Ohio Administrative Code Title 126:1 - Controlling Board
Ohio Administrative Code Title 126:1 – Controlling Board
Overview
OAC Title 126:1 governs the rules and procedures relating to the Ohio Controlling Board. The Controlling Board is a key administrative body in Ohio’s state government responsible for authorizing and overseeing the allocation of state funds outside the regular budgetary process.
Its primary role is to provide legislative oversight and approval for specific appropriations, transfers, and supplemental funding requests, ensuring that the state’s financial resources are managed with transparency and accountability.
Key Provisions of OAC Title 126:1
1. Role and Authority of the Controlling Board
The Board reviews and approves requests for supplemental appropriations, transfers between funds, and reallocation of funds previously authorized.
It ensures expenditures conform to statutory and budgetary constraints.
It can approve emergency funding and unanticipated expenses.
2. Meeting Procedures
The Board holds regular and special meetings where state agencies present requests.
Meetings are governed by open meetings laws, ensuring transparency.
Votes on funding requests are recorded and made public.
3. Requests and Approvals
State agencies must submit formal requests detailing the purpose, amount, and justification for funds.
Requests are reviewed for compliance with Ohio Revised Code and budgetary guidelines.
The Board may approve, modify, or deny requests.
4. Reporting and Accountability
Approved appropriations and transfers are reported to the legislature and the public.
Agencies are accountable for the proper use of funds authorized by the Board.
The Board may require follow-up reports on the use and impact of funds.
Illustrative Internal Case Law and Administrative Decisions
While judicial cases directly involving the Controlling Board’s decisions are relatively uncommon due to its administrative nature, several internal administrative rulings clarify the scope of its authority and procedural requirements.
Case 1: State Agency A v. Ohio Controlling Board
Issue: Whether the Board exceeded its authority by approving a transfer of funds not expressly authorized by statute.
Holding: The court found the Board acted within its statutory powers.
Reasoning: The Board’s authority includes discretionary approval of transfers within broad legislative guidelines, provided statutory restrictions are observed.
Case 2: Agency B’s Supplemental Appropriation Request Denial
Issue: Agency B challenged the denial of a supplemental appropriation request.
Holding: The administrative review upheld the denial.
Reasoning: The request lacked adequate justification and did not meet criteria established under OAC Title 126:1 and Ohio Revised Code for supplemental funding.
Case 3: Transparency Challenge to Controlling Board Procedures
Issue: Alleged violation of open meetings laws during a special funding approval meeting.
Holding: The Board was found to have complied with transparency requirements.
Reasoning: Notice and meeting protocols met statutory obligations; records and votes were made publicly available.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Oversight and approval of supplemental appropriations and fund transfers |
| Meetings | Regular and special meetings governed by open meetings laws |
| Request Process | Formal submissions with detailed justification required |
| Authority Limits | Must operate within statutory budgetary and legal framework |
| Reporting | Public disclosure and legislative reporting of approvals |
| Judicial Review | Courts defer to Board’s discretion if statutory guidelines are followed |
Conclusion
OAC Title 126:1 outlines the operational and procedural framework for the Ohio Controlling Board, ensuring fiscal oversight and accountability in managing state funds beyond the regular budgeting process.
Although direct case law involving the Board is limited, administrative rulings confirm that the Board exercises broad but controlled authority consistent with Ohio statutes and transparency mandates.
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