The Deep Brief: Some of the Lessons I Learned In Economic Development

Vol. III, No. 305 - Reflecting on How Communities Work With Businesses and Residents

There is a bill sitting in the Ohio House right now that should not need to exist.

House Bill 695, sponsored by Representatives Adam Bird and Brian Stewart, would prohibit certain local elected officials — county commissioners, township trustees, village council members, village mayors — from signing nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from talking about their own public duties. If an official knowingly signs one of these banned NDAs, they face a civil fine of up to $1,000. Any agreement made in violation would be void and unenforceable.

That is the bill. Simple, targeted, and long overdue.