proper place as a seat of justice, as near the center of the county as possible, having regard to the situation, extent of population, quality of land, and the convenience and interest of the inhabitants.

Sec. 301.28.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Financial transaction device" includes a credit card, debit card, charge card, or prepaid or stored value card, or automated clearinghouse network credit, debit, or e-check entry that includes, but is not limited to, accounts receivable and internet-initiated, point of purchase, and telephone-initiated applications or any other device or method for making an electronic payment or transfer of funds.

(2) "County expenses" includes fees, costs, taxes, assessments, fines, penalties, payments, or any other expense a person owes to a county office under the authority of a county official other than dog registration and kennel fees required to be paid under Chapter 955. of the Revised Code.

(3) "County official" includes the county auditor, county treasurer, county engineer, county recorder, county prosecuting attorney, county sheriff, county coroner, county park district and board of county commissioners, the clerk of the probate court, the clerk of the juvenile court, the clerks of court for all divisions of the courts of common pleas, and the clerk of the court of common pleas, the clerk of a county-operated municipal court, and the clerk of a county court.

The term "county expenses" includes county expenses owed to the board of health of the general health district or a combined health district in the county. If the board of county commissioners authorizes county expenses to be paid by financial transaction devices under this section, then the board of health and the general health district and the combined health district may accept payments by financial transaction devices under this section as if the board were a "county official" and the district were a county office. However, in the case of a general health district formed by unification of general health districts under section 3709.10 of the Revised Code, this entitlement applies only if all the boards of county commissioners of all counties in the district have authorized payments to be accepted by financial transaction devices.

(B) Notwithstanding any other section of the Revised Code and except as provided in division (D) of this section, a board of county commissioners may adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of payments by financial transaction devices for county expenses. The resolution shall include the following:

(1) A specification of those county officials who, and of the county offices under those county officials that, are authorized to accept payments by financial transaction devices;

(2) A list of county expenses that may be paid for through the use of a financial transaction device;

(3) Specific identification of financial transaction devices that the board authorizes as acceptable means of payment for county expenses. Uniform acceptance of financial transaction devices among different types of county expenses is not required.

(4) The amount, if any, authorized as a surcharge or convenience fee under division (E) of this section for persons using a financial transaction device. Uniform application of surcharges or convenience fees among different types of county expenses is not required.

(5) A specific provision as provided in division (G) of this section requiring the payment of a penalty if a payment made by means of a financial transaction device is returned or dishonored for any reason.

The board's resolution shall also designate the county treasurer as an administrative agent to solicit proposals, within guidelines established by the board in the resolution and in compliance with the procedures provided in division (C) of this section, from financial institutions, issuers of financial transaction devices, and processors of financial transaction devices, to make recommendations about those proposals to the board, and to assist county offices in implementing the county's financial transaction devices program. The county treasurer may decline this responsibility within thirty days after receiving a copy of the board's resolution by notifying the board in writing within that period. If the treasurer so notifies the board, the board shall perform the duties of the administrative agent.

If the county treasurer is the administrative agent and fails to administer the county financial transaction devices program in accordance with the guidelines in the board's resolution, the board shall notify the treasurer in writing of the board's findings, explain the failures, and give the treasurer six months to correct the failures. If the treasurer fails to make the appropriate corrections within that six-month period, the board may pass a resolution declaring the board to be the administrative agent. The board may later rescind that resolution at its discretion.

(C) The county shall follow the procedures provided in this division whenever it plans to contract with financial institutions, issuers of financial transaction devices, or processors of financial transaction devices for the purposes of this section. The administrative agent shall request proposals from at least three financial institutions, issuers of financial transaction devices, or processors of financial transaction devices, as appropriate in accordance with the resolution adopted under division (B) of this section. Prior to sending any financial institution, issuer, or processor a copy of any such request, the county shall advertise its intent to request proposals in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for two consecutive weeks or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. The notice shall state that the county intends to request proposals; specify the purpose of the request; indicate the date, which shall be at least ten days after the second publication, on which the request for proposals will be mailed to financial institutions, issuers, or processors; and require that any financial institution, issuer, or processor, whichever is appropriate, interested in receiving the request for proposals submit written notice of this interest to the county not later than noon of the day on which the request for proposals will be mailed.

Upon receiving the proposals, the administrative agent shall review them and make a recommendation to the board of county commissioners on which proposals to accept. The board of county commissioners shall consider the agent's recommendation and review all proposals submitted, and then may choose to contract with any or all of the entities submitting proposals, as appropriate. The board shall provide any financial institution, issuer, or processor that submitted a proposal, but with which the board does not enter into a contract, notice that its proposal is rejected. The notice shall state the reasons for the rejection, indicate whose proposals were accepted, and provide a copy of the terms and conditions of the successful bids.

(D) A board of county commissioners adopting a resolution under this section shall send a copy of the resolution to each county official in the county who is authorized by the resolution to accept payments by financial transaction devices. After receiving the resolution and before accepting payments by financial transaction devices, a county official shall provide written notification to the board of county commissioners of the official's intent to implement the resolution within the official's office. Each county office subject to the board's resolution adopted under division (B) of this section may use only the financial institutions, issuers of financial transaction devices, and processors of financial transaction devices with which the board of county commissioners contracts, and each such office is subject to the terms of those contracts.

If a county office under the authority of a county official is directly responsible for collecting one or more county expenses and the county official determines not to accept payments by financial transaction devices for one or more of those expenses, the office shall not be required to accept payments by financial transaction devices, notwithstanding the adoption of a resolution by the board of county commissioners under this section.

Any office of a clerk of the court of common pleas that accepts financial transaction devices on or before July 1, 1999, and any other county office that accepted such devices before January 1, 1998, may continue to accept such devices without being subject to any resolution passed by the board of county commissioners under division (B) of this section, or any other oversight by the board of the office's financial transaction devices program. Any such office may use surcharges or convenience fees in any manner the county official in charge of the office determines to be appropriate, and, if the county treasurer consents, may appoint the county treasurer to be the office's administrative agent for purposes of accepting financial transaction devices. In order not to be subject to the resolution of the board of county commissioners adopted under division (B) of this section, a county office shall notify the board in writing within thirty days after March 30, 1999, that it accepted financial transaction devices prior to January 1, 1998, or, in the case of the office of a clerk of the court of common pleas, the clerk has accepted or will accept such devices on or before July 1, 1999. Each such notification shall explain how processing costs associated with financial transaction devices are being paid and shall indicate whether surcharge or convenience fees are being passed on to consumers.

(E) A board of county commissioners may establish a surcharge or convenience fee that may be imposed upon a person making payment by a financial transaction device. The surcharge or convenience fee shall not be imposed unless authorized or otherwise permitted by the rules prescribed by an agreement governing the use and acceptance of the financial transaction device.

