Basic Information about Statements

Where can I get a blank financial disclosure form?

You can obtain a blank financial disclosure form from the Ohio Ethics Commission or download it from the Commission’s website.

Where is the financial disclosure law found?

The financial disclosure law is part of the Ohio Ethics Law, which is found in Chapter 102 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Why is financial disclosure required?

Financial disclosure serves several purposes:

• It reminds public officials and employees of their financial interests so they can identify and avoid conflicts of interest.
• It promotes confidence in the integrity of government by providing transparency.
• It gives citizens information about the financial interests of public servants.

Are financial disclosure statements public records?

Most financial disclosure statements are public records and must be made available for public inspection.

However, some financial disclosure statements are confidential under Ohio law. For example, certain school district and educational service center officials file confidential statements.

Each confidential financial disclosure statement is reviewed by the Ohio Ethics Commission for possible conflicts of interest. Any portion of a confidential statement that shows a potential conflict is a public record.