Ohio Looks to Ban Corporate Giants from Secret Deals with Local Governments

Proposed legislation would prohibit local officials from signing non-disclosure agreements that hide company identities and project details from the public.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:33pm

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Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban local officials from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to economic development deals with companies. The proposed legislation aims to stop the growing practice of local governments keeping the identities of companies and project details secret from the public, even after approving millions in tax breaks and incentives.

Why it matters

These secretive deals have raised concerns about transparency and accountability in how taxpayer money is spent. Critics argue that the lack of public disclosure erodes trust in local government and allows companies to avoid scrutiny over the true impact of their projects on the community.

The details

The bill, introduced by Republican state representatives Brian Stewart and Adam Bird, would prohibit county commissioners, township trustees, village mayors and council members from entering into NDAs related to economic development deals. If passed, any existing agreements would be voided, and officials who violate the rule could face fines of up to $1,000. The proposal has faced some pushback, with concerns that it could put Ohio at a competitive disadvantage compared to neighboring states that allow more secrecy around corporate incentives.

  • The bill had its first hearing on Wednesday, March 13, 2026.
  • If passed, the law would take effect immediately, voiding any existing NDAs.

The players

House Bill 695

Proposed legislation that would ban local officials in Ohio from signing non-disclosure agreements related to economic development deals.

Brian Stewart

Republican state representative from Pickaway County who co-introduced the bill to prohibit NDAs.

Adam Bird

Republican state representative from Clermont County who co-introduced the bill to prohibit NDAs.

Pat Garofalo

Director of state and local policy at the American Economic Liberties Project, a liberal corporate accountability nonprofit.

Collin Walke

Oklahoma Democratic state representative who criticized a $700 million incentive package where lawmakers didn't know the company's name or location.

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What they’re saying

“These agreements hide how taxpayer money is spent, exclude residents from decision-making, and create a sense of secrecy and mistrust.”

— Adam Bird, Republican state representative (cleveland.com)

“When I explain to any normal human being that this is the way it works, the first question is inevitably, 'How is that legal?'”

— Pat Garofalo, Director of state and local policy, American Economic Liberties Project (cleveland.com)

“How am I supposed to go back to my constituents and say, 'I gave away three-quarters of a billion dollars to a company that I don't even know their name?' Is that responsible?”

— Collin Walke, Oklahoma Democratic state representative (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The bill will continue through the legislative process, with additional hearings and votes in the Ohio House of Representatives. If passed by the House, it would then move to the Ohio Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation in Ohio reflects a growing national trend of lawmakers seeking to increase transparency and accountability around corporate incentive deals with local governments. By banning the use of non-disclosure agreements, the bill aims to ensure that taxpayers have a clear understanding of how their money is being spent and the true impact of these economic development projects on the community.