H.B. 175 Summary

• Establishes the "Access to Global Market Opportunities for Ohio Manufactured Products Program" composed of two initiatives: the "Ohio Global Leadership Initiative" and the "Global Initiative on International Relations" to expand Ohio businesses' access to international markets and create jobs.

• Creates the Global Initiative on International Relations with at least 20 "Ohio ambassadors" appointed by the House Speaker and Senate President (including 2 House members and 2 Senate members each, with remaining ambassadors being Ohio Commodores); ambassadors serve unpaid but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses with gubernatorial approval.

• Establishes the Ohio Global Leadership Initiative within the Development Services Agency to facilitate Ohio businesses' entry and expansion into foreign markets by designating members of District Export Councils as "Ohio business consulates" to assist with foreign business relationships and market access.

• Requires publication of an Ohio international trade booklet listing businesses that could supply international markets, organized by industry classification; publication costs may be covered by listing fees with excess revenues deposited to the Ohio Ambassador Fund.

• Appropriates $100,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Ohio Ambassador Fund for fiscal year 2016 to support program operations and ambassador reimbursements.