If a surcharge or convenience fee is imposed, every county office accepting payment by a financial transaction device, regardless of whether that office is subject to a resolution adopted by a board of county commissioners, shall clearly post a notice in that office and shall notify each person making a payment by such a device about the surcharge or fee. Notice to each person making a payment shall be provided regardless of the medium used to make the payment and in a manner appropriate to that medium. Each notice shall include all of the following:

(1) A statement that there is a surcharge or convenience fee for using a financial transaction device;

(2) The total amount of the charge or fee expressed in dollars and cents for each transaction, or the rate of the charge or fee expressed as a percentage of the total amount of the transaction, whichever is applicable;

(3) A clear statement that the surcharge or convenience fee is nonrefundable.

(F) If a person elects to make a payment to the county by a financial transaction device and a surcharge or convenience fee is imposed, the payment of the surcharge or fee shall be considered voluntary and the surcharge or fee is not refundable.

(G) If a person makes payment by financial transaction device and the payment is returned or dishonored for any reason, the person is liable to the county for payment of a penalty over and above the amount of the expense due. The board of county commissioners shall determine the amount of the penalty, which may be either a fee not to exceed twenty dollars or payment of the amount necessary to reimburse the county for banking charges, legal fees, or other expenses incurred by the county in collecting the returned or dishonored payment. The remedies and procedures provided in this section are in addition to any other available civil or criminal remedies provided by law.

(H) No person making any payment by financial transaction device to a county office shall be relieved from liability for the underlying obligation except to the extent that the county realizes final payment of the underlying obligation in cash or its equivalent. If final payment is not made by the financial transaction device issuer or other guarantor of payment in the transaction, the underlying obligation shall survive and the county shall retain all remedies for enforcement that would have applied if the transaction had not occurred.

(I) A county official or employee who accepts a financial transaction device payment in accordance with this section and any applicable state or local policies or rules is immune from personal liability for the final collection of such payments.

Sec. 305.23.  (A) As used in this section, "county office" means the offices of the county commissioner, county auditor, county treasurer, county engineer, county recorder, county prosecuting attorney, county sheriff, county coroner, county park district, clerk of the juvenile court, clerks of court for all divisions of the courts of common pleas, including the clerk of the court of common pleas, clerk of a county-operated municipal court, and clerk of a county court, and any agency or department under the authority of, or receiving funding in whole or in part from, any of those county offices.

(B) A board of county commissioners may adopt a resolution establishing centralized purchasing, printing, transportation, vehicle maintenance, human resources, revenue collection, and mail operation services for a county office. The resolution shall specify all of the following:

(1) Which county offices are required to use the centralized services;

(2) If not all of the centralized services, which centralized service each county office must use;

(3) A list of rates and charges the county office shall pay for the centralized services;

(4) The date upon which each county office specified in the resolution shall begin using the centralized services.

Not later than ten days after a resolution is adopted under this section, the clerk of the board of county commissioners shall send a copy of the resolution to each county office that is specified in the resolution.

Sec. 306.322.  (A) For any regional transit authority that levies a property tax and that includes a county having a population of at least four hundred thousand according to the most recent federal census, the procedures of this section apply until November 5, 2013, and are in addition to and an alternative to those established in sections 306.32 and 306.321 for joining to the regional transit authority additional counties, municipal corporations, or townships.

(B) Any county, municipal corporation, or township may adopt a resolution or ordinance proposing to join a regional transit authority described in division (A) of this section. In its resolution or ordinance, the political subdivision may propose joining the regional transit authority for a limited period of three years or without a time limit.

(C) The political subdivision proposing to join the regional transit authority shall submit a copy of its resolution or ordinance to the board of the county commissioners of each county, the legislative authority of each municipal corporation, and the board of trustees of each township comprising the regional transit authority. Within thirty days of receiving the resolution or ordinance for inclusion in the regional transit authority, the board of the county commissioners of each county, the legislative authority of each municipal corporation, and the board of trustees of each township shall consider the question of whether to include the additional subdivision in the regional transit authority, shall adopt a resolution or ordinance approving or rejecting the inclusion of the additional subdivision, and shall present its resolution or ordinance to the board of trustees of the regional transit authority.

(D) If a majority of the political subdivisions comprising the regional transit authority approve the inclusion of the additional political subdivision, the board of trustees of the regional transit authority, not later than the tenth day following the day on which the last ordinance or resolution is presented, shall notify the subdivision proposing to join the regional transit authority that it may certify the proposal to the board of elections for the purpose of having the proposal placed on the ballot at the next general election or at a special election conducted on the day of the next primary election that occurs not less than seventy-five days after the resolution or ordinance is certified to the board of elections.

(E) Upon certification of a proposal to the board of elections pursuant to this section, the board of elections shall make the necessary arrangements for the submission of the question to the electors of the territory to be included in the regional transit authority qualified to vote on the question, and the election shall be held, canvassed, and certified in the same manner as regular elections for the election of officers of the subdivision proposing to join the regional transit authority, except that, if the resolution proposed the inclusion without a time limitation the question appearing on the ballot shall read:

"Shall the territory within the ......................... (Name or names of political subdivisions to be joined) be added to ......................... ......... (Name) regional transit authority?" and shall a(n) .......... (here insert type of tax or taxes) at a rate of taxation not to exceed ..... (here insert maximum tax rate or rates) be levied for all transit purposes?"

If the resolution proposed the inclusion with a three-year time limitation, the question appearing on the ballot shall read:

"Shall the territory within the ......................... (Name or names of political subdivisions to be joined) be added to ......................... ......... (Name) regional transit authority?" for three years and shall a(n) .......... (here insert type of tax or taxes) at a rate of taxation not to exceed ..... (here insert maximum tax rate or rates) be levied for all transit purposes for three years?"

(F) If the question is approved by at least a majority of the electors voting on the question, the addition of the new territory is immediately effective, and the regional transit authority may extend the levy of the tax against all the taxable property within the territory that was added. If the question is approved at a general election or at a special election occurring prior to the general election but after the fifteenth day of July, the regional transit authority may amend its budget and resolution adopted pursuant to section 5705.34 of the Revised Code, and the levy shall be placed on the current tax list and duplicate and collected as other taxes are collected from all taxable property within the territorial boundaries of the regional transit authority, including the territory within the political subdivision added as a result of the election. If the budget of the regional transit authority is amended pursuant to this paragraph, the county auditor shall prepare and deliver an amended certificate of estimated resources to reflect the change in anticipated revenues of the regional transit authority.

(G) If the question is approved by at least a majority of the electors voting on the question, the board of trustees of the regional transit authority immediately shall amend the resolution or ordinance creating the regional transit authority to include the additional political subdivision.

(H) If the question approved by a majority of the electors voting on the question added the subdivision for three years, the territory of the additional county, municipal corporation, or township in the regional transit authority shall be removed from the territory of the regional transit authority three years after the date the territory was added, as determined in the effective date of the election, and shall no longer be a part of that authority without any further action by either the political subdivisions that were included in the authority prior to submitting the question to the electors or of the political subdivision added to the authority as a result of the election. The regional transit authority reduced to its territory as it existed prior to the inclusion of the additional county, municipal corporation, or township, shall be entitled to levy and collect any property taxes that it was authorized to levy and collect prior to the enlargement of its territory and for which authorization has not expired, as if the enlargement had not occurred.

