New Ohio Law Mandates Cybersecurity Standards for Local Governments


Ohio’s newly enacted House Bill 96 requires local governments to establish a formal cybersecurity program. These programs must follow recognized best practices, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) or CIS standards. They must include risk assessment, threat detection, incident response procedures, employee training, and plans to repair and maintain security infrastructure. Although the bill no longer includes funding provisions, state-supported resources like the Ohio Cyber Integration Center (OCIC), the Ohio Persistent Cyber Initiative (O-PCI), and the Ohio Cyber Reserves are available to assist with compliance. The law also mandates annual training, restricts ransomware payments without formal approval, and requires incident reporting to state officials within set timeframes.

Read more about this legislation and the new requirement at Cleveland.com.

Popular posts from this blog

Reorganizing Ohio's Court Rules: Public Comment Open Until October 24, 2025

Proposed changes to court rules in Ohio are open for public comment until October 24, 2025 . The main initiative is a multipart effort to reorganize the rules by moving those concerning court practices and procedures from the Rules of Superintendence to the appropriate Rules of Practice and Procedure (Civil, Criminal, and Juvenile). This restructuring aims to create a more logical organization for the rules. Also under consideration are other amendments for the Rules of Appellate Procedure to enhance clarity and accommodate electronic filing, and for the Traffic Rules to comply with new legislation. These recommendations were presented by the relevant commissions and approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio for public review. Comments on the proposed Superintendence Rule amendments should be sent to:      Keely McWhorter       Supreme Court of Ohio       65 S. Front St.       Columbus, Ohio 43215   ...
Read more

Ohio Supreme Court Approves Limited AI Use for Court Translations

The Ohio Supreme Court adopted new rules that permit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for translating non-substantive court information, such as website text or office hours, provided its use is disclosed. However, the rules strictly prohibit using AI to translate or interpret substantive legal writings like orders, forms, or any part of a legal proceeding, citing risks of error and jeopardizing constitutional rights. These new regulations, which went into effect on November 13th, are part of a broader effort to address the demand for qualified interpreters in Ohio courtrooms and also update requirements for interpreter certification. Read more about the rule changes on Bloomberg Law .
Read more

Ohio HB 492: Mandatory ID at Traffic Stops

Ohio lawmakers are considering House Bill 492 to create a new "refusal to disclose" law, making it a fourth-degree misdemeanor for drivers to refuse to show identification during a traffic stop. This proposed legislation is meant to address a situation where Ohio courts have repeatedly ruled that simply refusing to show a license does not automatically constitute the crime of obstructing official business. While supporters, including the Fraternal Order of Police, argue the bill is necessary to close this confusing legal gap, critics have raised concerns about the potential for racial profiling and abuse of the law. Read more about the proposed legislation on Cleveland.com .
Read more