Trumball News

Majority Whip Nick Santucci (R-Niles) and State Representative Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) have introduced House Bills 291 and 292. The proposed legislation aims 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 plans to include a committee with three members from the Ohio Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, and three members from the Ohio House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House. Additionally, eight more members would be appointed with mutual consent from the Director of Development and Adjutant General. These appointments aim to represent Ohio’s economic development interests along with those of five countries involved in the commission. The main objective is to evaluate and support business relations between Ohio and foreign nations.

House Bill 291 is currently under review by the House Development Committee.

The proposed Ohio Defense Commission will include representatives from various sectors including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, both houses of state legislature, the Governor’s office, as well as regional representatives, among others. This commission's focus is on strategizing ways to promote Ohio's defense industry.

House Bill 292 is presently being examined by the House Veterans and Military Development Committee.