To enact section 3701.67 of the Revised Code to create the Ohio Bed Bug Infestation Task Force to study bed bug infestation in Ohio.

Section 1. That section 3701.67 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 3701.67. (A) There is hereby created the Ohio bed bug infestation task force. The task force shall consist of the following fifteen members:

(1) The director of health or the director's designee, who shall serve as the task force's chairperson;

(2) An employee of the department of aging, appointed by the director of aging;

(3) An employee of the department of agriculture, appointed by the director of agriculture;

(4) An employee of the department of commerce, appointed by the director of commerce;

(5) An employee of the department of development, appointed by the director of development;

(6) An employee of the department of job and family services, appointed by the director of job and family services;

(7) One individual representing the interests of each of the following constituencies, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate:

(a) The pest control industry;

(b) Boards of health of city or general health districts;

(c) Environmental protection groups;

(d) Tenants of residential dwelling units that are rented or leased;

(e) Colleges or universities located in this state;

(f) The lodging industry;

(g) The pesticide production and manufacturing industry.

(8) Two individuals representing the interests of owners of residential dwelling units that are rented or leased, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate.

Appointments shall be made not later than sixty days after the effective date of this section. Members shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authorities. Vacancies shall be filled in the manner provided for original appointments.

Members shall serve without compensation, except to the extent that serving on the task force is considered part of their regular duties of employment.

(B) The task force shall meet at the call of the chairperson. During the period before submission of the report required by division (C) of this section, the task force shall meet at least once each calendar year quarter beginning with the quarter in which appointments are made under division (A) of this section. After submission of the report, the task force shall meet when determined to be necessary by the chairperson.

The department of health shall provide meeting space, staff services, and technical assistance required by the task force in carrying out its duties.

(C) The task force shall study the problem of bed bug infestations in this state and submit a report to the governor and, in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code, the general assembly. At a minimum, the report shall contain all of the following:

(1) An analysis of the impact that bed bug infestations have on vulnerable populations;

(2) An analysis of the roles and responsibilities governmental entities have assumed in controlling bed bugs, the procedures governmental entities employ to control bed bugs, and the deficiencies that may exist with respect to the roles and responsibilities assumed and the procedures employed;

(3) A description of best practices used to control bed bugs in communities in this state and other jurisdictions;

(4) Subject to division (D) of this section, recommendations regarding all of the following:

(a) How to most effectively monitor and track bed bug infestations;

(b) How to most effectively and safely use chemicals or other substances to control bed bugs;

(c) How boards of health of city or general health districts can most effectively assist statewide and community efforts, if any, to control bed bugs, including the boards' roles in enforcement of laws and ordinances;

(d) Which governmental entities should be required to enforce laws and ordinances pertaining to controlling bed bug infestations;

(e) Whether additional legislation needs to be enacted to control bed bug infestations.

The report shall be submitted not later than one year after appointments to the task force are made under division (A) of this section.

(D) For purposes of fulfilling the responsibility described in division (C)(4)(b) of this section, the task force shall consult with federal officials regarding the chemicals and other substances that are available and safe for use in controlling bed bugs. If appropriate, the task force shall assist the director of agriculture in applying to the administrator of the United States environmental protection agency for an emergency exemption from the provisions of the "Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act," 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq., authorized under 7 U.S.C. 136p.

(E) Sections 101.82 to 101.87 of the Revised Code do not apply to the task force.