You may contact an Ethics Commission Special Investigator at (614) 466-7090 to determine whether or not your allegation falls within the authority of the Commission, as defined in Ohio’s Ethics Law. Once this determination is made, the Investigator will mail to you an Allegation Form to be completed and returned to the Commission

More information on filing a complaint can be found in Investigations.

More information on filing an FDS statement can be found in Financial Disclosure.

A list of commission memebers as well as brief bios can be found in Commission Members.

You can submit a public records request in four ways:

• In person at the Commission office
• Via telephone to (614) 466-7090
• Via e-mail
  For Financial Disclosure Statements - Eric Bruce at eric.bruce@ethics.ohio.gov
  For an Ethics Commission publication or other public records request - General Counsel James Hood at james.hood@ethics.ohio.gov
• Via mail

  Ohio Ethics Commission
  30 West Spring Street, L-3
  Columbus, Ohio 43215
  

You are not required to identify yourself, but you will need to provide an address or e-mail address in order for the Commission to provide the copies to you.

More information on submitting a public records request can be found in Public Records Requests.

Ohio Ethics Commission
30 West Spring Street, L3
Columbus, Ohio 43215-2256

State law does not require that public officials or employees attend an Ethics Law training session. The Ohio Revised Code does require, however, that the Ethics Commission provide a “continuing program of education and information.” The Commissions fulfills this mandate with “live” trainings, webinars, information sheets, quarterly newsletter, and online learning.

Although the statute does not mandate attendance at an Ethics Law training, agency practices and internal policies often require it. For example, Executive Order 2019-11D requires that state employees and officials participate in an annual ethics training. Although such policies and executive orders are not enforceable under the Ohio Ethics Law, the Ethics Commission makes every effort to help public employees and officials at both the state and local government level fulfill any such internal requirements.

Yes, the Ohio Ethics Commission conducts approximately 200 ethics education sessions annually with very positive feedback. The Commission’s presentation options vary from 30 minute keynote addresses to one to two hour sessions. Occasionally, the Commission also provides 3 – 4 hour workshops on the Ethics Law and related statutes.

The Commission’s obligation to be fiscally responsible, however, requires that travel be reserved for speeches with larger groups. If you are interested in having the Commission speak at your agency or office outside Columbus, we request a minimum of 75-100 people be in attendance.

To schedule a presentation for your agency or to discuss other appropriate options, please contact Susan Willeke at (614) 466-7090 or at susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

Information about the next commission meeting can be found in Commission Meetings.

The Ohio Ethics Law promotes the general public interest and supports confidence by prohibiting public officials and employees from:

• Participating in their public role in any action that involves the direct interests of the official, or those of a family member, or another with whom the official has an ongoing private business relationship;
• Authorizing, or using a public position to secure, a public contract or the investment of public funds in any security that benefits the official, a family member, or a business associate;
• Improperly profiting from a public contract;
• Soliciting or accepting substantial and improper things of value, including, outside employment or consultation fees, gifts, or travel, meals and lodging, from those dealing with the public agency;
• Unauthorized disclosure or use of information deemed confidential by law;
• Representing others before any public agency in a matter in which the official or employee was involved, both during, and for a period of time (at least one year) after, leaving public service.

Under state law, the Ohio Ethics Commission’s investigations are confidential. While the Commission may share information with other law enforcement authorities, Ohio Revised Code 102.07 deems any complaints, charges, or investigations handled by the Ohio Ethics Commission private and confidential. Therefore, the Ethics Commission cannot comment on allegations or ongoing investigations.