Ohio Ethics Law

Gifts

Ohio’s Gift law prohibits public officials or employees from soliciting or accepting substantial things of value from improper sources.

In simple terms, public officials or employees cannot take gifts or perks from people connected to their public job.

Substantial things of value can include travel, lavish meals, employment, discounts, and other benefits.

Improper sources are anyone:

• Doing business with your agency, such as
  • Contractors
  • Vendors
  • Consultants
• Seeking to do business with your agency, such as
  • Bidders
  • Applicants
  • Companies trying to get contracts or approvals
• Regulated by your agency, such as
  • License holders
  • Businesses you inspect, oversee, or enforce against
• Affected by your decisions, such as
  • Anyone who could gain or lose based on actions taken by your public entity

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