HB 409 Summary

• Creates the Commercial Airline and Air Freight Commission consisting of three state senators, three state representatives, and one nominated member from each passenger airline and air freight company operating in Ohio, all appointed by the governor, president of the senate, or speaker of the house as applicable.

• Governor must appoint initial members by July 1, 2014, with terms ending June 30, 2016, followed by two-year terms thereafter; legislative appointees serve for the remainder of the general assembly in which appointed.

• President of the senate designates the initial chairperson and speaker of the house designates the initial vice-chairperson, with the two positions alternating thereafter.

• Commission shall study policies needed to sustain and expand commercial passenger airline and air freight service, including international service, at Ohio airports and examine whether incentives should be awarded to airline and air freight companies.

• Commission must submit its first report with findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature by March 31, 2015, with updated reports submitted thereafter as determined necessary by the chairperson.