Patrick Salvin, executive director of PGA Reach Southern Ohio, and written testimony from David Griffith of the Northern Ohio PGA appeared before the Senate Transportation Committee in the second hearing on Senate Bill 212, a measure to create a Play Golf Ohio specialty license plate to fund golf-based youth programs.

"Senate Bill 2 12 will strengthen youth initiatives, not just in Southern Ohio, but across the entire state, including through the efforts of our colleagues in Northern Ohio," Patrick Salvin told the committee in oral testimony. Salvin said the Southern Ohio PGA and its charitable arm use golf as a vehicle for youth development through programs such as Clubs for Kids, providing instruction and equipment to children who may not otherwise have access.

Salvin described PGA of America professionals as instructors and managers who deliver programs statewide and said the proposed plate would expand access to underserved areas. Committee members asked how outreach reaches rural communities; Salvin described an application process and work with high school coaches and local facilities to identify need and deploy PGA professionals.

After the testimony, Vice Chair Schaeffer moved to refer Senate Bill 212 to the Committee on Rules and Reference. The clerk called the roll; all six recorded senators voted yes and the bill was referred.

Vote record (as called): Chairman Patton — yes; Vice Chair Schaeffer — yes; Ranking Member Antonio — yes; Senator Chavez — yes; Senator Reineke — yes; Senator Timken — yes. The committee recorded no amendments at the referral and no further debate on the floor of the committee at that time.