[Ohio-talk] Important Information about SRC for OOD Please read

[Eric Duffy]

Sunset Review Panel Begins Work, Gets Briefings From Several Boards And Commissions
       
With hearings to be scheduled nearly weekly for a few months, the Sunset Review Committee began the process Tuesday of reviewing a myriad of state agencies with an eye toward determining their justification for continuation, termination, modification or consolidation going forward.
 
 
After formally electing Rep. Tim Brown <http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/bio.cfm?nameid=146602&locid=2> (R-Bowling Green) and Sen. Chris Jordan (R-Delaware) as chair and vice-chair, respectively, the panel wasted no time and heard from representatives of some 18 state agencies, boards and commissions as to their functions and worthiness to continue operating into the future.
Rep. Brown explained the process may ultimately include a "consent" list of agencies that may require only minimal review to a more "intense" list requiring in-depth review. He said the committee's work could produce an "exempt" list of agencies that would establish early on that those agencies would live on into the future providing services to Ohioans.Public member Brian Perera suggested any such exempt list include constitutionally-created boards or commissions. He specifically noted the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
 
Among the feedback heard Tuesday, the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Commission recommended a more streamlined approach to providing services with the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and OOD's inclusion as a cabinet level agency.
The proposal would consolidate the 7-member OOD Commission, the 17-member Consumer Advisory Committee and the 21-member Governor's Council on People with Disabilities into a State Rehabilitation Council, a structure formally recognized by federal law. In fact, it was noted that Ohio is the only state in the country still using the commission structure. The commission said the consolidated Council would advise the OOD and be a voice of individuals with disabilities to not only provide feedback, but also be involved in affecting policies and procedures involving vocational rehabilitation services.
 
Citing a need for more board efficiency, requests were made for a reduction in board membership by the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Advisory Board within the Governor's office and the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee. Sara Andrews, executive director of the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission, said the commission, established statutorily in 1991, continues to bridge the informational gap between criminal justice providers including the courts, prosecutors, defense and rehabilitation programs, among others.
 
Asked by Sen. Chris Widener <http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/bio.cfm?nameid=30502&locid=2> (R-Springfield) about the need for a legislative criminal code recodification committee when the OCSC is providing a similar review of the code, Ms. Andrews allowed the commission has been somewhat "dormant" in the past few years but said efforts are being taken to make the group more vibrant in the process and that the commission would be working with the legislative panel on long-term solutions.
 
 
The Local Government Innovation Council, scheduled to sunset on Dec. 31 is the subject of separate legislation ( <>HB 340 <http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/legislation_billdetail.cfm?billid=2015HB34002> <>), sponsored by Rep. Ron Amstutz <http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/bio.cfm?nameid=5702&locid=2> (R-Wooster), to extend its run for another four years. That measure was reported by the House State Government Committee last week and carries an emergency clause to provide continuation of the Council before year's end.
 
Joe Montgomery of the Department of Public Safety, and testifying on behalf of the Automated Title Processing Board, reported the board will likely complete its work on the vehicle titling process with the county clerks of court by the board's statutory expiration date of Dec. 31, 2016. Beyond that deadline, Mr. Montgomery said the clerks would continue to work with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles on titling processes.
 
 
Mary Cusick, director of TourismOhio and testifying on behalf of the TourismOhio Advisory Board, said the board is working aggressively to position the state as a tourist destination to add to the already $40 billion annual economic catalyst to the state's economy. She reported that state is in the middle of a five year funding model change, basically doubling the state tourism budget, to create a new advertising, marketing and branding program bringing about upward momentum within the tourist industry.
 
Tuesday's hearing mostly featured panels that lawmakers expect to continue in one form or another. Others who presented brief testimony on their workings were: Ohio Arts Council, Capitol Square Review & Advisory Board, Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Advisory Board of Governor's Office, Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board, Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee, Ohio Business Gateway Steering Committee, Casino Control Commission, Peace Officer Training Commission, Power Siting Board, Public Utilities Commission Nominating Council, Savings and Loan Associations and Savings Banks Board, Tax Credit Authority and Wildlife Council.