General Assembly
The legislature is still on spring recess following the March 19 primary election. The legislature is set to resume the week of April 10.
Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio
The commission met this week to hear from key stakeholders in Ohio’s sports gaming market. During these hearings, the commission heard recommendations such as lowering the tax rate on sports gaming from 20% back down to 10% to drive growth opportunities for…
State Board of Education
The State Board of Education (SBOE) held a public meeting this week.[KG1] State Superintendent of Public Education Paul Craft updated the board on its financial status and outlook for the rest of the biennium. Current projections from the SBOE show that the board will have $3.5 million deficit by year’s end. The SBOE will consider raising licensure fees to minimize financial losses.
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Department of Education and Workforce
The Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) has the following proposed rules open for public comment:
Draft rules open for comment:
OAC 3301-13-11 Identification, instruction, assessment, and reclassification of English learners
OAC 3301-16-08 State seal of biliteracy
OAC 3301-51-09: Delivery of services
OAC Chapter 3301-2 Personal Information Systems
Senate Activity
The Senate unanimously voted to concur with the House changes to Senate Bill (SB) 17, sponsored by Sen. Steve Wilson (R-Mainesville), which would require the State Board to update the standards and model curriculum for financial literacy and entrepreneurship in grades nine-12 to include free market capitalism content. The bill now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine.
The Senate unanimously passed and amended…
Ohio Facilities Construction Commission
The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) named Joy DeMarco as their next executive director, effective Mar. 1. The OFCC manages Ohio's school facility programs which provide support for the construction and renovation of public K-12 schools. DeMarco is taking over for Director Cheryl Lyman who will retire on Feb. 29.
Department of Education and Workforce
The Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) has the following proposed rules open for public comment:
Draft rules open for comment:
OAC…
House Primary & Secondary Education Committee
The committee heard sponsor testimony on Senate Bill (SB) 168, sponsored by Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester), which would make several regulatory changes, including but not limited to the following:
House Activity
The House voted 75-19 to pass House Bill (HB) 2, sponsored by Reps. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) and Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland). This legislation contains some portions of the traditional capital budget as well as $350 million of the $700 million of One Time Strategic Community Investments authorized by HB 33, the biennial budget. HB 2, as passed by the House, contains $600 million for the Ohio Facilities…
Governor Activity
Governor DeWine signed House Bill (HB) 101, sponsored by Reps. Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) and Jean Schmidt (R-Miami Township), which modifies the law regarding village dissolution and makes several education-related budget corrections. The bill will take effect on April 30, 2024. Some of the corrections related to primary and secondary education include:
Senate Activity
The Senate joined the House and voted 24-8 to override Governor DeWine’s veto of House Bill (HB) 68, sponsored by Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery). The bill would prohibit gender affirming care for minors and would designate the act as the Ohio Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act. The bill also included HB 6, which would enact the Save Women's…
House Primary and Secondary Education Committee
The committee heard sponsor testimony on House Bill (HB) 348, sponsored by Reps. Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) and Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), which would establish pilot programs to increase student attendance and graduation rates through financial awards and incentives.
The committee also heard sponsor testimony on…
