Ohio § 9.21

Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 9.21, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9.21.

(A) Not later than three months after the effective date of this section, the legislative

authority of a political subdivision that holds a credit card account on the effective

date of this section shall adopt a written policy for the use of credit card accounts.  Otherwise, a legislative authority shall adopt a written policy before first holding

a credit card account. The policy shall include provisions addressing all of the following: (1) The officers or positions authorized to use a credit card account; (2) The types of expenses for which a credit card account may be used; (3) The procedure for acquisition, use, and management of a credit card account and presentation

instruments related to the account including cards and checks; (4) The procedure for submitting itemized receipts to the fiscal officer or the fiscal

officer's designee; (5) The procedure for credit card issuance, credit card reissuance, credit card cancellation,

and the process for reporting lost or stolen credit cards; (6) The political subdivision's credit card account's maximum credit limit or limits; (7) The actions or omissions by an officer or employee that qualify as misuse of a credit

card account. (B) The name of the political subdivision shall appear on each presentation instrument

related to the account including cards and checks. (C) If the political subdivision's fiscal officer does not retain general possession

and control of the credit card account and presentation instruments related to the

account including cards and checks, the legislative authority shall appoint a compliance

officer to perform the duties enumerated under division (D) of this section.  The compliance officer may not use a credit card account and may not authorize an

officer or employee to use a credit card account.  The fiscal officer is not eligible for appointment as compliance officer. (D) The compliance officer, if applicable, and the legislative authority at least quarterly

shall review the number of cards and accounts issued, the number of active cards and

accounts issued, the cards' and accounts' expiration dates, and the cards' and accounts'

credit limits. (E) If the fiscal officer retains general possession and control of the credit card account

and presentation instruments related to the account including cards and checks, and

the legislative authority authorizes an officer or employee to use a credit card account,

the fiscal officer may use a system to sign out credit cards to the authorized users.  The officer or employee is liable in person and upon any official bond the officer

or employee has given to the political subdivision to reimburse the treasury the amount

for which the officer or employee does not provide itemized receipts in accordance

with the policy described in division (A) of this section. (F) The use of a credit card account for expenses beyond those authorized by the legislative

authority constitutes misuse of a credit card account.  An officer or employee of the political subdivision or a public servant as defined

under section 2921.01 of the Revised Code who knowingly misuses a credit card account held by the legislative authority violates section 2913.21 of the Revised Code . (G) The fiscal officer or the fiscal officer's designee annually shall file a report

with the legislative authority detailing all rewards received based on the use of

the political subdivision's credit card account. (H) As used in this section: “ Credit card account ” means any bank-issued credit card account, store-issued credit card account, financial

institution-issued credit card account, financial depository-issued credit card account,

affinity credit card account, or any other card account allowing the holder to purchase

goods or services on credit or to transact with the account, and any debit or gift

card account related to the receipt of grant moneys.  “Credit card account” does not include a procurement card account, gasoline or telephone

credit card account, or any other card account where merchant category codes are in

place as a system of control for use of the card account. “ Political subdivision ” means any body corporate and politic that is responsible for government activities

in a geographic area smaller than that of the state.  “Political subdivision” does not include a county.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 9.21

What does Ohio Revised Code § 9.21 cover?

Section 9.21 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Ohio § 9.21?

A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 9.21" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Ohio law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

How does Ohio § 9.21 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.