S.B. 231 Summary

• Creates the American Red Cross Ohio Disaster Response Readiness and Preparedness Fund to receive contributions from taxpayers through their income tax returns beginning in taxable year 2009.

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

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

• Amends existing charitable contribution provisions in the tax code to include the new Red Cross fund alongside the natural areas and preserves fund, nongame and endangered wildlife fund, and military injury relief fund.

• Establishes reporting requirements for the emergency management agency to submit effectiveness reports to the general assembly every odd-numbered year beginning in January 2011, including contribution amounts and fund expenditures.