OH HB736

Creates the Commission on Eastern European Affairs with 11 members: 3 appointed for 1-year terms, 4 for 2-year terms, 4 for 3-year terms (all by governor with senate consent), plus 2 nonvoting House and 2 nonvoting Senate members appointed by legislative leaders.

Requires appointed commission members to be of Eastern European origin, U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and proportionally representative of Ohio's Eastern European population.

Establishes the Office of Eastern European Affairs to serve the commission, with a director appointed by the commission and staff appointed by the director, both serving at pleasure.

Authorizes the commission and office to gather information, promote public awareness, advise state agencies on Eastern European needs in education, employment, health, housing, and other areas, and administer federal and state grants.

Appropriates $440,944 from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 for operating expenses.