"Always do what is right. It will gratify most of the people, and astound the rest." – Mark Twain

Financial Disclosure by Public Officials in Ohio

Executive

City, county, state elected officials and candidates, school board members and candidates, superintendents, treasurers, business managers and other state administrative officials are required to file annual financial disclosure statements with the Ohio Ethics Commission.

In general, public officials are required to disclose:

• All sources of income
  
• Investments worth more than $1,000
  
• Businesses in which the official is an officer or board member
  
• Sources of travel expenses incurred in connection with official duties
  
• Sources of meals, food, and beverages aggregating more than $100 incurred in connection with official duties
  
• Sources of gifts worth more than $75
  
• Ohio real estate investments
  
• Creditors and debtors of over $1,00

These filings are available to the public with the exception of uncompensated members of state boards and commissions, and school district superintendents, treasurers, and business managers. The Ethics Commission reviews the forms, and portions that show possible conflicts are public record. Recent filings can be obtained by requesting a copy in person at the office of the Ohio Ethics Commission. There is no charge.

General Assembly

Members of, employees of, and candidates for the General Assembly file with the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee. The first page of the filed forms can be found on the committee’s website.

Judiciary

Members of, employees of, and candidates for the judiciary file with the Supreme Court Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline.

Expenditures Made by Lobbyists in Ohio

Executive lobbyists

Individuals who lobby executive agencies of the State of Ohio are required to register with the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee.

These individuals must file an annual report detailing their expenditures.

Legislative lobbyists

Individuals who lobby the legislature must register with the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee. Legislative lobbyists must file a Financial Transaction Statement disclosing joint ownership of property of a business between the lobbyist or member of his/her family and a member of the General Assembly, member of the Controlling Board, the Governor, the director of a department or any member of the staff of a public officer or employee.

For more information and copies of financial disclosure statements, visit The Office of the Legislative Inspector and the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee online.

Retirement system lobbyists

Individuals lobbying members of Ohio retirement systems are required to register with the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee.