HB 575 Summary

• Creates the Ohio Economic Council on Women within the development services agency, consisting of 15 members including three state senators, three house representatives, four joint appointees, one women veterans representative, two higher education faculty/staff, and two civic/business group representatives.

• Council shall examine economic concerns and needs of women in Ohio including employment, education, child care, property rights, health care, and domestic relations; may conduct research, hold hearings, develop policy recommendations, and educate the public.

• Council must consult and report to the governor and general assembly on women's issues, serve as an advocate for women, establish a program to encourage women for state board appointments, and evaluate job training programs for women.

• Council must submit biennial reports to the governor and general assembly starting September 1, 2016, including activities, findings, recommendations for resource use, and proposals for comprehensive services for women; reports made available on the development services agency website.

• Council dissolves by operation of law five years after the effective date of the bill; council members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses.