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SB 351

Allow deployed service member to attend public meetings virtually

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nathan Manning

Allows active duty service members deployed outside the public body’s jurisdiction to participate remotely in meetings, with conditions and public access.

Referred to committee
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Bill Summary · SB 351

Summary of SB 351 (Session 136) – Ohio

Purpose and intent

SB 351, introduced by Senator Manning, seeks to amend Ohio’s open meetings law to expressly allow active duty military service members who are deployed outside a public body’s jurisdiction to participate in public meetings or hearings via video conference or other electronic technology. The bill creates a targeted exception to the existing rules governing virtual meetings, ensuring that deployed service members can engage remotely without being subject to all the standard limitations that apply to virtual attendance by other members.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definition updates

    • The bill retains and clarifies existing definitions for “hearing,” “meeting,” “public body,” and “multi-party meeting” as used in section 121.221 of the Revised Code.

  • Authorized remote participation

    • A public body subject to the Open Meetings Law may adopt a policy allowing an active duty service member deployed outside the public body’s jurisdiction to attend meetings or hearings remotely (via video conference or similar electronic means).

  • Exception to general virtual meeting rules

    • SB 351 creates a specific exception to the broader, 2025-era framework that governs virtual meetings. This exception allows deployed service members to participate remotely even if some general restrictions would otherwise apply.

  • Conditions and requirements for remote participation

    • The policy adopted by the public body must address deployment location outside the public body's jurisdiction.
    • The bill defines “active duty service member” as a member of the U.S. armed forces performing full-time active duty under Title 10 U.S.C. (not including state National Guard service).

  • Operational and procedural rules (as applicable to remote participation)

    • Notifications: The policy must establish notification procedures and ensure access for the public and media, consistent with remote participation.
    • Public access: Remote meetings must provide public access (e.g., livestreaming or other electronic means) so the public can observe and hear discussions and deliberations.
    • Voting: Votes conducted during remote participation are to be by roll call unless there is a unanimous consent motion, in which case the public must be informed of how members voted.
    • Notice of intent to participate remotely: Members planning to attend remotely must notify the chair at least 48 hours before the meeting, absent emergencies.
    • In-person requirement constraint: If at least 10% of members or two members (whichever is greater) request in-person consideration of an item, the item must be addressed in person.

  • Limitations on virtual participation

    • The framework still contains several restrictions on virtual participation (e.g., prohibitions tied to major expenditures, significant hiring decisions, tax-related actions, compensation structures, or elected status), with a specified allowance for multi-party meetings to proceed virtually in certain cases.

  • Hearing-specific consent

    • For hearings, all parties must consent to virtual participation, rather than allowing automatic remote attendance.

Who is affected

  • Public bodies governed by the Open Meetings Law in Ohio.
  • Members of public bodies who are active duty service members deployed outside the public body’s jurisdiction.
  • The general public, which gains continued access to meetings and hearings via online or broadcast means.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced and referred to committee (as of the provided documents).
  • Effective date: Not specified in the text provided; would be governed by the bill’s final enacted language and any sunset or effective-date provisions.
  • Repeal and replacement: The bill repeals the existing Section 121.221 and enacts a revised version tailored to the remote participation framework, with an explicit exception for active duty service members.

Note: This summary reflects the bill as introduced and analyzed by the Ohio Legislative Service Commission. Final provisions, amendments, or clarifications from committee action could modify these details.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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