OH SB340

Creates the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council as a separate entity established pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, which may be organized as a nonprofit corporation.

Establishes council membership consisting of one director of a center for independent living selected by center directors, 13 individuals appointed by the governor with senate consent, and five nonvoting ex officio representatives from state agencies.

Authorizes the council to appoint an executive director whose compensation is set by the council, and allows delegation of hiring and disciplinary authority to the executive director without regard to civil service requirements.

Permits members with disabilities to participate in meetings remotely via interactive video conference or teleconference without being physically present, provided the council establishes specific procedural safeguards including a primary physical meeting location, clear audio/video connections, recorded roll call votes, and identity verification methods.

Treats the newly created council as a continuation of the existing council established by Executive Order 2000-02T, preserving current members' terms and applying new appointment procedures only to future vacancies.