Establish the Ohio Defense Commission

The creation of the 'Ohio Defense and Space Commission' was removed; it is now an 'Ohio Defense and Space Advisory Commission' within the Department of Development.

The requirement to deposit interest from Israeli state bonds into a defense fund was completely removed.

A new $5 million appropriation was added for the Defense and Aerospace Industries Expansion Program for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

The commission's duties were narrowed to advising on the new grant program, studying industry strategies, and promoting defense technology, replacing previous broad open-meeting definitions.

New rules were added requiring grant recipients to sign agreements, submit final reports within 30 days, and undergo audits upon request.

The commission is required to meet at least six times per year starting in calendar year 2027.

Added 'aerospace' to the commission's name and duties, broadening its focus beyond just defense.

Added a new section repealing the old Open Meetings Act text to replace it with a more comprehensive version.

Defined 'public body' and 'meeting' to clarify which entities and gatherings are subject to open meeting laws.

Added extensive exemptions allowing specific boards (e.g., medical, nursing, pharmacy, fatality review) to hold closed meetings for confidential reviews or disciplinary actions.

Added new rules requiring public notice for special meetings and establishing procedures for executive sessions.

Added a requirement that commission grant votes must occur in open public sessions.

Added civil penalties, attorney's fees, and potential removal from office for members who knowingly violate the open meeting requirements.

Changed the commission's membership structure to include representatives from seven specific state regions and a biotechnology sector representative.