What is the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission?
The Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission was established in R.C. 103.61 with the passage of the House Bill 188 of the 129th General Assembly. The Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission is charged under R.C. 103.61 with:
- studying the Constitution of Ohio;
- promoting an exchange of experiences and suggestions respecting desired changes in the Constitution;
- considering the problems pertaining to the amendment of the Ohio Constitution; and
- making recommendations from time to time to the General Assembly for the amendment of the Ohio Constitution.
A Commission recommendation can be adopted only if it receives a two-thirds vote of the membership of the Commission. In the event of a call for a constitutional convention, the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission shall report to the General Assembly its recommendations with respect to the organization of a convention, and report to the convention its recommendations with respect to amendment of the Ohio Constitution.
Where did the Idea for this Commission come from?
The Commission is modeled after the 1970s Ohio Constitutional Revision Commission, whose published recommendations may be accessed at http://www.lsc.state.oh.us/ocrc/.
How many members serve on the Commission?
The Commission is comprised of 32 members.
How are members of the Commission Selected?
12 members are appointed from the General Assembly:
- Three by the President of the Senate
- Three by the Minority Leader of the Senate
- Three by the Speaker of the House
- Three by the Minority Leader in the House
The other 20 members are appointed by majority vote of the 12 legislative members. These members are to be from the public and not the General Assembly.
How are the Co-Chairs Selected?
The Co-Chairs of the Commission are selected every even numbered year until the Commission sunsets on or before January 1, 2018.
The Co-Chairs must be members of the General Assembly, one from each Chamber and not of the same political party.
Who serves on the Commission?
A list of Commission members and their contact information is provided at http://ocmc.ohio.gov/ocmc/members
How long are the appointed terms on the Commission?
The terms on the Commission are two years long, ending on January 1 of every even numbered year. All Commission terms end on January 1, 2018.
Can members be reappointed to their position on the Commission?
Yes, members may be reappointed in the manner provided by law for original appointments.
How are vacancies filled on the Commission?
General Assembly vacancies: twelve members shall be appointed from the General Assembly as follows: three by the Senate President, three by the Senate Minority Leader, three by the House Speaker, and three by the House Minority Leader. A vacancy in any one of these will be filled by appointment by the appropriate appointing authority.
Public member vacancies: Public member vacancies are filled by a majority vote of the General Assembly appointed members of the Commission.
Are members of the Commission Paid for their Service?
Members of the Commission are not compensated for their service, but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred while engaging in the performance of the member's official duties.
Can the Commission accept Gifts?
The ORC allows the Commission to accept grants, gifts, bequests, and devises.
Is the Commission Required to File any Reports?
The Commission is required to file a report with the Auditor of State by March 15th every year detailing any grants, gifts, bequests, and devises the Commission may have received in the previous year and the purpose for which the funds were expended.
The Commission filed its first report with the General Assembly on January 1, 2013 and is required to file a report at least every two years until its work is completed.
Does the Commission have Committees?
Yes! The Commission has four Standing Committees and six Subject Matter Committees
- Standing Committees:
- Subject Matter Committees
- Bill of Rights and Voting Committee
- Constitutional Revision and Updating Committee
- Education, Public Institutions, and Local Government Committee
- Finance, Taxation, and Economic Development Committee
- Judicial Branch and Administration of Justice Committee
- Legislative Branch and Executive Branch Committee
How are the Committee Assignments Made?
The Commission rules state that the Co-Chairs of the Commission will appoint the committees and name the Chair and Vice-Chair of each committee.
Each member of the Commission will serve on one Standing Committee and at least two Subject Matter Committees.
When did the OCMC cease operations?
The Commission held its last meeting on June 8, 2017. By legislation in the 132nd General Assembly, the Commission was terminated on June 30, 2017.
Who can I contact to learn more?
The Ohio Legislative Service Commission has custody of all records of the OCMC and may be contacted at (614) 466-2241.