Blogs

Legislative e-Update for April 21, 2025

By Craig Burford posted 04-21-2025 10:34 PM

  

The April 21, 2025, Legislative e-Update located below is provided by OESCA to Ohio’s ESCs, their client school districts, and other key education stakeholders.  The e-Update provides information on the pending education bills of interest to Ohio’s public education community introduced during the 135th Ohio General Assembly. Bills are organized by last action date.  There are also links to the state bill page for users to download any bills, analyses, or fiscal notes.  The document ends with the targeted news stories of interest and the latest news from Capitol Square.

The downloadable update is provided in MS Word format so you can co-brand with OESCA; add your own logos and customize as needed for your respective organizations and client districts. Please give credit to OESCA as appropriate. It can be accessed at:  https://www.oesca.org/viewdocument/legislative-eupdate-for-april-21-2?CommunityKey=e25c3e7b-d192-458d-bbfc-018fe042b4c4

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Legislative Tracking Report: 136th General Assembly

SB7

REGARDING INSTRUCTION-SUBSTANCE USE (JOHNSON T) Regarding instruction for public and chartered nonpublic school students in the harmful effects of substance use.

 

Current Status:   

4/9/2025 - PASSED BY SENATE; Vote 33-0

 

Recent Status:   

4/9/2025 - Bills for Third Consideration
4/8/2025 - REPORTED OUT, Senate Education, (Fifth Hearing)

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-7

 

SB168

SCHOOL DISTRICT ACQUISITION-PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM FACILITIES (INGRAM C) Regarding school district acquisition of preschool classroom facilities.

 

Current Status:   

4/9/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Finance

 

Recent Status:   

4/2/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-168

 

HB80

INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION BUDGET (STEWART B) To make appropriations for the Industrial Commission for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of Commission programs.

 

Current Status:   

4/9/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Financial Institutions, Insurance and Technology

 

Recent Status:   

4/2/2025 - PASSED BY HOUSE; Vote 94-0
4/2/2025 - Bills for Third Consideration

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-80

 

HB96

OPERATING BUDGET (STEWART B) To make operating appropriations for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, to levy taxes, and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of state programs.

 

Current Status:   

4/9/2025 - PASSED BY HOUSE; Amended on Floor, Bill Vote 60-39

 

Recent Status:   

4/9/2025 - Bills for Third Consideration
4/9/2025 - Senate Finance, (Fourth Hearing)

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-96

 

SB173

REGARDING SCHOOL DISTRICT TERRITORY ANNEXATIONS (SCHAFFER T, BRENNER A) Regarding school district territory annexations.

 

Current Status:   

4/9/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Education

 

Recent Status:   

4/8/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-173

 

SB163

VARIOUS REGULATIONS-ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (BLESSING III L, JOHNSON T) To require AI-generated products have a watermark, to prohibit simulated child pornography, and to prohibit identity fraud using a replica of a person.

 

Current Status:   

4/9/2025 - Senate Judiciary, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

4/2/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Judiciary
4/1/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-163

 

SB174

REGARDING PARENTING RESPONSIBILITIES-PARENTING PLANS (GAVARONE T, HICKS-HUDSON P) Regarding the allocation of parenting responsibilities in a parenting plan.

 

Current Status:   

4/9/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Judiciary

 

Recent Status:   

4/8/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-174

 

HB225

EMPLOYMENT-PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (JARRELLS D, YOUNG T) To phase out the subminimum wage for individuals with physical or mental disabilities, to authorize a tax credit for purchases made from nonprofit corporations that hire such individuals, and to name this act the Ohio Employment First and Greater Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act.

 

Current Status:   

4/9/2025 - Referred to Committee House Commerce and Labor

 

Recent Status:   

4/7/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-225

 

HB32

MONTH DESIGNATION-CELEBRATING DISABILITIES (JARRELLS D, COCKLEY C) To designate the month of July as Celebrating Disabilities Month.

 

Current Status:   

4/9/2025 - House Health, (Second Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

4/2/2025 - House Health, (First Hearing)
2/5/2025 - Referred to Committee House Health

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-32

 

HB186

LIMIT SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY TAX INCREASES (HOOPS J, THOMAS D) To authorize a reduction in school district property taxes affected by a millage floor that would limit increases in such taxes according to inflation and to require a corresponding adjustment in the school funding formula.

