Ohio House passes bill to expand government transparency through Ohio Checkbook

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Tom Young (R-Washington Twp.) and Bob Peterson (R-Sabrina) this week announced the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 413, legislation to increase transparency and accountability in local government spending by expanding participation in the Ohio Checkbook program.
 
House Bill 413 would require political subdivisions across Ohio to submit both expenditure and revenue information to be added to the Ohio Checkbook database, a public online resource that allows taxpayers to see how government funds are collected and spent.
 
“Ohio taxpayers deserve easy access to clear and consistent information about how their tax dollars are being spent,” said Rep. Young. “House Bill 413 strengthens transparency, increases accountability, and helps build greater trust between Ohioans and their local governments.”
 
Under the bill, counties, cities, villages, townships, public libraries, park districts, school districts, regional water and sewer districts, regional transit authorities, and state retirement systems would all be required to participate in the database and provide a prominent link to the platform on their websites.
 
“By expanding access to clear and consistent financial information, House Bill 413 will help strengthen trust between taxpayers and their elected officials while building upon the success of the Ohio Checkbook program,” said Rep. Peterson. “Ohioans deserve transparency and accountability from every level of government, and this legislation takes an important step toward delivering both.”
 
The legislation now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.