The bill proposes the creation of the Task Force on Missing Women and Girls who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, as outlined in the newly enacted section 2901.44 of the Revised Code. The task force is tasked with addressing the systemic issues surrounding the lack of care and concern for missing and murdered women and girls from these communities. Its responsibilities include developing policy changes in collaboration with state agencies, advancing community awareness about the severity of the issue, educating communities on prevention strategies, collecting relevant data, recommending safety programming, identifying major traffic hubs related to abductions, and creating a statewide awareness campaign. The task force will also hold public meetings to gather input from the community.
The composition of the task force will include representatives from various state agencies, as well as members appointed by legislative leaders, ensuring that the group reflects the diversity of the communities affected by this crisis. Members will serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for necessary expenses. The task force is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations every two years, which will be made available to the public, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in its efforts to address the issue of missing and murdered women and girls in Ohio.