 

Current Status:   

4/9/2025 - House Ways and Means, (Second Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

4/2/2025 - House Ways and Means, (First Hearing)
3/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Ways and Means

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-186

 

HB57

OVERDOSE REVERSAL DRUGS, SCHOOL POLICIES (JARRELLS D, WILLIAMS J) Regarding school policies on the administration of overdose reversal drugs.

 

Current Status:   

4/8/2025 - House Education, (Third Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

4/1/2025 - House Education, (Second Hearing)
3/11/2025 - House Education, (First Hearing)

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-57

 

HB191

SET MINIMUM TEACHER SALARY (MILLER J, GRIM M) To require that all school district and educational service center teachers be paid a salary of at least $50,000.

 

Current Status:   

4/8/2025 - House Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

3/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education
3/24/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-191

 

HB28

ELIMINATE REPLACEMENT PROPERTY TAX LEVY AUTHORITY (MATHEWS A, HALL T) To eliminate the authority to levy replacement property tax levies.

 

Current Status:   

4/8/2025 - Senate Ways and Means, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

3/26/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Ways and Means
3/19/2025 - PASSED BY HOUSE; Vote 62-30

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-28

 

HB3

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY ACT (WILLIS B, THOMAS C) To address school bus safety, to designate this act as the School Bus Safety Act, and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

4/8/2025 - BILL AMENDED, House Transportation, (Third Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

4/1/2025 - House Transportation, (Second Hearing)
3/11/2025 - House Transportation, (First Hearing)

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-3

 

SB158

PROHIBIT CELL PHONES-PUBLIC SCHOOLS (TIMKEN J) To generally prohibit student cellular telephone use in public schools.

 

Current Status:   

4/8/2025 - Senate Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

4/2/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Education
4/1/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-158

 

SB34

ENACT HISTORICAL EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS ACT (JOHNSON T) To enact the Historical Educational Displays Act regarding the display of certain historical documents in public schools.

 

Current Status:   

4/8/2025 - SUBSTITUTE BILL ACCEPTED, Senate Education, (Fifth Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

4/1/2025 - SUBSTITUTE BILL ACCEPTED, Senate Education, (Fourth Hearing)
3/11/2025 - Senate Education, (Third Hearing)

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-34

 

HB205

REGARDING STUDENT TEACHERS' FINANCIAL SUPPORT (BRENNAN S, JONES D) To enact the Future Educators Support Act regarding financial support for student teachers, teaching as an in-demand job, and school district staffing surveys.

 

Current Status:   

4/2/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education

 

Recent Status:   

3/31/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-205

 

HB203

INCREASED PENALTIES-SCHOOL ZONES (HALL T, WILLIAMS J) To increase penalties for vehicular assault and vehicular homicide that occur in an active school zone, to require doubled fines for specified traffic violations in an active school zone, and to name this act Aspen Runnels' Law.

 

Current Status:   

4/2/2025 - Referred to Committee House Judiciary

 

Recent Status:   

3/26/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-203

 

HB154

SCHOOL DISTRICT APPROVAL-CRA EXEMPTIONS (THOMAS D, GLASSBURN C) To require school district approval of residential community reinvestment area property tax exemptions.

 

Current Status:   

4/2/2025 - House Local Government, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

3/19/2025 - Referred to Committee House Local Government
3/6/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-154

 

HB119

HIGH SCHOOL EXIT ORIENTATION CHANGES (WILLIAMS J, SANTUCCI N) To enact the Graduation Readiness and Development (GRAD) Act regarding exit orientation programs at public high schools and to designate September as "Workforce Development Month."

 

Current Status:   

4/1/2025 - House Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education
2/24/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-119

 

HB165

REGARDING IMPLICIT BIAS TRAINING-EDUCATORS (MILLER J, BREWER D) Regarding implicit bias training for licensed educators and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

4/1/2025 - House Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

3/19/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education
3/12/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-165

 

HB164

REINSTATE JOINT EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (ROBINSON P, MILLER J) To reinstate the Joint Education Oversight Committee and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

4/1/2025 - House Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

3/19/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education
3/12/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-164

 

HB54

TRANSPORTATION BUDGET (STEWART B) To make appropriations for programs related to transportation for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of those programs.

