Reps. Mike Odios, Mike Dovilla hold press conference on legislation that would expand the inspector general’s authority to investigate fraud

A new bill introduced into the Ohio House of Representatives would expand the inspector general’s authority, making it easier to obtain search warrants, a move that comes amid worries about fraud in Ohio and nationally.

The legislation would add the inspector general and a deputy inspector general to the current definition of “peace officers” under state law. Supporters of the bill say that the definition change will help the agency to investigate fraud.

Reps. Mike Odioso, R-Green Twp., and Mike Dovilla, R-Berea, who are cosponsoring the legislation, spoke at a press conference on Wednesday about House Bill 683.

Dovilla said that the bill would increase accountability in state government and address crimes involving government funds.

“This legislation is also about protecting taxpayer dollars, as we’ve seen in recent years and just very recently, at the end of last year, in Minnesota, there are real examples of fraud impacting public programs, including issues related to child care and other benefits,” Dovilla said. “Those situations underscore the importance of having strong oversight and the ability to act when concerns arise.”

“House Bill 683 will help close gaps in the current system by allowing the Inspector General’s Office to more efficiently pursue electronic evidence while still maintaining appropriate judicial oversight through the warrant process,” Dovilla added. “Ultimately, this is a measured step we believe, to help improve transparency, enhance accountability, and help deter fraud before it happens.”

Republican lawmakers previously called on the Ohio Department of Children and Youth after reports of billions of dollars of fraud involving taxpayer-funded childcare in Minnesota. The Department identified at least $20 million in fraud during the first few hours of “conducting program integrity reviews” of publicly funded child care programs.

HB 683 would not give the inspector general the authority to make arrests or issue citations and would require members of the office to complete certification to become peace officers.

“House Bill 683 provides the Inspector General’s office with practical tools to investigate potential fraud within state government and state vendors, while preserving judicial oversight with the requirement of probable cause,” Odioso said. “And the other thing I just wanted to mention briefly in the bill is it really does make sure that any of the inspector generals or deputy inspector generals have the sufficient training and are certified, certified by the law enforcement agency that does such a thing, certified to make sure that they’re qualified and ready and able to do these functions of the police.”

Ohio Inspector General Randall Meyer said that there would not be additional costs for certification because his office already has two individuals on staff who hold valid police certificates.

He also said that the use of electronic devices and cloud storage by criminals has increased the need for electronic search warrants in investigations.

“Evidence from these sources is needed for investigators to conduct their investigations efficiently,” Meyer said. “These electronic records are not obtainable through the issuance of subpoenas. However, with the issuance of an electronic search warrant, our office can obtain actual communication content of fraudulent activities through social emails and text messages.”

Meyer also said that the Inspector General’s Office has identified $30.5 million in pandemic unemployment assistance fraud that resulted in 166 criminal charges and the indictment of 50 people.

“Simply put, the successful outcome of these cases was due to the irrefutable evidence gathered from electronic search warrants,” Meyers said. “Granting the Inspector General’s Office law enforcement authority will enable the office to seek search warrants directly from the courts and make these investigations effective.”

Sen. Tom Patton, R-Strongsville, also spoke at the press conference and expressed support for the legislation.

The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Public Safety.