Sec. 306.35.  Upon the creation of a regional transit authority as provided by section 306.32 of the Revised Code, and upon the qualifying of its board of trustees and the election of a president and a vice-president, the authority shall exercise in its own name all the rights, powers, and duties vested in and conferred upon it by sections 306.30 to 306.53 of the Revised Code. Subject to any reservations, limitations, and qualifications that are set forth in those sections, the regional transit authority:

(A) May sue or be sued in its corporate name;

(B) May make contracts in the exercise of the rights, powers, and duties conferred upon it;

(C) May adopt and at will alter a seal and use such seal by causing it to be impressed, affixed, reproduced, or otherwise used, but failure to affix the seal shall not affect the validity of any instrument;

(D)(1) May adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws for the administration of its affairs and rules for the control of the administration and operation of transit facilities under its jurisdiction, and for the exercise of all of its rights of ownership in those transit facilities;

(2) The regional transit authority also may adopt bylaws and rules for the following purposes:

(a) To prohibit selling, giving away, or using any beer or intoxicating liquor on transit vehicles or transit property;

(b) For the preservation of good order within or on transit vehicles or transit property;

(c) To provide for the protection and preservation of all property and life within or on transit vehicles or transit property;

(d) To regulate and enforce the collection of fares.

(3) Before a bylaw or rule adopted under division (D)(2) of this section takes effect, the regional transit authority shall provide for a notice of its adoption to be published once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the territorial boundaries of the regional transit authority, or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code.

(4) No person shall violate any bylaw or rule of a regional transit authority adopted under division (D)(2) of this section.

(E) May fix, alter, and collect fares, rates, and rentals and other charges for the use of transit facilities under its jurisdiction to be determined exclusively by it for the purpose of providing for the payment of the expenses of the regional transit authority, the acquisition, construction, improvement, extension, repair, maintenance, and operation of transit facilities under its jurisdiction, the payment of principal and interest on its obligations, and to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with purchasers or holders of any such obligations, or with any person or political subdivision;

(F) Shall have jurisdiction, control, possession, and supervision of all property, rights, easements, licenses, moneys, contracts, accounts, liens, books, records, maps, or other property rights and interests conveyed, delivered, transferred, or assigned to it;

(G) May acquire, construct, improve, extend, repair, lease, operate, maintain, or manage transit facilities within or without its territorial boundaries, considered necessary to accomplish the purposes of its organization and make charges for the use of transit facilities;

(H) May levy and collect taxes as provided in sections 306.40 and 306.49 of the Revised Code;

(I) May issue bonds secured by its general credit as provided in section 306.40 of the Revised Code;

(J) May hold, encumber, control, acquire by donation, by purchase for cash or by installment payments, by lease-purchase agreement, by lease with option to purchase, or by condemnation, and may construct, own, lease as lessee or lessor, use, and sell, real and personal property, or any interest or right in real and personal property, within or without its territorial boundaries, for the location or protection of transit facilities and improvements and access to transit facilities and improvements, the relocation of buildings, structures, and improvements situated on lands acquired by the regional transit authority, or for any other necessary purpose, or for obtaining or storing materials to be used in constructing, maintaining, and improving transit facilities under its jurisdiction;

(K) May exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire property or any interest in property, within or without its territorial boundaries, that is necessary or proper for the construction or efficient operation of any transit facility or access to any transit facility under its jurisdiction in accordance with section 306.36 of the Revised Code;

(L) May provide by agreement with any county, including the counties within its territorial boundaries, or any municipal corporation or any combination of counties or municipal corporations for the making of necessary surveys, appraisals, and examinations preliminary to the acquisition or construction of any transit facility and the amount of the expense for the surveys, appraisals, and examinations to be paid by each such county or municipal corporation;

(M) May provide by agreement with any county, including the counties within its territorial boundaries, or any municipal corporation or any combination of those counties or municipal corporations for the acquisition, construction, improvement, extension, maintenance, or operation of any transit facility owned or to be owned and operated by it or owned or to be owned and operated by any such county or municipal corporation and the terms on which it shall be acquired, leased, constructed, maintained, or operated, and the amount of the cost and expense of the acquisition, lease, construction, maintenance, or operation to be paid by each such county or municipal corporation;

(N) May issue revenue bonds for the purpose of acquiring, replacing, improving, extending, enlarging, or constructing any facility or permanent improvement that it is authorized to acquire, replace, improve, extend, enlarge, or construct, including all costs in connection with and incidental to the acquisition, replacement, improvement, extension, enlargement, or construction, and their financing, as provided by section 306.37 of the Revised Code;

(O) May enter into and supervise franchise agreements for the operation of a transit system;

(P) May accept the assignment of and supervise an existing franchise agreement for the operation of a transit system;

(Q) May exercise a right to purchase a transit system in accordance with the acquisition terms of an existing franchise agreement; and in connection with the purchase the regional transit authority may issue revenue bonds as provided by section 306.37 of the Revised Code or issue bonds secured by its general credit as provided in section 306.40 of the Revised Code;

(R) May apply for and accept grants or loans from the United States, the state, or any other public body for the purpose of providing for the development or improvement of transit facilities, mass transportation facilities, equipment, techniques, methods, or services, and grants or loans needed to exercise a right to purchase a transit system pursuant to agreement with the owner of those transit facilities, or for providing lawful financial assistance to existing transit systems; and may provide any consideration that may be required in order to obtain those grants or loans from the United States, the state, or other public body, either of which grants or loans may be evidenced by the issuance of revenue bonds as provided by section 306.37 of the Revised Code or general obligation bonds as provided by section 306.40 of the Revised Code;

(S) May employ and fix the compensation of consulting engineers, superintendents, managers, and such other engineering, construction, accounting and financial experts, attorneys, and other employees and agents necessary for the accomplishment of its purposes;

(T) May procure insurance against loss to it by reason of damages to its properties resulting from fire, theft, accident, or other casualties or by reason of its liability for any damages to persons or property occurring in the construction or operation of transit facilities under its jurisdiction or the conduct of its activities;

(U) May maintain funds that it considers necessary for the efficient performance of its duties;

(V) May direct its agents or employees, when properly identified in writing, after at least five days' written notice, to enter upon lands within or without its territorial boundaries in order to make surveys and examinations preliminary to the location and construction of transit facilities, without liability to it or its agents or employees except for actual damage done;

(W) On its own motion, may request the appropriate zoning board, as defined in section 4563.03 of the Revised Code, to establish and enforce zoning regulations pertaining to any transit facility under its jurisdiction in the manner prescribed by sections 4563.01 to 4563.21 of the Revised Code;

(X) If it acquires any existing transit system, shall assume all the employer's obligations under any existing labor contract between the employees and management of the system. If the board acquires, constructs, controls, or operates any such facilities, it shall negotiate arrangements to protect the interests of employees affected by the acquisition, construction, control, or operation. The arrangements shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) The preservation of rights, privileges, and benefits under existing collective bargaining agreements or otherwise, the preservation of rights and benefits under any existing pension plans covering prior service, and continued participation in social security in addition to participation in the public employees retirement system as required in Chapter 145. of the Revised Code;

(2) The continuation of collective bargaining rights;

(3) The protection of individual employees against a worsening of their positions with respect to their employment;

(4) Assurances of employment to employees of those transit systems and priority reemployment of employees terminated or laid off;

(5) Paid training or retraining programs;

(6) Signed written labor agreements.