 

Current Status:   

3/31/2025 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR; eff. 3/31/25

 

Recent Status:   

3/25/2025 - Sent to Governor for Signature
3/19/2025 - Consideration of Senate Amendments; House Does Concur, Vote 87-3

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-54

 

SB1

ADVANCE OHIO HIGHER EDUCATION ACT (CIRINO J) To enact the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act regarding the operation of state institutions of higher education.

 

Current Status:   

3/28/2025 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR; eff. 90 days

 

Recent Status:   

3/26/2025 - Sent to Governor for Signature
3/26/2025 - Consideration of House Amendments; Senate Does Concur, Vote 20-11

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-1

 

HB48

TAX CHANGES-529, ABLE CONTRIBUTIONS (MATHEWS A, SANTUCCI N) To modify the income tax deductions for contributions to 529 plans and ABLE accounts.

 

Current Status:   

3/26/2025 - House Ways and Means, (Third Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

3/19/2025 - House Ways and Means, (Second Hearing)
3/5/2025 - House Ways and Means, (First Hearing)

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-48

 

HB189

REGARDING SCHOOL BEHAVIORAL THREAT MANAGEMENT (HALL T, GHANBARI H) Regarding a statewide behavioral threat management operational process for public and chartered nonpublic schools.

 

Current Status:   

3/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education

 

Recent Status:   

3/19/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-189

 

HB30

PHASE DOWN INCOME TAX-2.75% (MATHEWS A, LAMPTON B) To phase-down the state income tax to a flat rate of 2.75% over two years.

 

Current Status:   

3/26/2025 - House Ways and Means, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/5/2025 - Referred to Committee House Ways and Means
2/3/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-30

 

HB79

INCREASED PENALTY-ASSAULTING SPORTS OFFICIALS (ROEMER B, MILLER J) To increase the penalties for assault if the victim is acting as a sports official or the assault is committed in retaliation for the victim's actions as a sports official.

 

Current Status:   

3/26/2025 - House Judiciary, (Third Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

3/19/2025 - House Judiciary, (Second Hearing)
3/5/2025 - House Judiciary, (First Hearing)

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-79

 

HB190

PUBLIC SCHOOLS-GENDER PRONOUN USE (NEWMAN J, WILLIAMS J) To enact the Given Name Act regarding the use of gender pronouns in public schools.

 

Current Status:   

3/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education

 

Recent Status:   

3/24/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-190

 

HB187

REQUIRE SCHOOLS PROVIDE MOMENT OF SILENCE (CLICK G, SYNENBERG E) To require rather than permit school districts to provide a moment of silence each school day.

 

Current Status:   

3/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education

 

Recent Status:   

3/19/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-187

 

HB193

REGARDING OHIO ABLE ACCOUNTS (BARHORST T, LORENZ B) Regarding Ohio ABLE accounts and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

3/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Public Insurance and Pensions

 

Recent Status:   

3/24/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-193

 

HB127

WITHHOLDING SCHOOL DIRECTORIES-PUBLIC RECORDS (MATHEWS A, ODIOSO M) To permit schools to withhold directory information and to remove directory information from the public record definition.

 

Current Status:   

3/25/2025 - House Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education
2/24/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-127

 

HB114

KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION AGE REQUIREMENTS (BIRD A, RITTER K) Regarding age requirements for kindergarten admission.

 

Current Status:   

3/25/2025 - House Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education
2/18/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-114

 

HB145

INCREASE MINIMUM SCHOOL HOURS (BIRD A) Regarding the minimum number of hours in a school year.

 

Current Status:   

3/25/2025 - House Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

3/5/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education
3/3/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-145

 

SB144

REGARDING EDUCATOR LICENSE GRADE BANDS (INGRAM C) Regarding educator license grade bands.

 

Current Status:   

3/25/2025 - Senate Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

3/19/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Education
3/11/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-144

 

SB113

PROHIBIT DEI-PUBLIC SCHOOLS (BRENNER A) To prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools.

 

Current Status:   

3/25/2025 - Senate Education, (Second Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

3/4/2025 - Senate Education, (First Hearing)
2/26/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Education

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-113

 

SB19

REGARDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS-ACADEMIC INTERVENTION (BRENNER A) With regard to academic intervention services at public schools and the establishment of mathematics improvement and intervention plans.

