The bill introduced by Senator Reineke seeks to amend section 121.22 of the Revised Code and establish the Ohio Defense and Space Commission through the creation of new sections 113.052, 122.952, 122.953, and 122.954. A significant aspect of the bill is the requirement that any revenue generated from interest on bonds of the State of Israel, when such bonds are present in the state treasury, be deposited into the newly established Ohio defense fund. This fund is designed to support initiatives in the defense and space sectors, highlighting Ohio's strategic focus on enhancing its capabilities in these areas.

In addition to establishing the commission, which will oversee a defense industry expansion program and manage the Ohio defense fund, the bill emphasizes transparency in public meetings. It mandates that all meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with specific exceptions, and requires advance notice for special meetings. The legislation also allows individuals to take legal action against public bodies for violations of these transparency requirements, potentially leading to penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, the bill outlines the administration of development grants for the defense and aerospace industries, including the execution of grant agreements and audit provisions, while repealing the existing section 121.22 of the Revised Code.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 121.22