To enact section 3304.55 of the Revised Code to create the Disability Accommodations through Technology Council.

Section 1. That section 3304.55 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 3304.55.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Blind" has the same meaning as in section 3304.28 of the Revised Code.

(2) "State institution of higher education" has the same meaning as in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code.

(B) There is hereby created within the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency the disability accommodations through technology council. The council shall consist of the following nine members appointed by the governor:

(1) Three representatives of businesses engaged in the field of technology;

(2) Three representatives of state institutions of higher education;

(3) Three representatives of the blind community.

(C) The governor shall make initial appointments to the council not later than ninety days after the effective date of this section. Of the initial appointments to the council, the governor shall appoint one member who represents business, one member who represents state institutions of higher education, and one member who represents the blind community to a term ending one year after the effective date of this section; one member who represents business, one member who represents state institutions of higher education, and one member who represents the blind community to a term ending two years after the effective date of this section; and one member who represents business, one member who represents state institutions of higher education, and one member who represents the blind community to a term ending three years after the effective date of this section. Thereafter, terms of office shall be for three years, with each term ending on the same day of the same month as did the term that it succeeds. Each member shall hold office from the date of the member's appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed.

Members may be reappointed to one additional term. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office as a member for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until a successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

Members of the council shall serve without compensation, but shall be paid the actual and necessary expenses they incur in the performance of their duties.

The governor annually shall appoint a chairperson from the members of the council. The governor may reappoint the chairperson to serve one additional term as chairperson. The council shall meet at least six times annually at the times and places designated by the chairperson.

(D) The council shall do all of the following:

(1) Study and determine methods to improve accommodations for individuals with disabilities through technology;

(2) Prepare a report that summarizes the council's findings under division (D)(1) of this section;

(3) Beginning one year after the effective date of this section, and every year thereafter, submit the report required under division (D)(2) of this section to the governor.

(E) The council may adopt rules as necessary for the conduct of its business. The executive director of the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency shall assign one professional staff person to the council to serve as executive secretary and other personnel as determined advisable.

(F) There is hereby created in the state treasury the technology assistance fund. The fund shall consist of donations, gifts, and contributions to the fund the executive director of the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency receives from businesses and of any appropriations made to the fund. The executive director shall use the moneys in the fund to improve accommodations for individuals with disabilities through technology.