Modify Campaign Finance Law re: foreign nationals, initiatives

HB 609 modifies Ohio's campaign finance laws to tighten reporting requirements for candidates and committees while restricting how foreign nationals can contribute to statewide initiatives. The bill mandates stricter filing deadlines for campaign statements and prohibits individuals from making cash contributions exceeding one hundred dollars per election cycle. It also bars public officials from awarding contracts to businesses or individuals who have contributed more than one thousand dollars to the official's campaign within the previous two years. Additionally, the legislation prevents newspapers and broadcasters from charging campaign committees higher advertising rates than those offered to general business advertisers.