The bill introduced by Senator Hicks-Hudson establishes the Farming and Workforce Development Program aimed at providing training for individuals aged 16 to 35 who are residents of Ohio, preparing them for seasonal crop farming employment. The program will be managed by county offices of the Ohio State University Extension and Central State University Extension, which will create guidelines for the application process and training coursework. Notably, individuals with felony convictions are eligible to participate in the program as long as they meet the age and residency requirements.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to support the activities of the Farming and Workforce Development Program. This funding is designated for fiscal year 2025, with no additional appropriations for fiscal year 2026. The Director of Budget and Management is tasked with establishing accounts for the appropriations and ensuring that expenditures comply with existing legislative provisions.