Ohio House Passes Bill to Establish Ohio Defense and Space Commission

State Representatives Nick Santucci (R-Niles) and Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) today announced that the Ohio House passed House Bill 292 – legislation to establish the Ohio Defense and Space Commission.

“Ohio has long been a leader in aerospace and defense, supporting hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs and driving innovation across our state,” said Santucci. “Establishment of the Ohio Defense and Space Commission protects jobs, strengthens our economy, and keeps Ohio at the forefront of national defense and advanced manufacturing. House Bill 292 ensures we are organized, strategic, and ready to compete for even more opportunity.”

“Today Ohio takes a bold step in being a leader in rebuilding our nation's defense industrial base,” said Mathews. “I am proud to sponsor this historic legislation which pushes not only our state forward but our Nation.  It signals to the country that Ohio is open for business and a great place for investment.”

The bill establishes the Ohio Defense and Space Commission to consider strategies to promote the defense and aerospace industries in Ohio.  If enacted, the commission would be responsible for the following:

• Administering the Defense and Aerospace Industries Expansion Program
• Recruiting international businesses to invest in the state for defense and aerospace industry purposes
• Promoting research, development, and manufacturing of technology to counter unmanned aerial vehicle systems in Ohio
• Considering policies intended to improve quality of life for service members and veterans
• Studying and developing comprehensive strategies to promote the defense and aerospace industries throughout the state

House Bill 292 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.