"If the court rules in favor of a former lawmaker and a lobbyist convicted in Ohio’s HB 6 scandal, it would have huge implications for the utility sector and beyond."

"The only two individuals who have stood trial for their role in the largest utility corruption scandal in Ohio’s history have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review their cases and reverse their convictions.

If the court accepts their case and ultimately rules in favor of the defendants, it would also likely affect two former FirstEnergy Corp. officials currently facing criminal charges in federal court as part of the multiyear House Bill 6 bailout scheme.

Such a precedent could have implications far beyond the state — and beyond the utility sector, too.

A win for the defendants could thwart any attempt to bring criminal charges against other individuals or companies that make large campaign contributions to a federal or state candidate in return for official action, such as awards of government contracts or preferred access to natural resources."

Kathiann M. Kowalski reports for Canary Media January 8, 2026. [2]