The arrangements may include provisions for the submission of labor disputes to final and binding arbitration.

(Y) May provide for and maintain security operations, including a transit police department, subject to section 306.352 of the Revised Code. Regional transit authority police officers shall have the power and duty to act as peace officers within transit facilities owned, operated, or leased by the transit authority to protect the transit authority's property and the person and property of passengers, to preserve the peace, and to enforce all laws of the state and ordinances and regulations of political subdivisions in which the transit authority operates. Regional transit authority police officers also shall have the power and duty to act as peace officers when they render emergency assistance outside their jurisdiction to any other peace officer who is not a regional transit authority police officer and who has arrest authority under section 2935.03 of the Revised Code. Regional transit authority police officers may render emergency assistance if there is a threat of imminent physical danger to the peace officer, a threat of physical harm to another person, or any other serious emergency situation and if either the peace officer who is assisted requests emergency assistance or it appears that the peace officer who is assisted is unable to request emergency assistance and the circumstances observed by the regional transit authority police officer reasonably indicate that emergency assistance is appropriate.

Before exercising powers of arrest and the other powers and duties of a peace officer, each regional transit authority police officer shall take an oath and give bond to the state in a sum that the board of trustees prescribes for the proper performance of the officer's duties.

Persons employed as regional transit authority police officers shall complete training for the position to which they have been appointed as required by the Ohio peace officer training commission as authorized in section 109.77 of the Revised Code, or be otherwise qualified. The cost of the training shall be provided by the regional transit authority.

(Z) May procure a policy or policies insuring members of its board of trustees against liability on account of damages or injury to persons and property resulting from any act or omission of a member in the member's official capacity as a member of the board or resulting solely out of the member's membership on the board;

(AA) May enter into any agreement for the sale and leaseback or lease and leaseback of transit facilities, which agreement may contain all necessary covenants for the security and protection of any lessor or the regional transit authority including, but not limited to, indemnification of the lessor against the loss of anticipated tax benefits arising from acts, omissions, or misrepresentations of the regional transit authority. In connection with that transaction, the regional transit authority may contract for insurance and letters of credit and pay any premiums or other charges for the insurance and letters of credit. The fiscal officer shall not be required to furnish any certificate under section 5705.41 of the Revised Code in connection with the execution of any such agreement.

(BB) In regard to any contract entered into on or after March 19, 1993, for the rendering of services or the supplying of materials or for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction of transit facilities in which a bond is required for the faithful performance of the contract, may permit the person awarded the contract to utilize a letter of credit issued by a bank or other financial institution in lieu of the bond;

(CC) May enter into agreements with municipal corporations located within the territorial jurisdiction of the regional transit authority permitting regional transit authority police officers employed under division (Y) of this section to exercise full arrest powers, as provided in section 2935.03 of the Revised Code, for the purpose of preserving the peace and enforcing all laws of the state and ordinances and regulations of the municipal corporation within the areas that may be agreed to by the regional transit authority and the municipal corporation.

Sec. 306.43.  (A) The board of trustees of a regional transit authority or any officer or employee designated by such board may make any contract for the purchase of goods or services, the cost of which does not exceed one hundred thousand dollars. When an expenditure, other than for the acquisition of real estate, the discharge of claims, or the acquisition of goods or services under the circumstances described in division (H) of this section, is expected to exceed one hundred thousand dollars, such expenditure shall be made through full and open competition by the use of competitive procedures. The regional transit authority shall use the competitive procedure, as set forth in divisions (B), (C), (D), and (E) of this section, that is most appropriate under the circumstances of the procurement.

(B) Competitive sealed bidding is the preferred method of procurement and a regional transit authority shall use that method if all of the following conditions exist:

(1) A clear, complete and adequate description of the goods, services, or work is available;

(2) Time permits the solicitation, submission, and evaluation of sealed bids;

(3) The award will be made on the basis of price and other price-related factors;

(4) It is not necessary to conduct discussions with responding offerors about their bids;

(5) There is a reasonable expectation of receiving more than one sealed bid.

A regional transit authority shall publish a notice calling for bids once a week for no less than two consecutive weeks in at least one a newspaper of general circulation within the territorial boundaries of the regional transit authority, or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. A regional transit authority may require that a bidder for any contract other than a construction contract provide a bid guaranty in the form, quality, and amount considered appropriate by the regional transit authority. The board may let the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where fewer than two responsive bids are received, a regional transit authority may negotiate price with the sole responsive bidder or may rescind the solicitation and procure under division (H)(2) of this section.

(C) A regional transit authority may use two-step competitive bidding, consisting of a technical proposal and a separate, subsequent sealed price bid from those submitting acceptable technical proposals, if both of the following conditions exist:

(1) A clear, complete, and adequate description of the goods, services, or work is not available, but definite criteria exist for the evaluation of technical proposals;

(2) It is necessary to conduct discussions with responding offerors.

A regional transit authority shall publish a notice calling for technical proposals once a week for no less than two consecutive weeks in at least one a newspaper of general circulation within the territorial boundaries of the regional transit authority, or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. A regional transit authority may require a bid guaranty in the form, quality, and amount the regional transit authority considers appropriate. The board may let the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where fewer than two responsive and responsible bids are received, a regional transit authority may negotiate price with the sole responsive and responsible bidder or may rescind the solicitation and procure under division (H)(2) of this section.

(D) A regional transit authority shall make a procurement by competitive proposals if competitive sealed bidding or two-step competitive bidding is not appropriate.

A regional transit authority shall publish a notice calling for proposals once a week for no less than two consecutive weeks in at least one a newspaper of general circulation within the territorial boundaries of the regional transit authority, or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. A regional transit authority may require a proposal guaranty in the form, quality, and amount considered appropriate by the regional transit authority. The board may let the contract to the proposer making the offer considered most advantageous to the authority. Where fewer than two competent proposals are received, a regional transit authority may negotiate price and terms with the sole proposer or may rescind the solicitation and procure under division (H)(2) of this section.

(E)(1) A regional transit authority shall procure the services of an architect or engineer in the manner prescribed by the "Federal Mass Transportation Act of 1987," Public Law No. 100-17, section 316, 101 Stat. 227, 232-234, 49 U.S.C.A. app. 1608 and the services of a construction manager in the manner prescribed by sections 9.33 to 9.332 of the Revised Code.

(2) A regional transit authority may procure revenue rolling stock in the manner prescribed by division (B), (C), or (D) of this section.

