Senate committee hears bill to force disclosure when state agencies use model rules from outside groups

Senate sponsors presented Senate Bill 268 to the Senate General Government Committee as a measure to increase transparency when state agencies adopt administrative rules based on model language created by outside, nongovernmental organizations.

Supporters argued model-rule drafting by private organizations can shape how laws are implemented without adequate public notice. The sponsor told the committee SB 268 would require agencies to file an annual report with the Ohio Ethics Commission disclosing any funding or support from regulatory-focused nongovernmental organizations, any travel or expenses paid by those groups for agency officials, and any leadership or membership roles held by agency employees within those organizations.

Sponsor testimony also described procedural requirements the bill would impose when agencies intend to use model rule language: at least 60 days' advance public notice, a public hearing, and the convening of a diverse advisory committee that includes business, consumer-advocacy and small-business representation to evaluate local impacts. The bill would also strengthen the five-year review process so agencies regularly reevaluate rules for relevance and necessity and would require agencies to identify the model rule origin and name the organization that drafted it.

“Honestly, at the end of the day, this bill is a transparency bill,” one sponsor said during testimony, framing the measure as intended to give citizens clarity about who is initiating regulatory language.

The committee received sponsor testimony and asked no follow-up questions; the matter concluded its first hearing in committee. No formal action on the bill was taken during the meeting.

What happens next: The bill had a first hearing; sponsors invited committee questions and additional testimony at future meetings.