State Reps. Anielski and Dovilla Announce Passage of Anti-Corruption Bill

State Representatives Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) and Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) applauded the house passage of House Bill 162.

House Bill 162, sponsored by Representatives Dovilla and Anielski, will add the felony offenses of extortion and perjury to the list of crimes which will result in the forfeiture of retirement benefits or termination of disability benefits in the event an individual serving in a position of public trust is convicted.  In addition, it would strengthen current state law to allow pensions to be forfeited based on federal criminal convictions.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that the Ohio House of Representatives has passed the most substantive anti-public corruption legislation in many years,” said Rep. Dovilla.  “When signed into law, this bill will ensure the hardworking taxpayers of our state are not providing taxpayer-subsidized golden parachutes to convicted politicians and public officials who grossly abuse the offices with which they are entrusted.  It is my hope that the Ohio Senate acts swiftly to pass and send this important reform bill to the Governor.”

Currently, only elected or appointed officials convicted of the felonies of (1) bribery or engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity; (2) theft in office of property or services; and (3) conspiracy, complicity, or an attempt to commit any of these offenses, at the state level forfeit their retirement and disability benefits. 

“Closing the loophole that allows felony convicted public officials to keep their taxpayer-funded public pensions or disability benefits must come to an end,” said Anielski.  “Federal convictions should be treated the same as state convictions.”

House Bill 162 now advances to the Ohio Senate for consideration.