 

Current Status:   

3/25/2025 - SUBSTITUTE BILL ACCEPTED, Senate Education, (Third Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/11/2025 - Senate Education, (Second Hearing)
1/29/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Education

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-19

 

SB141

AUTHORIZE TAX LEVIES-PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS (HICKS-HUDSON P) To authorize counties and other political subdivisions to place on the ballot tax levies supporting pre-kindergarten programs and to establish conditions on a county's use of moneys derived from the levied tax.

 

Current Status:   

3/19/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Local Government

 

Recent Status:   

3/11/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-141

 

HB179

STATEWIDE SCREENING-PROPERTY TAX REDUCTIONS (STEPHENS J) To create a statewide screening system for certain property tax reductions and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

3/19/2025 - Referred to Committee House Ways and Means

 

Recent Status:   

3/17/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-179

 

HB172

REQUIRE PARENTAL CONSENT-MINORS' MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE (NEWMAN J) To prohibit the provision of mental health services to minors without parental consent.

 

Current Status:   

3/19/2025 - Referred to Committee House Health

 

Recent Status:   

3/12/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-172

 

HB150

SCHOOL REPORTING-YOUTH LABOR LAW VIOLATIONS (MCNALLY L, WHITE E) To enact the Clock Out Kids Act to require school employees to report certain minor labor law violations, to increase penalties for certain minor labor law violations, and to create the Minor Labor Law Enforcement Fund; and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

3/19/2025 - Referred to Committee House Commerce and Labor

 

Recent Status:   

3/4/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-150

 

HB155

PROHIBIT DEI-PUBLIC SCHOOLS (LEAR B, WILLIAMS J) To prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools.

 

Current Status:   

3/19/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education

 

Recent Status:   

3/6/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-155

 

HB153

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS-PARTY DESIGNATION (LEAR B, HALL T) To require state and school district board members to be nominated by primary election and to appear on the ballot with a party designation.

 

Current Status:   

3/19/2025 - Referred to Committee House General Government

 

Recent Status:   

3/6/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-153

 

HB41

ESTABLISH CHILD CARE GRANT PROGRAMS (WHITE A, ROEMER B) To establish certain child care grant programs, including those related to child care capacity and learning labs, and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

3/18/2025 - House Children and Human Services, (Second Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/12/2025 - House Children and Human Services, (First Hearing)
2/5/2025 - Referred to Committee House Children and Human Services

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-41

 

HB2

ESTABLISH CHILD CARE CRED PROGRAM (JOHNSON M) To establish the Child Care Cred Program and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

3/18/2025 - House Children and Human Services, (Second Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/4/2025 - House Children and Human Services, (First Hearing)
1/28/2025 - Referred to Committee House Children and Human Services

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-2

 

HB117

SCHOOL REQUIREMENT-PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (RICHARDSON T, BRENNAN S) To enact The Pledge of Allegiance Act to require the Pledge of Allegiance in schools.

 

Current Status:   

3/11/2025 - House Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education
2/24/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-117

 

HB125

SCHOOL ABSENCES-4-H, FFA (HALL T, CREECH R) Regarding excused absences from school to participate in 4-H and FFA programs.

 

Current Status:   

3/11/2025 - House Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Education
2/24/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-125

 

HB7

PFCC ELIGIBILITY-FOSTER, KINSHIP CARE (WHITE A, RAY S) To make foster caregivers and kinship caregivers eligible for publicly funded child care.

 

Current Status:   

3/11/2025 - House Children and Human Services, (Second Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/4/2025 - House Children and Human Services, (First Hearing)
1/28/2025 - Referred to Committee House Children and Human Services

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-7

 

SB35

SUPPORTED DECISION MAKING-ADULT GUARDIANSHIP (CIRINO J, REYNOLDS M) To establish supported decision making as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship for adults with developmental disabilities.

 

Current Status:   

3/5/2025 - Senate Judiciary, (Second Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/19/2025 - Senate Judiciary, (First Hearing)
1/29/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Judiciary

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-35

 

SB62

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY-PENALTIES, MONTH DESIGNATION (GAVARONE T) To authorize a civil penalty system related to drivers who illegally pass a school bus but cannot be identified, to designate the month of August as "School Bus Safety Awareness Month," and to designate this act as the School Bus Safety Act.

 

Current Status:   

3/5/2025 - Senate Judiciary, (Second Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/19/2025 - Senate Judiciary, (First Hearing)
1/29/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Judiciary

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-62

 

SB66

SCHOOL DISTRICTS-MILLAGE CALCULATION (O'BRIEN S, LANG G) To include emergency levies, substitute levies, all inside millage, and school district income taxes in the calculation of a school district's effective millage floor.

