The bill, introduced by Senators Antonio and Smith, seeks to amend section 4501.21 and enact section 4503.59 of the Revised Code to create the "Equality Ohio" specialty license plate. This initiative will allow vehicle owners to apply for these plates, with a portion of the sales proceeds directed to support various charitable organizations, particularly those focused on LGBTQ+ visibility and education through contributions to Equality Ohio. The bill also establishes a license plate contribution fund to manage and allocate these funds to a range of causes, including health, education, and community support, while maintaining existing provisions for contributions to other charitable organizations.

In addition to the establishment of the "Equality Ohio" license plate, the bill outlines the distribution of contributions from various specialty plates to support educational programs, wildlife conservation, and community services. It emphasizes the importance of using these funds for specific purposes, such as mental health services for students and educational initiatives, while ensuring that contributions are not used for political purposes. The bill also includes a fee structure for the issuance of the new license plates, requiring applicants to pay a regular license tax, an administrative fee, and a contribution that will be deposited into the state treasury. Overall, the bill aims to enhance support for diverse communities and educational welfare in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4501.21