Scott,
This question was asked in committee during the first hearing, and the bill sponsor indicated it was to avoid a home rule legal challenge. While that would apply to villages as well, he said that they tend to have fewer resources.
There was a pretty extensive conversation about the bill at the hearing. If anyone is interested in watching, it's available here. HB695 starts about 20 minutes in.
Marisa
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Marisa Myers
Ohio State Bar Association
Columbus OH
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-13-2026 13:53
From: Scott Liberman, Esq
Subject: HB695 re: Non-Disclosure Agreements
Marisa:
While the legislation refers to counties, townships, and villages, is there a reason that cities were excluded?
Original Message:
Sent: 3/13/2026 1:25:00 PM
From: Marisa Myers
Subject: HB695 re: Non-Disclosure Agreements
The Ohio Bar has been asked for feedback on HB 695, which prohibits certain local officials from entering into non-disclosure agreements. We understand this to be in response to NDAs related to data center projects.
House Bill 695
You may respond to this thread with feedback or to me directly at mmyers@ohiobar.org.
Marisa
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Marisa Myers
Ohio State Bar Association
Columbus OH
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