 

Current Status:   

3/4/2025 - Senate Ways and Means, (Third Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/25/2025 - Senate Ways and Means, (Second Hearing)
2/18/2025 - Senate Ways and Means, (First Hearing)

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-66

 

SB107

REQUIRE PARTY DESIGNATION-SCHOOL BOARDS BALLOTS (BRENNER A) To require state and school district board members to appear on the ballot with a party designation.

 

Current Status:   

2/26/2025 - SUBSTITUTE BILL ACCEPTED, Senate General Government, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/19/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate General Government
2/18/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-107

 

HB106

SCHOOL SAFETY-PANIC ALERTS, FIREARM DETECTION (KING A, MILLER M) To enact Alyssa's Law to establish a pilot grant program for public and chartered nonpublic schools to purchase panic alert systems or contract for artificial intelligence firearm detection software and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

2/26/2025 - Referred to Committee House Finance

 

Recent Status:   

2/18/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-106

 

SB68

ESTABLISH NONCHARTERED ED SAVINGS ACCT PROGRAM (ROMANCHUK M) To establish the Nonchartered Educational Savings Account Program and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

2/25/2025 - Senate Finance, (Second Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/18/2025 - Senate Finance, (First Hearing)
2/12/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Finance

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-68

 

SB109

PROVIDE BREAKFAST, LUNCH-SCHOOL STUDENTS (BLESSING III L, SMITH K) To provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to public and chartered nonpublic school students, and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

2/19/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Finance

 

Recent Status:   

2/18/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-109

 

SB32

ESTABLISH CHILD CARE CRED PROGRAM (REYNOLDS M, SCHAFFER T) To establish the Child Care Cred Program and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

2/18/2025 - Senate Finance, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

1/29/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Finance
1/22/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-32

 

SB44

ALLOW CONCURRENT SCHOLARSHIPS-EDCHOICE, SPECIAL NEEDS (O'BRIEN S) To permit students to concurrently receive an Educational Choice scholarship or Pilot Project scholarship and either an Autism or Jon Peterson Special Needs scholarship and to make an appropriation.

 

Current Status:   

2/18/2025 - Senate Finance, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

2/12/2025 - Re-Referred to Committee
1/29/2025 - Senate Education, (First Hearing)

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-44

 

SB93

DECLARE INTENT-NEW SCHOOL FINANCING SYSTEM (BRENNER A) To declare the General Assembly's intent to establish a new school financing system that provides a statewide per-pupil funding payment to public and chartered nonpublic schools based on a single statewide property tax and increased state sales tax.

 

Current Status:   

2/12/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Finance

 

Recent Status:   

2/10/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-93

 

SB49

ELIMINATE RIGHT OF REFUSAL-SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY (INGRAM C) To eliminate the right of first refusal for certain schools in the acquisition of school district real property.

 

Current Status:   

2/11/2025 - Senate Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

1/29/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Education
1/28/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-49

 

SB48

AUDITING CHARTERED NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS (INGRAM C) Regarding the auditing of chartered nonpublic schools.

 

Current Status:   

2/11/2025 - Senate Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

1/29/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Education
1/28/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-48

 

SB47

REQUIRE SCHOOL DISCLOSURE-FOR-PROFIT STATUS (INGRAM C) To require disclosure of the for-profit status of community school operators and post-secondary educational institutions on various promotional materials and contracts for employment.

 

Current Status:   

2/11/2025 - Senate Education, (First Hearing)

 

Recent Status:   

1/29/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Education
1/28/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-47

 

HB26

REQUIRE STATE, LOCAL IMMIGRATION COOPERATION (WILLIAMS J, FISCHER T) To require state and local authorities to cooperate with the federal government in the enforcement of immigration laws, to prescribe funding reductions for noncompliance, to name this act the Protecting Ohio Communities Act, and to declare an emergency.

 

Current Status:   

2/5/2025 - Referred to Committee House Public Safety

 

Recent Status:   

1/28/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-26

 

SB12

COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS-PUBLIC SCHOOLS, CHARITABLE FUNDS (WILSON S, CIRINO J) To permit community foundations to create component funds of any charitable funds received by public schools and to classify some funds held by a community foundation as institutional funds.

