COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require public bodies across the state to allow residents to speak before officials take formal action on any agenda item -- but it wouldn’t govern actions by state legislators.

The bill would affect local governments and school boards, county entities and state boards. It does not mention actions of the General Assembly, which has a track record of amending legislation, such as budget bills, at the last minute without public hearings.

House Bill 609 , introduced by Republican Reps. David Thomas of Ashtabula and Meredith Craig of Wayne County would amend Ohio’s Open Meetings Act to mandate public commentary periods at nearly all governmental decision-making public bodies across the state.

The law would apply to st

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