(3) All contracts for construction in excess of one hundred thousand dollars shall be made only after the regional transit authority has published a notice calling for bids once a week for two consecutive weeks in at least one a newspaper of general circulation within the territorial boundaries of the regional transit authority, or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. The board may award a contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where only one responsive and responsible bid is received, the regional transit authority may negotiate price with the sole responsive bidder or may rescind the solicitation. The regional transit authority shall award construction contracts in accordance with sections 153.12 to 153.14 and 153.54 of the Revised Code. Divisions (B) and (C) of this section shall not apply to the award of contracts for construction.

(F) All contracts involving expenditures in excess of one hundred thousand dollars shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by or shall refer to plans and specifications for the work to be done. The plans and specifications shall at all times be made and considered part of the contract. For all contracts other than construction contracts, a regional transit authority may require performance, payment, or maintenance guaranties or any combination of such guaranties in the form, quality, and amount it considers appropriate. The contract shall be approved by the board and signed on behalf of the regional transit authority and by the contractor.

(G) In making a contract, a regional transit authority may give preference to goods produced in the United States in accordance with the Buy America requirements in the "Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982," Public Law No. 97-424, section 165, 96 Stat. 2097, 23 U.S.C.A. 101 note, as amended, and the rules adopted thereunder. The regional transit authority also may give preference to providers of goods produced in and services provided in labor surplus areas as defined by the United States department of labor in 41 U.S.C.A. 401 note, Executive Order No. 12073, August 16, 1978, 43 Fed. Reg. 36873, as amended.

(H) Competitive procedures under this section are not required in any of the following circumstances:

(1) The board of trustees of a regional transit authority, by a two-thirds affirmative vote of its members, determines that a real and present emergency exists under any of the following conditions, and the board enters its determination and the reasons for it in its proceedings:

(a) Affecting safety, welfare, or the ability to deliver transportation services;

(b) Arising out of an interruption of contracts essential to the provision of daily transit services;

(c) Involving actual physical damage to structures, supplies, equipment, or property.

(2) The purchase consists of goods or services, or any combination thereof, and after reasonable inquiry the board or any officer or employee the board designates finds that only one source of supply is reasonably available.

(3) The expenditure is for a renewal or renegotiation of a lease or license for telecommunications or electronic data processing equipment, services, or systems, or for the upgrade of such equipment, services, or systems, or for the maintenance thereof as supplied by the original source or its successors or assigns.

(4) The purchase of goods or services is made from another political subdivision, public agency, public transit system, regional transit authority, the state, or the federal government, or as a third-party beneficiary under a state or federal procurement contract, or as a participant in a department of administrative services contract under division (B) of section 125.04 of the Revised Code.

(5) The sale and leaseback or lease and leaseback of transit facilities is made as provided in division (AA) of section 306.35 of the Revised Code.

(6) The purchase substantially involves services of a personal, professional, highly technical, or scientific nature, including but not limited to the services of an attorney, physician, surveyor, appraiser, investigator, court reporter, adjuster, advertising consultant, or licensed broker, or involves the special skills or proprietary knowledge required for the servicing of specialized equipment owned by the regional transit authority.

(7) Services or supplies are available from a qualified nonprofit agency pursuant to sections 4115.31 to 4115.35 of the Revised Code.

(8) The purchase consists of the product or services of a public utility.

(9) The purchase is for the services of individuals with disabilities to work in the authority's commissaries or cafeterias, and those individuals are supplied by a nonprofit corporation or association whose purpose is to assist individuals with disabilities, whether or not that corporation or association is funded entirely or in part by the federal government, or the purchase is for services provided by a nonprofit corporation or association whose purpose is to assist individuals with disabilities, whether or not that corporation or association is funded entirely or in part by the federal government. For purposes of division (H)(9) of this section, "disability" has the same meaning as in section 4112.01 of the Revised Code.

(I) A regional transit authority may enter into blanket purchase agreements for purchases of maintenance, operating, or repair goods or services where the item cost does not exceed five hundred dollars and the annual expenditure does not exceed one hundred thousand dollars.

(J) Nothing contained in this section prohibits a regional transit authority from participating in intergovernmental cooperative purchasing arrangements.

(K) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a regional transit authority shall make a sale or other disposition of property through full and open competition. Except as provided in division (L) of this section, all dispositions of personal property and all grants of real property for terms exceeding five years shall be made by public auction or competitive procedure.

(L) The competitive procedures required by division (K) of this section are not required in any of the following circumstances:

(1) The grant is a component of a joint development between public and private entities and is intended to enhance or benefit public transit.

(2) The grant of a limited use or of a license affecting land is made to an owner of abutting real property.

(3) The grant of a limited use is made to a public utility.

(4) The grant or disposition is to a department of the federal or state government, to a political subdivision of the state, or to any other governmental entity.

(5) Used equipment is traded on the purchase of equipment and the value of the used equipment is a price-related factor in the basis for award for the purchase.

(6) The value of the personal property is such that competitive procedures are not appropriate and the property either is sold at its fair market value or is disposed of by gift to a nonprofit entity having the general welfare or education of the public as one of its principal objects.

(M) The board of trustees of a regional transit authority, when making a contract funded exclusively by state or local moneys or any combination thereof, shall make a good faith effort to use disadvantaged business enterprise participation to the same extent required under Section 105(f) of the "Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982," Public Law No. 97-424, 96 Stat. 2100, and Section 106(c) of the "Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987," Public Law No. 100-17, 101 Stat. 145, and the rules adopted thereunder.

(N) As used in this section:

(1) "Goods" means all things, including specially manufactured goods, that are movable at the time of identification to the contract for sale other than the money in which the price is to be paid, investment securities, and things in action. "Goods" also includes other identified things attached to realty as described in section 1302.03 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Services" means the furnishing of labor, time, or effort by a contractor, not involving the delivery of goods or reports other than goods or reports that are merely incidental to the required performance, including but not limited to insurance, bonding, or routine operation, routine repair, or routine maintenance of existing structures, buildings, real property, or equipment, but does not include employment agreements, collective bargaining agreements, or personal services.

(3) "Construction" means the process of building, altering, repairing, improving, painting, decorating, or demolishing any structure or building, or other improvements of any kind to any real property owned or leased by a regional transit authority.

(4) "Full and open competition" has the same meaning as in the "Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act," Public Law No. 98-369, section 2731, 98 Stat. 1195 (1984), 41 U.S.C.A. 403.

(5) A bidder is "responsive" if, applying the criteria of division (A) of section 9.312 of the Revised Code, the bidder is "responsive" as described in that section.

(6) A bidder is "responsible" if, applying the criteria of division (A) of section 9.312 of the Revised Code and of the "Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act," Public Law No. 98-369, section 2731, 98 Stat. 1195 (1984), 41 U.S.C.A. 403, the bidder is "responsible" as described in those sections.

Sec. 306.55. Beginning July 1, 2011 and until November 5, 2013, any county, municipal corporation, or township that has created or joined a regional transit authority that levies a property tax and that includes a county having a population of at least four hundred thousand according to the most recent federal census, may withdraw from the regional transit authority in the manner provided in this section. The board of county commissioners, legislative authority of the municipal corporation, or board of township trustees of the township proposing to withdraw shall adopt a resolution to submit the question of withdrawing from the regional transit authority to the electors of the territory to be withdrawn and shall certify the proposal to the board of elections for the purpose of having the proposal placed on the ballot at the next general election or at a special election conducted on the day of the next primary election that occurs not less than seventy-five days after the resolution is certified to the board of elections.

Upon certification of a proposal to the board of elections pursuant to this section, the board of elections shall make the necessary arrangements for the submission of the question to the electors of the territory to be withdrawn from the regional transit authority qualified to vote on the question, and the election shall be held, canvassed, and certified in the same manner as regular elections for the election of officers of the subdivision proposing to withdraw from the regional transit authority, except that the question appearing on the ballot shall read:

"Shall the territory within the ......................... (Name of political subdivision to be withdrawn) be withdrawn from ......................... ......... (Name) regional transit authority?"

If the question is approved by at least a majority of the electors voting on the question, the withdrawal is effective one year from the date of the certification of its passage.

The board of elections to which the resolution was certified shall certify the results of the election to the board or legislative authority of the subdivision that submitted the resolution to withdraw and to the board of trustees of the regional transit authority from which the subdivision proposed to withdraw.

If the question of withdrawing from the regional transit authority is approved, the power of the regional transit authority to levy a tax on taxable property in the withdrawing subdivision terminates.

Sec. 306.551. Any county, municipal corporation, or township that withdraws from a regional transit authority under section 306.55 of the Revised Code may enter into a contract with a regional transit authority or other provider of transit services to provide transportation service for handicapped, disabled, or elderly persons and for any other service the legislative authority of the county, municipal corporation, or township may determine to be appropriate.

Sec. 306.70.  A tax proposed to be levied by a board of county commissioners or by the board of trustees of a regional transit authority pursuant to sections 5739.023 and 5741.022 of the Revised Code shall not become effective until it is submitted to the electors residing within the county or within the territorial boundaries of the regional transit authority and approved by a majority of the electors voting on it. Such question shall be submitted at a general election or at a special election on a day specified in the resolution levying the tax and occurring not less than ninety days after such resolution is certified to the board of elections, in accordance with section 3505.071 of the Revised Code.

The board of elections of the county or of each county in which any territory of the regional transit authority is located shall make the necessary arrangements for the submission of such question to the electors of the county or regional transit authority, and the election shall be held, canvassed, and certified in the same manner as regular elections for the election of county officers. Notice of the election shall be published in one or more newspapers which in the aggregate are a newspaper of general circulation in the territory of the county or of the regional transit authority once a week for two consecutive weeks prior to the election and, if or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. If the board of elections operates and maintains a web site, notice of the election also shall be posted on that web site for thirty days prior to the election. The notice shall state the type, rate, and purpose of the tax to be levied, the length of time during which the tax will be in effect, and the time and place of the election.

More than one such question may be submitted at the same election. The form of the ballots cast at such election shall be:

"Shall a(n) ................ (sales and use) ............. tax be levied for all transit purposes of the .................. (here insert name of the county or regional transit authority) at a rate not exceeding ................... (here insert percentage) per cent for ................ (here insert number of years the tax is to be in effect, or that it is to be in effect for a continuing period of time)?"

If the tax proposed to be levied is a continuation of an existing tax, whether at the same rate or at an increased or reduced rate, or an increase in the rate of an existing tax, the notice and ballot form shall so state.

The board of elections to which the resolution was certified shall certify the results of the election to the county auditor of the county or secretary-treasurer of the regional transit authority levying the tax and to the tax commissioner of the state.

Sec. 307.022.  (A) The board of county commissioners of any county may do both of the following without following the competitive bidding requirements of section 307.86 of the Revised Code:

(1) Enter into a lease, including a lease with an option to purchase, of correctional facilities for a term not in excess of forty years. Before entering into the lease, the board shall publish, once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, a notice that the board is accepting proposals for a lease pursuant to this division. The notice shall state the date before which the proposals are required to be submitted in order to be considered by the board.

(2) Subject to compliance with this section, grant leases, easements, and licenses with respect to, or sell, real property owned by the county if the real property is to be leased back by the county for use as correctional facilities.

The lease under division (A)(1) of this section shall require the county to contract, in accordance with Chapter 153., sections 307.86 to 307.92, and Chapter 4115. of the Revised Code, for the construction, improvement, furnishing, and equipping of correctional facilities to be leased pursuant to this section. Prior to the board's execution of the lease, it may require the lessor under the lease to cause sufficient money to be made available to the county to enable the county to comply with the certification requirements of division (D) of section 5705.41 of the Revised Code.

A lease entered into pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section by a board may provide for the county to maintain and repair the correctional facility during the term of the leasehold, may provide for the county to make rental payments prior to or after occupation of the correctional facilities by the county, and may provide for the board to obtain and maintain any insurance that the lessor may require, including, but not limited to, public liability, casualty, builder's risk, and business interruption insurance. The obligations incurred under a lease entered into pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section shall not be considered to be within the debt limitations of section 133.07 of the Revised Code.

(B) The correctional facilities leased under division (A)(1) of this section may include any or all of the following:

(1) Facilities in which one or more other governmental entities are participating or in which other facilities of the county are included;

(2) Facilities acquired, constructed, renovated, or financed by the Ohio building authority and leased to the county pursuant to section 307.021 of the Revised Code;

(3) Correctional facilities that are under construction or have been completed and for which no permanent financing has been arranged.

(C) As used in this section:

(1) "Correctional facilities" includes, but is not limited to, jails, detention facilities, workhouses, community-based correctional facilities, and family court centers.

(2) "Construction" has the same meaning as in division (B) of section 4115.03 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 307.041.  (A) As used in this section, "energy conservation measure" means an installation or modification of an installation in, or remodeling of, an existing building, to reduce energy consumption. "Energy conservation measure" includes the following:

(1) Insulation of the building structure and of systems within the building;

(2) Storm windows and doors, multiglazed windows and doors, heat-absorbing or heat-reflective glazed and coated window and door systems, additional glazing, reductions in glass area, and other window and door system modifications that reduce energy consumption;

(3) Automatic energy control systems;

(4) Heating, ventilating, or air conditioning system modifications or replacements;

(5) Caulking and weatherstripping;

(6) Replacement or modification of lighting fixtures to increase the energy efficiency of the system without increasing the overall illumination of a facility, unless such an increase in illumination is necessary to conform to the applicable state or local building code for the proposed lighting system;

(7) Energy recovery systems;

(8) Cogeneration systems that produce steam or forms of energy such as heat, as well as electricity, for use primarily within a building or complex of buildings;

(9) Acquiring, constructing, furnishing, equipping, improving the site of, and otherwise improving a central utility plant to provide heating and cooling services to a building or buildings together with distribution piping and ancillary distribution controls, equipment, and related facilities from the central utility plant to the building or buildings;

(10) Any other modification, installation, or remodeling approved by the board of county commissioners as an energy conservation measure.

