Supporters say bill requiring disclosure when agencies adopt model regulatory language would increase transparency

Proponents told the Senate General Government Committee that SB268 would increase transparency when state agencies rely on model regulatory language developed by regulatory‑focused nongovernmental organizations.

Tony Long (general counsel and director of energy and environmental policy at the Ohio Chamber) said the bill would not prohibit the use of model language but would add guardrails: 60‑day public notice of intent to adopt or amend a rule based on model language, a public hearing not earlier than 30 days after notice, and an advisory committee report evaluating stakeholder impact. Long said the measure would also require annual reports to the Ohio Ethics Commission and public posting of those reports.

Doug Kellogg of Americans for Tax Reform supported the transparency aim and framed the bill as improving accountability for regulators who use off‑the‑shelf language. Greg Lawson (Buckeye Institute), testifying as an interested party, said the bill is narrowly tailored to administrative code and urged clarity in definitions to avoid capturing legislative model bills or discouraging legitimate agency interactions with technical experts.

Committee members asked for examples of organizations that would qualify as regulatory‑focused NGOs and whether the exemption for emergency rules could be abused; witnesses said definitions can be tightened and that emergency rules are intended for true crises but could merit future legislative clarification if abused. The committee concluded the hearing with no formal action recorded.