 

Current Status:   

1/29/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Finance

 

Recent Status:   

1/22/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-12

 

SB13

ESTABLISH FOSTER TO COLLEGE PROGRAM (REYNOLDS M) To establish the Foster-to-College Scholarship Program, to require the Department of Education and Workforce to hire a full-time school foster care liaison, and to make an appropriation for the Foster-to-College Scholarship Program.

 

Current Status:   

1/29/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Finance

 

Recent Status:   

1/22/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-13

 

SB3

PHASE DOWN OHIO INCOME TAX (LANG G, HUFFMAN S) To phase-down the state income tax to a flat rate of 2.75% over two years.

 

Current Status:   

1/29/2025 - Referred to Committee Senate Ways and Means

 

Recent Status:   

1/29/2025 - Senate Ways and Means, (First Hearing)
1/22/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-SB-3

 

HB6

REGARDING STATE HIGHER EDUCATION OPERATIONS (YOUNG T) To enact the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act regarding the operation of state institutions of higher education.

 

Current Status:   

1/28/2025 - Referred to Committee House Workforce and Higher Education

 

Recent Status:   

1/23/2025 - Introduced

 

State Bill Page:   

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA136-HB-6

 

Latest News from Capital Square

FY26-27 BUDGET

Auditor of State Keith Faber is still reviewing new budget language that would shorten the forecasting period for Ohio school districts, but he did recently tell lawmakers he has concerns about how the current forecasting system works and is preparing new public reporting tools in response. The House-passed version of HB96 (Stewart) would cut from five years to three years the period over which Ohio school districts must forecast their finances. In turn, the auditor's office would look at whether districts are likely to go into deficit in the first two years of the three-year period, rather than the first three years of the five-year period. Faber's office and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce work together to provide fiscal oversight of school districts. Those in or approaching financial crisis can be required to develop plans for improvement or be put under the oversight of a state-appointed commission, depending on the circumstances.

EDUCATION

Ohio's colleges and universities are trying to find expedient ways for applicants to get through educator preparation programs (EPPs) if they don't check every box, Melissa Askren-Edgehouse told the State Board of Education (SBOE) members on Monday. In addition, Board President Paul LaRue told Hannah News he's waiting to see the progress of a provision in HB96 (Stewart) that would shrink the size of SBOE's membership from its current 19 to five. "It's still early in the process. I think everybody's trying to figure out what makes sense," said LaRue. "I think we have a great board as it is, but I understand the Legislature trying to troubleshoot and do things. So it's still early in the process. ... I think everybody, at the end of the day, wants what's best for students in Ohio."

Two elementary schools in Mount Vernon have been named national finalists in the "Court of Creativity" contest held by the Harlem Globetrotters and Jersey Mike's Subs, the organizations announced on Wednesday. Twin Oak Elementary School and Columbia Elementary School will receive a $1,000 cash prize for being named as a top 10 finalist in the contest. This is the first time two schools from the same city have been named finalists in the contest, the organizations said. The Court of Creativity is a nationwide contest inviting elementary students to showcase their talents through basketball-themed projects inspired by the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. From STEM experiments and custom jersey designs to original videos, trick shots, and schoolwide productions, the entries blended creativity and education to celebrate teamwork, perseverance and school pride.

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) Thursday approved an update to the Ohio School Design Manual (OSDM), following a presentation on the topic by Senior Planning Manager Joe Macneil. Macneil said the OSDM has been updated each year since its first publication in 1997 and is one of the "most comprehensive and frequently cited" documents of its kind. Wyoming, Washington and Arkansas used it as a basis for their own guidelines. As part of an annual adjustment to the budgeting methodology, Macneil said the recommendation was for an inflation rate of 4.95 percent that would be applied to new construction cost sets, the assessment cost guidelines and the Career Technical Program. He also noted that was set before news of tariffs.

The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) Thursday announced the following dates for five regional Ohio AI summits that will take place this spring. OESCA is hosting the summits in partnership with aiEDU, InnovateOhio and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), OESCA said.

- Southwest Ohio AI Summit: Tuesday, April 22 at Xavier University in Cincinnati

- Northwest Ohio AI Summit: Thursday, May 1 at Glass City Center in Toledo

- Northeast Ohio AI Summit: Tuesday, May 6 at Mid-Ohio ESC in Mansfield

- First Southeast Ohio AI Summit: Wednesday, May 7 at Indian Creek School District in Wintersville

- Second Southeast Ohio AI Summit: Thursday, May 8 at the ECO Center on Ohio University Eastern Campus in St. Clairsville.