(B) For the purpose of evaluating county buildings for energy conservation measures, a county may contract with an architect, professional engineer, energy services company, contractor, or other person experienced in the design and implementation of energy conservation measures for an energy conservation report. The report shall include all of the following:

(1) Analyses of the buildings' energy needs and recommendations for building installations, modifications of existing installations, or building remodeling that would significantly reduce energy consumption in the buildings owned by that county;

(2) Estimates of all costs of those installations, those modifications, or that remodeling, including costs of design, engineering, installation, maintenance, and repairs;

(3) Estimates of the amounts by which energy consumption could be reduced;

(4) The interest rate used to estimate the costs of any energy conservation measures that are to be financed;

(5) The average system life of the energy conservation measures;

(6) Estimates of the likely savings that will result from the reduction in energy consumption over the average system life of the energy conservation measure, including the methods used to estimate the savings;

(7) A certification under the seal of a registered professional engineer that the energy conservation report uses reasonable methods of analysis and estimation.

(C)(1) A county desiring to implement energy conservation measures may proceed under either of the following methods:

(a) Using a report or any part of an energy conservation report prepared under division (B) of this section, advertise for bids and, except as otherwise provided in this section, comply with sections 307.86 to 307.92 of the Revised Code;

(b) Notwithstanding sections 307.86 to 307.92 of the Revised Code, request proposals from at least three vendors for the implementation of energy conservation measures. A request for proposals shall require the installer that is awarded a contract under division (C)(2)(b) of this section to prepare an energy conservation report in accordance with division (B) of this section. Prior to sending any installer of energy conservation measures a copy of any request for proposals, the county shall advertise its intent to request proposals for the installation of energy conservation measures in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for two consecutive weeks or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. The notice shall state that the county intends to request proposals for the installation of energy conservation measures; indicate the date, which shall be at least ten days after the second publication, on which the request for proposals will be mailed to installers of energy conservation measures; and state that any installer of energy conservation measures interested in receiving the request for proposals shall submit written notice to the county not later than noon of the day on which the request for proposals will be mailed.

(2)(a) Upon receiving bids under division (C)(1)(a) of this section, the county shall analyze them and select the lowest and best bid or bids most likely to result in the greatest energy savings considering the cost of the project and the county's ability to pay for the improvements with current revenues or by financing the improvements.

(b) Upon receiving proposals under division (C)(1)(b) of this section, the county shall analyze the proposals and the installers' qualifications and select the most qualified installer to prepare an energy conservation report in accordance with division (B) of this section. After receipt and review of the energy conservation report, the county may award a contract to the selected installer to install the energy conservation measures that are most likely to result in the greatest energy savings considering the cost of the project and the county's ability to pay for the improvements with current revenues or by financing the improvements.

(c) The awarding of a contract to install energy conservation measures under division (C)(2)(a) or (b) of this section shall be conditioned upon a finding by the contracting authority that the amount of money spent on the energy conservation measures is not likely to exceed the amount of money the county would save in energy, operating, maintenance, and avoided capital costs over the average system life of the energy conservation measures as specified in the energy conservation report. In making such a finding, the contracting authority may take into account increased costs due to inflation as shown in the energy conservation report. Nothing in this division prohibits a county from rejecting all bids or proposals under division (C)(1)(a) or (b) of this section or from selecting more than one bid or proposal.

(D) A board of county commissioners may enter into an installment payment contract for the purchase and installation of energy conservation measures. Provisions of installment payment contracts that deal with interest charges and financing terms shall not be subject to the competitive bidding requirements of section 307.86 of the Revised Code, and shall be on the following terms:

(1) Not less than a specified percentage, as determined and approved by the board of county commissioners, of the costs of the contract shall be paid within two years from the date of purchase.

(2) The remaining balance of the costs of the contract shall be paid within the lesser of the average system life of the energy conservation measures as specified in the energy conservation report or thirty years.

(E) The board of county commissioners may issue the notes of the county specifying the terms of a purchase of energy conservation measures under this section and securing any deferred payments provided for in division (D) of this section. The notes shall be payable at the times provided and bear interest at a rate not exceeding the rate determined as provided in section 9.95 of the Revised Code. The notes may contain an option for prepayment and shall not be subject to Chapter 133. of the Revised Code. Revenues derived from local taxes or otherwise for the purpose of conserving energy or for defraying the current operating expenses of the county may be pledged and applied to the payment of interest and the retirement of the notes. The notes may be sold at private sale or given to the contractor under an installment payment contract authorized by division (D) of this section.

(F) Debt incurred under this section shall not be included in the calculation of the net indebtedness of a county under section 133.07 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 307.10.  (A) No sale of real property, or lease of real property used or to be used for the purpose of airports, landing fields, or air navigational facilities, or parts thereof, as provided by section 307.09 of the Revised Code shall be made unless it is authorized by a resolution adopted by a majority of the board of county commissioners. When a sale of real property as provided by section 307.09 of the Revised Code is authorized, the board may either deed the property to the highest responsible bidder, after advertisement once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, or offer the real property for sale at a public auction, after giving at least thirty days' notice of the auction by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county. The board may reject any and all bids. The board may, as it considers best, sell real property pursuant to this section as an entire tract or in parcels. The board, by resolution adopted by a majority of the board, may lease real property, in accordance with division (A) of section 307.09 of the Revised Code, without advertising for bids.

(B) The board, by resolution, may transfer real property in fee simple belonging to the county and not needed for public use to the United States government, to the state or any department or agency thereof, to municipal corporations or other political subdivisions of the state, to the county board of developmental disabilities, or to a county land reutilization corporation organized under Chapter 1724. of the Revised Code for public purposes upon the terms and in the manner that it may determine to be in the best interests of the county, without advertising for bids. The board shall execute a deed or other proper instrument when such a transfer is approved.

(C) The board, by resolution adopted by a majority of the board, may grant leases, rights, or easements to the United States government, to the state or any department or agency thereof, or to municipal corporations and other political subdivisions of the state, or to privately owned electric light and power companies, natural gas companies, or telephone or telegraph companies for purposes of rendering their several public utilities services, in accordance with division (B) of section 307.09 of the Revised Code, without advertising for bids. When such grant of lease, right, or easement is authorized, a deed or other proper instrument therefor shall be executed by the board.

Sec. 307.12.  (A) Except as otherwise provided in divisions (D), (E), and (G) of this section, when the board of county commissioners finds, by resolution, that the county has personal property, including motor vehicles acquired for the use of county officers and departments, and road machinery, equipment, tools, or supplies, that is not needed for public use, is obsolete, or is unfit for the use for which it was acquired, and when the fair market value of the property to be sold or donated under this division is, in the opinion of the board, in excess of two thousand five hundred dollars, the board may do either of the following:

(1) Sell the property at public auction or by sealed bid to the highest bidder. Notice of the time, place, and manner of the sale shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least ten days prior to the sale, and a typewritten or printed notice of the time, place, and manner of the sale shall be posted at least ten days before the sale in the offices of the county auditor and the board of county commissioners.

