H.B. 452 Summary

• Creates the American Red Cross Ohio Disaster Response Readiness and Preparedness Fund in the state treasury to receive contributions from taxpayers through income tax returns or direct donations, effective for taxable years beginning in 2009 or thereafter.

• Allows taxpayers to contribute to the fund by designating part of their income tax refund or by increasing their annual tax payment, with a minimum contribution of one dollar.

• Requires the state emergency management agency executive director to make annual grants from the fund to the American Red Cross Greater Columbus Chapter for disaster preparedness, response, and planning programs throughout Ohio.

• Establishes that administrative costs for the income tax contribution system shall be divided equally among four funds (natural areas, nongame wildlife, military injury relief, and American Red Cross disaster response funds) at a maximum of 2.5% of annual contributions.

• Requires the state emergency management agency executive director to report to the general assembly every odd-numbered year beginning January 2011 on the fund's effectiveness and contributions received.