May 14, 2021 •
Ohio Bills Seek More Transparency on Political Spending
Following the indictment of former House Speaker Larry Householder on federal racketeering charges in the biggest bribery case in Ohio history, lawmakers are seeking to shed more light on dark money groups through legislation.
House Bill 13, entitled the Light of Day Bill, is currently in committee and requires nonprofit 501(c)(4) organizations to disclose contributions and expenditures.
These organizations currently do not have to disclose contributions and disclose limited information on expenditures on forms filed annually with the IRS.
House Bill 306, entitled the Ohio Anti-Corruption Act, was introduced this week, and requires 501(c)(4) organizations to disclose contributions and more information about the ownership of the organization.
The bill also prohibits foreign companies from making political contributions directly or indirectly through nonprofit organizations.
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