SB98 Summary

• Creates the Ohio Asian-American and Pacific Islander Affairs Commission consisting of 11 voting members appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation and 4 ex officio nonvoting members from the General Assembly.

• Establishes the Office of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Affairs, headed by a director appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the commission.

• Commission duties include gathering information on Asian-American and Pacific Islander issues, conducting public education programs, advising state agencies on policies and procedures, reviewing grants, and coordinating state services delivery to this population.

• Office responsibilities include serving as a clearinghouse for proposals, applying for grants, monitoring subcontracted programs, ensuring access to government decision-making bodies, and submitting annual reports to the commission.

• Voting members must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents representing urban, suburban, and rural areas with geographical balance reflecting the state's Asian-American and Pacific Islander population distribution.