OH HB188

Establishes a 32-member Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission consisting of 12 members appointed by legislative leaders (3 each from Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, House Speaker, and House Minority Leader) and 20 members appointed by the legislative members.

Commission purposes include studying the Ohio Constitution, promoting exchange of ideas on constitutional changes, considering amendment problems, and making recommendations to the General Assembly for constitutional amendments, with all recommendations requiring a two-thirds vote to be valid.

Commission members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses; membership does not constitute holding another public office.

Commission may receive appropriations, grants, gifts, bequests, and devises to fund member expenses and constitutional research; must file annual reports with the State Auditor by March 15 listing all funds received.

Commission shall make its first report by January 1, 2013, report at least every two years thereafter, and cease operations on July 1, 2021, with all member terms expiring on that date.