Ohio2026Passed Legislature

HB123

HB123: Changes How Local Elected Vacancies Are Filled

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 4:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill changes Ohio laws to set new rules for appointing people to fill empty local government jobs when an election is not held immediately.

Requires that if a person has been certified as elected to the next full term, they must be appointed first to finish the current unexpired term before another appointment is made.
Sets specific time limits requiring appointments for certain county offices to be made within forty-five days of a vacancy occurring.
Mandates that appointing authorities send proof of an appointment to local boards of elections and the secretary of state within seven days.
Defines who has the power to make an appointment based on whether the previous officeholder was elected as a party member or an independent candidate.

Local government officials in offices such as county commissioners, sheriffs, treasurers, auditors, prosecuting attorneys, clerks of courts, recorders, engineers, and coroners.
County central committees of political parties that select replacements for partisan candidates.

The provided text does not state when this law will officially take effect.
Some specific details about how independent candidates are handled were cut off at the end of the provided text excerpt.
The bill only covers certain local offices and does not mention all possible government positions.

Plain language

Vacancy: An empty job position in an elected office because someone left or could not take it.
Appointing authority: The group, such as a political party committee or county board, that has the power to choose who fills the empty seat.
Unexpired term: The remaining time left in an office before the next scheduled election for that position.

Official record

Source attached

Modify procedures for filling vacancies in local elected offices

Official activity