ELECTIONS

With the House approving a biennial budget that includes language abolishing the Ohio Elections Commission, the chair and vice chair told Hannah News they believe the panel still serves an important role in the state. The House Finance Committee first added a provision to a substitute version of biennial budget HB96 (Stewart) that eliminated the Election Commission's funding. It followed up with an omnibus amendment that abolished the commission entirely. In an interview with Hannah News, Chair Christina Hagan and Vice Chair Shayla Davis, both former members of the General Assembly, acknowledged concerns over the speed of the commission's work, saying they, along with other members of the commission, have worked to address the issue. Hagan, a Republican, said she always appreciates the "sincere and dedicated streamlining" of government services and finding efficiencies, but added, "In this case, there are a lot of intricacies that we hope that they'll consider and they'll be very aware of through the remainder of the process." Concerns were raised about the capacity of local boards of elections and the secretary of state's office to handle the commission's caseload effectively.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose Wednesday announced the launch of his office's latest data dashboard that tracks past election results and statewide voting trends. The interactive dashboard currently tracks the results from 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 statewide elections, and lets users filter results down to race and county.

ELECTIONS 2026

Rep. James M. "Jim" Hoops became the latest to announce a campaign for the Ohio Senate, saying Monday that he will run for the First District Senate seat currently held by term-limited Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon). The announcement by Hoops sets up a likely primary with former Rep. Craig Riedel, who announced he will run for the seat earlier this month. Hoops is in his final term in the House serving the 81st House District. He also previously served in the Ohio House from 1999-2006.

Former state Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelson) quietly last week filed paperwork designating his campaign committee for a state treasurer run. While Edwards has not officially announced his campaign, he filed a designation of treasurer paperwork updating the campaign for the statewide run. According to his annual campaign finance report filed in January, Edwards has $763,882 on hand. A former chair of the House Finance Committee, Edwards joins a crowded Republican field vying to succeed Treasurer Robert Sprague, who is term-limited and running for secretary of state. Other Republicans running for the statewide office include former Sen. Niraj Antani, Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), and Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey recently announced the approval of $8 million in funding in the latest round of ODHE's Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) program from the FY24-25 state operating budget. The goal of the RAPIDS program is to align state investments against regionally verified workforce demand to achieve outcomes including supporting the industry sectors most in need at the regional level; driving local and regional partnerships; and developing regional strengths in delivering sustainable, equipment-dependent workplace education, training and skills.

Youngstown State University's (YSU) STEM Workforce Education and Innovation announced its recent partnership with the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), supported by the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), offering students a pre-apprenticeship program for broadband industry careers. Previous joint initiatives between YSU and WIA created opportunities to connect individuals with high-growth careers in telecommunications, broadband and 5G technology. The new program will expand these initiatives by adding a "formalized pre-apprenticeship training program between the organizations" which they say will ensure "direct employment pathways and ongoing workforce development opportunities for graduates," according to the university.

PENSIONS: STRS

The State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Board voted Thursday to consider changes that could include a COLA increase as well as lower the age of benefits eligibility for the state's retired teachers. The changes to benefits were voted by the board to be included in its annual actuarial valuation. STRS is due to submit its proposed FY26 budget to the Ohio Retirement Study Council by Friday, April 18. Among the changes approved for review is a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase to be paid to eligible benefit recipients in FY26. The board also approved a proposed temporary change to make 32 years of service credit the minimum requirement for unreduced benefits while adjusting the years of service required for reduced retirement benefits to 27 or more years from June 1, 2025 through May 1, 2033.

STUDIES/POLLS

A recent report by personal finance site WalletHub found Ohio was 30th among states with the most dependence on the federal government, placing it behind neighbor states. Kentucky was second-most dependent; West Virginia, third; Indiana, ninth; Pennsylvania, 20th; and Michigan, 24th. The five most-dependent ones were Alaska, Kentucky, West Virginia, Mississippi and South Carolina. The five least-dependent states were New Jersey, California, Delaware, Massachusetts and Utah. WalletHub also listed states by two subrankings, with Ohio 45th nationally and last among neighbors for state residents having the most dependency, and 16th nationally and third among neighbors for the state government's dependency on the federal government.

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