Majority Whip Santucci and Representative Mathews introduce legislation to create Ohio Trade and Defense Commissions

Majority Whip Nick Santucci (R-Niles) and State Representative Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) recently introduced House Bills 291 and 292 – legislation to establish the Ohio International Trade Commission and the Ohio Defense Commission. 

“I’m proud to join Representative Ty Mathews in introducing vital defense legislation aimed at making Ohio the top state in military readiness,” said Majority Whip Santucci. “This effort strengthens our role in national security and ensures Ohio continues to lead the way in supporting our armed forces.”

The Ohio International Trade Commission seeks to establish a committee of three members of the Ohio Senate (appointed by the President of the Senate), and three members of the Ohio House of Representatives (appointed by the Speaker of the House). Eight additional members would be appointed by and with the mutual consent of the Director of Development and Adjutant General to represent Ohio’s economic development interests and the interests of the five countries on the commission. The goal of the Commission is to evaluate and support business relations between the State of Ohio and foreign countries.

House Bill 291 is currently being reviewed in the House Development Committee. 

The Ohio Defense Commission would include members from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio House of Representatives, Ohio Senate, Ohio Congressional Delegation, and the Governor’s office, as well as representatives of the various regions of Ohio, the Adjutant General, and the chief investment officer of the nonprofit corporation formed under section 187.01 of the Revised Code. The goal of the Ohio Defense Commission is to consider strategies to promote the defense industry in the state of Ohio.

House Bill 292 is currently being reviewed in the House Veterans and Military Development Committee.