To enact section 4117.091 of the Revised Code to prohibit a public employer from providing paid leave or compensation for a public employee to engage in certain union activities.
Summary
SB 8 would add a new section to the Ohio Revised Code to bar public employers from providing paid leave or other compensation for public employees when the time is used for certain union-related political activities. The bill specifically targets activities performed by or on behalf of an employee organization that advocate for the election or defeat of political candidates, or that attempt to influence the passage or defeat of legislation, local ordinances, or ballot measures.
The bill does not prevent a public employer from allowing employees to use accrued personal leave, or other leave that may be used for any purpose, for those activities. It also states that any collective bargaining agreement provision violating the new rule would be against public policy and therefore void and unenforceable. The measure would apply only to collective bargaining agreements entered into on or after the effective date.
Impact
If enacted, SB 8 would limit how public employers may structure paid leave and compensation provisions in collective bargaining agreements under Chapter 4117 of the Revised Code. It would not eliminate employee participation in union political or lobbying activity, but it would prohibit public funds or employer-paid time from being used for those purposes, except where the employee uses leave already available for personal or general use. The bill would also override conflicting contract language by making noncompliant provisions unenforceable as a matter of public policy.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a restriction on the use of public resources for political and lobbying activity rather than a broader limitation on union membership or advocacy. No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no documented debate or recorded vote sentiment in the provided materials. The bill’s introduction suggests an interest in drawing a line between public employment compensation and union political activity.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be whether paid leave for union political and lobbying work should be treated as an improper use of public employer resources or as a permissible part of collective bargaining. Supporters would likely argue that taxpayer-funded compensation should not subsidize partisan or lobbying efforts, while opponents may view the bill as targeting union activity and interfering with negotiated labor agreements. The bill’s express voiding of conflicting contract provisions also raises concern for public-sector unions and employees who rely on existing bargaining practices.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.