To enact section 3314.088 of the Revised Code to prohibit community schools from using state funds to hire a lobbyist or for public relations services.

Section 1. That section 3314.088 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 3314.088. (A) As used in this section, "lobby" or "lobbying" means to promote, oppose, or otherwise influence the outcome of federal, state, or local decisions, policies, or legislation by direct communication, including presenting testimony at a hearing, with any person who is an elected executive or legislative official, the director of a federal, state, or local executive or administrative department, or any member of the staff of such an official or department.

"Lobbying" does not include either of the following:

(1) The action of any person having a direct interest in executive agency decisions who, under Section 3 of Article I, Ohio Constitution, assembles together with other persons to consult for their common good or petitions such a person for the redress of grievances;

(2) Contacts made for the sole purpose of gathering information contained in a public record.

(B) No community school governing authority, sponsor, or operator shall use state moneys paid to the community school under section 3314.08 of the Revised Code to hire an independent agent to lobby on behalf of the school governing authority, or operator, or to perform public relations services for that school.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a member of a community school governing authority or any employee of the community school or operator from lobbying for that school.