Bill > HB603

This bill establishes new restrictions on contract provisions for Ohio conservancy districts (public entities responsible for water resource management) by prohibiting certain clauses in procurement contracts. Specifically, the bill prevents conservancy districts from entering into contracts that include: (1) provisions requiring the district to indemnify or hold another party harmless, (2) contract venue specifications outside of proper state jurisdictions, (3) terms that limit the district's liability for losses caused by negligence or misconduct, (4) terms that are unilaterally changeable, not specifically negotiated, or electronically accepted without thorough review, (5) provisions inconsistent with public records obligations, and (6) clauses that restrict the district's ability to recover costs for replacement contractors. If a contract contains any of these prohibited provisions, those specific terms will be considered void from the beginning (void ab initio), but the remainder of the contract will remain enforceable. The bill aims to protect conservancy districts from potentially unfair or overly restrictive contract terms that could compromise their financial or legal interests.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb603