H.B. 224 Summary

• Creates the Ohio Asian-American and Pacific Islander Affairs Commission consisting of 11 voting members appointed by the governor with senate advice and consent, plus 4 ex officio nonvoting legislative members.

• 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 shall gather information, conduct research, promote public awareness, develop coordinated policies and programs, and advise state government on issues affecting Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in education, employment, health, housing, and other fields.

• Office duties include serving as a clearinghouse for proposals, applying for grants, monitoring subcontracted programs, establishing advisory committees, and submitting annual reports to the commission.

• Appropriates $440,944 from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 for operating expenses.