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SB 333

Establish the Statewide Youth Council in the Governor’s Office

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nickie Antonio and 3 co-sponsors

Creates a permanent Statewide Youth Council in the Governor’s Office to advise the Governor and General Assembly on Ohio youth policies and legislation.

Referred to committee
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Bill Summary · SB 333

Summary of SB 333 (Session 136) – Ohio

Bill at a Glance

  • Title: Establish the Statewide Youth Council in the Governor’s Office
  • Sponsor: Senator Blackshear (with Senators Antonio, DeMora, Craig as cosponsors)
  • Status (as introduced): Referred to committee (Feb 11, 2026)
  • Effective scope: Creates a new advisory body within the Office of the Governor to inform both the Governor and the General Assembly on youth-related issues in Ohio.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a permanent Statewide Youth Council to advise the Governor and the General Assembly on legislation and issues affecting Ohio youth.
  • Provide a structured channel for youth perspectives to influence public policy.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Council Establishment and Structure

  • Body Created: Statewide Youth Council within the Office of the Governor.
  • Purpose: Advise both the Governor and the General Assembly on youth-related legislation and policy.
  • Membership: 20 Ohio high school students (ages 14–18) attending Ohio schools.
  • Appointment Process: The Governor will appoint all 20 members. An online application process is to be established; applications due by July 1 each year.
  • Term Lengths:
    • In the first year, 10 members serve a one-school-year term and 10 members serve a two-school-year term.
    • Thereafter, each year the Governor appoints 10 members to two-school-year terms.
    • Vacancies filled from among the most recent applicants; seats vacate if a member graduates or withdraws from school.

Leadership and Meetings

  • Chair: An employee of the Governor’s office will serve as the nonvoting chairperson.
  • Meetings: Must meet at least twice per month; can meet via video conference or similar electronic means. The Council is a public body under the Open Meetings Law.
  • Quorum and Voting: A majority of the 20 members constitutes a quorum; a majority vote of participating members is required to advance policy or approve actions.

Activities and Authority

  • Advocacy and Engagement:
    • The Council may engage in legislative advocacy through lobbying the General Assembly.
    • May seek public engagement and input to shape public policy and recommend legislation.
  • Reporting: Annually (by March 1), the Council must submit recommendations for policies addressing youth issues to the Governor and to the General Assembly (under existing law, R.C. 101.68).

Compensation

  • Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary and actual expenses, with advance approval from the Chairperson.

3) Who and What is Affected

  • Affected Individuals: Ohio high school students (ages 14–18) attending Ohio schools, who could be appointed to the Council.
  • Institutions/Entities Affected:
    • Office of the Governor (creates and administers the Council, appoints members, designates chair).
    • Ohio General Assembly (receives annual policy recommendations and may consider youth-informed proposals).
    • Public governance framework (Council operates under Open Meetings Law and can use virtual meeting methods).

4) Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Application Window: Online applications open ahead of July 1 each year.
  • Initial Appointments: By the first day of July following enactment, the Governor appoints:
    • 10 members for a one-school-year term
    • 10 members for a two-school-year term
  • Ongoing Appointments: Each year by July 1, the Governor appoints 10 members for two-school-year terms.
  • Vacancies: Filled from most recent applicants; automatic vacancy upon graduation or withdrawal.
  • Reporting Deadline: Annually by March 1, the Council reports to the Governor and General Assembly with policy recommendations.

5) Fiscal and Administrative Considerations

  • Members are not compensated but may be reimbursed for approved expenses.
  • Administrative framework follows existing Ohio public body procedures (Open Meetings Law).

If you’d like, I can add a section comparing SB 333 to similar youth advisory bodies in other states or outline potential policy areas where the Council could focus its first-year recommendations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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