If a board conducts a sale of property by sealed bid, the form of the bid shall be as prescribed by the board, and each bid shall contain the name of the person submitting it. Bids received shall be opened and tabulated at the time stated in the notice. The property shall be sold to the highest bidder, except that the board may reject all bids and hold another sale, by public auction or sealed bid, in the manner prescribed by this section.

(2) Donate any motor vehicle that does not exceed four thousand five hundred dollars in value to a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 501(a) and (c)(3) for the purpose of meeting the transportation needs of participants in the Ohio works first program established under Chapter 5107. of the Revised Code and participants in the prevention, retention, and contingency program established under Chapter 5108. of the Revised Code.

(B) When the board of county commissioners finds, by resolution, that the county has personal property, including motor vehicles acquired for the use of county officers and departments, and road machinery, equipment, tools, or supplies, that is not needed for public use, is obsolete, or is unfit for the use for which it was acquired, and when the fair market value of the property to be sold or donated under this division is, in the opinion of the board, two thousand five hundred dollars or less, the board may do either of the following:

(1) Sell the property by private sale, without advertisement or public notification;

(2) Donate the property to an eligible nonprofit organization that is located in this state and is exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 501(a) and (c)(3). Before donating any property under this division, the board shall adopt a resolution expressing its intent to make unneeded, obsolete, or unfit-for-use county personal property available to these organizations. The resolution shall include guidelines and procedures the board considers necessary to implement a donation program under this division and shall indicate whether the county will conduct the donation program or the board will contract with a representative to conduct it. If a representative is known when the resolution is adopted, the resolution shall provide contact information such as the representative's name, address, and telephone number.

The resolution shall include within its procedures a requirement that any nonprofit organization desiring to obtain donated property under this division shall submit a written notice to the board or its representative. The written notice shall include evidence that the organization is a nonprofit organization that is located in this state and is exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 501(a) and (c)(3); a description of the organization's primary purpose; a description of the type or types of property the organization needs; and the name, address, and telephone number of a person designated by the organization's governing board to receive donated property and to serve as its agent.

After adoption of the resolution, the board shall publish, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, notice of its intent to donate unneeded, obsolete, or unfit-for-use county personal property to eligible nonprofit organizations. The notice shall include a summary of the information provided in the resolution and shall be published at least twice or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. The second and any subsequent notice shall be published not less than ten nor more than twenty days after the previous notice. A similar notice also shall be posted continually in a conspicuous place in the offices of the county auditor and the board of county commissioners, and, if. If the county maintains a web site on the internet, the notice shall be posted continually at that web site.

The board or its representative shall maintain a list of all nonprofit organizations that notify the board or its representative of their desire to obtain donated property under this division and that the board or its representative determines to be eligible, in accordance with the requirements set forth in this section and in the donation program's guidelines and procedures, to receive donated property.

The board or its representatives also shall maintain a list of all county personal property the board finds to be unneeded, obsolete, or unfit for use and to be available for donation under this division. The list shall be posted continually in a conspicuous location in the offices of the county auditor and the board of county commissioners, and, if the county maintains a web site on the internet, the list shall be posted continually at that web site. An item of property on the list shall be donated to the eligible nonprofit organization that first declares to the board or its representative its desire to obtain the item unless the board previously has established, by resolution, a list of eligible nonprofit organizations that shall be given priority with respect to the item's donation. Priority may be given on the basis that the purposes of a nonprofit organization have a direct relationship to specific public purposes of programs provided or administered by the board. A resolution giving priority to certain nonprofit organizations with respect to the donation of an item of property shall specify the reasons why the organizations are given that priority.

(C) Members of the board of county commissioners shall consult with the Ohio ethics commission, and comply with the provisions of Chapters 102. and 2921. of the Revised Code, with respect to any sale or donation under division (A) or (B) of this section to a nonprofit organization of which a county commissioner, any member of the county commissioner's family, or any business associate of the county commissioner is a trustee, officer, board member, or employee.

(D) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in division (A), (B), or (E) of this section and regardless of the property's value, the board of county commissioners may sell or donate county personal property, including motor vehicles, to the federal government, the state, any political subdivision of the state, or a county land reutilization corporation without advertisement or public notification.

(E) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in division (A), (B), or (G) of this section and regardless of the property's value, the board of county commissioners may sell personal property, including motor vehicles acquired for the use of county officers and departments, and road machinery, equipment, tools, or supplies, that is not needed for public use, is obsolete, or is unfit for the use for which it was acquired, by internet auction. The board shall adopt, during each calendar year, a resolution expressing its intent to sell that property by internet auction. The resolution shall include a description of how the auctions will be conducted and shall specify the number of days for bidding on the property, which shall be no less than ten days, including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. The resolution shall indicate whether the county will conduct the auction or the board will contract with a representative to conduct the auction and shall establish the general terms and conditions of sale. If a representative is known when the resolution is adopted, the resolution shall provide contact information such as the representative's name, address, and telephone number.

After adoption of the resolution, the board shall publish, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, notice of its intent to sell unneeded, obsolete, or unfit-for-use county personal property by internet auction. The notice shall include a summary of the information provided in the resolution and shall be published at least twice or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. The second and any subsequent notice shall be published not less than ten nor more than twenty days after the previous notice. A similar notice also shall be posted continually throughout the calendar year in a conspicuous place in the offices of the county auditor and the board of county commissioners, and, if. If the county maintains a web site on the internet, the notice shall be posted continually throughout the calendar year at that web site.

When property is to be sold by internet auction, the board or its representative may establish a minimum price that will be accepted for specific items and may establish any other terms and conditions for the particular sale, including requirements for pick-up or delivery, method of payment, and sales tax. This type of information shall be provided on the internet at the time of the auction and may be provided before that time upon request after the terms and conditions have been determined by the board or its representative.

(F) When a county officer or department head determines that county-owned personal property under the jurisdiction of the officer or department head, including motor vehicles, road machinery, equipment, tools, or supplies, is not of immediate need, the county officer or department head may notify the board of county commissioners, and the board may lease that personal property to any municipal corporation, township, other political subdivision of the state, or to a county land reutilization corporation. The lease shall require the county to be reimbursed under terms, conditions, and fees established by the board, or under contracts executed by the board.

(G) If the board of county commissioners finds, by resolution, that the county has vehicles, equipment, or machinery that is not needed, or is unfit for public use, and the board desires to sell the vehicles, equipment, or machinery to the person or firm from which it proposes to purchase other vehicles, equipment, or machinery, the board may offer to sell the vehicles, equipment, or machinery to that person or firm, and to have the selling price credited to the person or firm against the purchase price of other vehicles, equipment, or machinery.

(H) If the board of county commissioners advertises for bids for the sale of new vehicles, equipment, or machinery to the county, it may include in the same advertisement a notice of the willingness of the board to accept bids for the purchase of county-owned vehicles, equipment, or machinery that is obsolete or not needed for public use, and to have the amount of those bids subtracted from the selling price of the other vehicles, equipment, or machinery as a means of determining the lowest responsible bidder.

(I) If a board of county commissioners determines that county personal property is not needed for public use, or is obsolete or unfit for the use for which it was acquired, and that the property has no value, the board may discard or salvage that property.