Ohio House Bill HB25

Ohio 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23

Caption

Create Ohio Asian-American and Pacific Islander Affairs Comm

Impact

The bill outlines specific duties for the commission, such as recognizing and promoting the contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, as well as coordinating with other organizations that serve these communities. A significant function of the Office of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Affairs will be to serve as a clearinghouse to review proposals from public and private entities aimed at supporting these populations. This can lead to enhanced service delivery and support systems for Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in various sectors, including education, health, and employment.

Summary

House Bill 25 aims to establish the Ohio Asian-American and Pacific Islander Affairs Commission, along with the Office of Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs. This commission will consist of eleven voting members, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The primary purpose of the commission is to address the unique challenges and needs of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in Ohio. This includes gathering information, conducting public education on relevant issues, and advising state officials on policy development related to these communities.

Contention

While the impact of the commission aims to foster better representation and support for Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, potential points of contention may arise concerning the allocation of state funds, responsibilities of the commission versus existing organizations, and the commission's ability to effectively address the diverse needs of a wide-ranging group. The establishment of this commission represents a recognition of the need for tailored policies to support marginalized communities, but it may also lead to debates on resource distribution and overall effectiveness in achieving its goals.