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 direct contributions from the sale of these plates to various charitable organizations and funds, including those focused on health care, education, and support services for diverse communities. The bill establishes a license plate contribution fund to ensure that the collected funds are allocated to specific causes, while also emphasizing that contributions must not be used for abortion-related activities. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for contributions to Equality Ohio, which will support LGBTQ+ visibility and education, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the distribution of contributions received by the registrar to various educational institutions and organizations, ensuring that funds are used exclusively for enhancing student welfare services, such as mental health support and tuition assistance. It mandates that contributions to certain schools be allocated for specific purposes, with strict guidelines to prevent diversion for political or administrative costs. The bill also establishes a fee structure for the issuance of the "Equality Ohio" license plates, including a regular license tax and administrative fees, while repealing the existing section 4501.21 to harmonize amendments from previous legislation for consistent operation.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4501.21