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Committee hears testimony on bill to restore uniform public-comment rights at local meetings
Summary
Proponents told the House General Government Committee that House Bill 609 would require reasonable public-comment opportunities before local governments vote; witnesses cited cases where comment was suspended and urged the state to set consistent rules while allowing reasonable time, place and manner limits.
Representative Benjamin McEwen and local officials told the House General Government Committee that House Bill 609 would create a statewide floor for public comment at local government meetings and restore opportunities that some communities have removed.
"House Bill 609 creates uniformity in our state that affirms all Ohioans will have the right to participate in local government through the power of their speech," Benjamin McEwen said in proponent testimony, describing his decision to run for local school board after Lakota Local Schools suspended public comment for more than…
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