Ohio bill would ensure citizens can speak at public meetings

AI-assisted summary

Two Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill to require public comment periods at most government meetings.

Current Ohio law allows the public to attend meetings but does not guarantee them the right to speak.

The proposed law would not apply to the state legislature, a point of contention for the ACLU of Ohio.

The bill was inspired by several local governments, like Canton City Council, eliminating public comment due to disruptions.

Ohioans have a right to attend government meetings and listen.

But they don't have a right to speak up at those meetings.

Two state lawmakers want to change that.

House Bill 609 , introduced by Reps. David Thomas, R-Jefferson, and Meredith Craig, R-Smithville, would require public bodies to provide a public comment period before takin