The Ohio House passed amended House Bill 188 to create an Ohio–Israel Trade and Innovation Partnership, a statutory mechanism intended to foster trade, academic exchange and business collaboration between Ohio and Israel. Representative Thomas Hall urged a yes vote, describing lessons from a 2023 trade visit to Israel and the potential for cooperation in areas such as water technology, agriculture and medical innovation.

Representative Synenberg, a joint sponsor, addressed constituent concerns about foreign-policy implications and tax-dollar transfers, saying the measure does not commit Ohio tax dollars to the state of Israel and is not an endorsement of Israeli foreign policy. He said the commission would function as an access and relationship-building tool for Ohio businesses and institutions, and that the partnership could expand multilateral contacts with other international partners.

Sponsors named multiple Ohio organizations that support the partnership, including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Youngstown Business Incubator. After floor debate, the clerk recorded 73 affirmative votes and 8 negative votes; the House declared the bill passed, and the title was agreed to on the floor.

The bill, as presented on the floor, creates a commission and partnership to promote trade and innovation; specific program details and funding sources were not specified on the floor during this session.