OH HB398

Awards eligible Ohio National Guard and Ohio State Defense Force service members a one-time bonus of $1,000 in recognition of their service during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Operation Steady Resolve activities.

Requires service members to have served in a full-time active duty role between March 9, 2020 and the bill's effective date, been an Ohio resident since March 9, 2020, and have no disciplinary actions or dishonorable discharge during that period.

Directs the Adjutant General to certify eligible service members to the Office of Budget and Management within 30 days of the bill's effective date, with bonus awards to be issued within 90 days.

Appropriates $17,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 from the Dedicated Purpose Fund Group to fund the bonus awards, with any unexpended balance reappropriated to fiscal year 2023.

Allows the Auditor of State to audit the program and the Adjutant General to establish guidelines for bonus award distribution.