1. (A)

   1. (1) Except as otherwise provided in divisions (A)(2) and (D) of this section, when section 3517.17 of the Revised Code authorizes the imposition of an administrative fine, the secretary of state or the Ohio election integrity commission, as applicable, may impose an administrative fine for each violation that does not exceed the maximum fine a court could impose for the violation.
   2. (2) When section 3517.17 of the Revised Code authorizes the imposition of an administrative fine for a violation of a provision in sections 3501.35, 3599.13, 3599.14, or 3599.21, division (A) of section 3599.11, or division (A)(1) or (2) of section 3599.12 of the Revised Code, the secretary of state or the commission, as applicable, may impose an administrative fine of up to one thousand dollars for each violation.

2. (B)

   1. (1) The secretary of state or the commission, as applicable, shall consider any of the following circumstances in determining whether to impose a maximum fine under division (A) of this section:

      1. (a) Whether the violator has been found guilty of any other violation of section 145.054, 742.043, 3307.073, 3309.073, or 5505.045 or Title XXXV of the Revised Code;
      2. (b) Whether the violation was made knowingly or purposely;
      3. (c) Whether any relevant statements, addenda, or affidavits required to be filed have not been filed;
      4. (d) Whether the violator has any outstanding fines imposed for a violation of section 145.054, 742.043, 3307.073, 3309.073, or 5505.045 or Title XXXV of the Revised Code;
      5. (e) Whether the violation occurred during the course of a campaign.

   2. (2) The secretary of state or the commission, as applicable, shall consider any of the following circumstances in determining whether to impose a lesser fine under division (A) of this section:

      1. (a) Whether the violator previously has not been found guilty of any other violation of section 145.054, 742.043, 3307.073, 3309.073, or 5505.045 or Title XXXV of the Revised Code;
      2. (b) Whether the violator has promptly corrected the violator's violation;
      3. (c) Whether the nature and circumstances of the violation merit a lesser fine;
      4. (d) Whether there are substantial grounds tending to excuse or justify the violation, although failing to establish a defense to the violation;
      5. (e) Whether the violation was not purposely committed.
   3. (3) The circumstances set forth in divisions (B)(1) and (2) of this section shall be considered by, but shall not control the decision of, the secretary of state or the commission, as applicable, in imposing a fine.
   4. (D) Notwithstanding divisions (A), (B), and (C) of this section, when section 3517.17 of the Revised Code authorizes the imposition of an administrative fine with respect to an act or failure to act that occurred before the effective date of this section, the secretary of state or the commission, as applicable, shall impose the fine authorized under the Revised Code and, if applicable, under the rules of the Ohio elections commission, as they existed at the time of the violation.

   5. (E)

      1. (1) Fines imposed under this section shall be deposited into the Ohio election integrity commission fund created by section 111.29 of the Revised Code.
      2. (2) The secretary of state shall certify to the attorney general for collection under section 131.02 of the Revised Code the amount of any fine imposed by the secretary of state, by the Ohio election integrity commission, or by the Ohio elections commission under this section or under a former version of this section that is not paid within forty-five days after it is imposed.

Last updated October 3, 2025 at 10:05 AM