LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: What You Need To Know
Legislative Update: Education Priorities and the Reality at the Statehouse
In his March 10 State of the State address, Mike DeWine outlined several priorities aimed at improving outcomes for Ohio’s children. His proposals focused on strengthening early literacy through the Science of Reading in partnership with ReadOhio, expanding vision screenings through the OhioSEE Vision Program, addressing chronic absenteeism, increasing daily recess and physical activity, and setting clearer expectations around cell phone and AI use in schools.
These priorities—literacy, student health, attendance, and responsible technology use—reflect real challenges facing Ohio students today.
Yet much of the legislation currently moving through the Ohio General Assembly focuses elsewhere. Several bills target diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in schools, introduce new mandates related to fetal development instruction, and raise concerns about measures that could blur the line between public education and religious practice.
At National Council of Jewish Women Cleveland (NCJW/CLE), we believe education policy should focus first and foremost on what helps students learn and thrive. Ohio’s children need policies that strengthen literacy, support student well-being, and ensure that public schools remain welcoming and inclusive for every child.
Bills We Are Watching
Several education-related bills currently moving through committees raise particular concern:
- Ohio Senate Bill 113 / Ohio House Bill 155 – These companion bills would prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) orientation or training in schools and prevent the hiring of employees or consultants whose work relates to DEI. Because the legislation does not clearly define what constitutes “DEI,” the language could have broad and unintended consequences. Advocates worry the restrictions could affect programs that support students who receive accommodations for physical or mental disabilities, as well as other efforts intended to ensure all students can access educational opportunities.
- Ohio House Bill 485 – the “Baby Olivia Act.” This bill would require schools to show students a fetal development video as part of instruction. The measure has raised concerns about whether the materials are medically accurate and appropriate for classroom instruction.
- Ohio House Bill 484 – the “Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act.” This bill proposes new requirements related to instruction on American history and civics. Supporters frame it as strengthening civic education, while critics worry it could introduce politically driven content into public school curricula.
Both HB 485 and HB 484 have already passed the Ohio House of Representatives and received their first hearings this week in the Ohio Senate Education Committee.
We are grateful to Honesty for Ohio Education for closely tracking education-related legislation moving through both the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives. We encourage you to visit their website, follow their updates, and stay informed as these bills move through the Statehouse. https://www.honestyforohioeducation.org/
Together, we can advocate for policies that truly support Ohio’s students, families, and public schools.