S.B. No. 195 Summary

• Creates the Ohio Ireland Trade Commission to study bilateral trade, investment, policy issues, business and academic exchanges, economic support, and infrastructure investment between Ohio and Ireland.

• Commission consists of nine members: three senators appointed by the senate president, three house members appointed by the speaker, and three governor appointees (one from higher education, one from Ohio Chamber of Commerce, one representing Irish American communities).

• Legislative members serve two-year terms or remainder of their legislative term (whichever is less); governor appointees serve four-year terms, with all appointments to be made within 90 days of the effective date.

• Commission must issue annual reports to the governor, senate president, and house speaker beginning within 15 months of the effective date, detailing activities, findings, and recommendations.

• Commission may raise funds through solicitation and accept gifts, grants, and bequests, with all funds deposited to the Ohio Ireland Trade Commission Fund in the state treasury to cover administrative expenses and commission operations.