The bill, introduced by Senator Timken, seeks to amend section 4501.21 and enact section 4503.736 of the Revised Code to create a new specialty license plate called the "Play Golf Ohio" license plate. This initiative is part of a broader effort to generate contributions for charitable causes through specialty plates. The bill establishes a license plate contribution fund within the state treasury, which will collect contributions from motor vehicle registrants opting for these plates. Additionally, it mandates that contributions be allocated to various organizations and initiatives, including wildlife conservation, educational programs, and community services, with specific allocations to the northern and southern Ohio PGA golf foundations to promote golf throughout the state.

Moreover, the bill outlines the use of contributions by school districts and high schools for enhancing students' mental and emotional well-being, specifically for services like bereavement counseling and education on bullying and drug abuse. Each educational institution is required to allocate fifty percent of the contributions for tuition assistance and the other half for mental health services, ensuring that any hired charitable organizations are tax-exempt under subsection 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The bill also includes provisions for the registrar to collect a $25 contribution for each application for the "Play Golf Ohio" license plates, along with a $10 administrative fee, while repealing the existing section 4501.21 of the Revised Code.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4501.21
As Reported By Senate Committee: 4501.21
As Passed By Senate: 4501.21