OH HB269

Creates the Commission on Somali and East African Affairs with 11 voting members appointed by the governor with Senate consent and 4 ex officio nonvoting members from the General Assembly, meeting at least quarterly.

Establishes the Office of Somali and East African Affairs accountable to the commission, headed by a director appointed by the commission to implement commission directives and manage grants and programs.

Authorizes the commission to gather information, conduct hearings and studies, promote public awareness, develop coordinated policies, and advise state government on issues affecting Somali and East African populations in education, employment, health, housing, and other areas.

Requires the office to serve as a clearinghouse for proposals, apply for and manage grants, monitor subcontracted programs, ensure community access to decision-making bodies, and submit annual reports to the commission.

Appropriates $125,000 for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 from the General Revenue Fund for operating expenses of the East African Affairs Commission.