Healthcare

passed · Ohio · House Feb 18, 2026

HB 59: Revise and streamline the state's occupational regulations

HB 59 requires all occupational licensing boards (like those for nurses, electricians, or contractors) to undergo regular reviews to determine if they still serve a public need. Each board must submit detailed reports on their purpose, costs, staffing, and effectiveness, and then prove to legislative committees that their regulation is necessary for public safety, not duplicative, and not unduly restrictive. Committees must evaluate boards using 23 specific criteria, including whether less restrictive alternatives exist or if the board serves private interests. This law directly affects every state occupational licensing board by shifting the burden to demonstrate continued necessity, rather than assuming boards should remain in place. The goal is to eliminate unnecessary regulations that could increase costs or hinder economic activity.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates regular reviews of occupational licensing boards for purpose, costs, and effectiveness, promoting fiscal responsibility and efficient government spending.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareHB 59 requires review of occupational licenses for professionals like nurses to ensure regulations aren't unduly restrictive, potentially increasing the healthcare workforce and improving patient access.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentHB 59 aims to streamline occupational regulations, ensuring they are not 'unduly restrictive,' which could expand access to licensed professions and advance employment opportunities.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Medical Licensing Gig Economy Professional Licensing Tags Licensing

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passed · Ohio · Senate Jun 16, 2026

SB 160: Regards prescription drugs and medication switching

SB 160 prohibits health insurance plans from making certain changes to drug coverage during a plan year, such as increasing patient costs, moving drugs to more restrictive tiers, or removing drugs from formularies (except for specific safety or manufacturer discontinuation reasons). It directly affects health insurance issuers and plan members by limiting how insurers can adjust coverage for prescription drugs. Key provisions include allowing generic substitution when available, preventing prior authorization for covered drugs, and exempting plans from restrictions if a drug’s cost rises more than 5% plus inflation. The bill aims to stabilize drug access for patients while permitting standard practices like formulary additions and generic substitutions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareSB 160 protects patient access to prescription drugs and prevents increased costs by limiting insurers' ability to change drug coverage during a plan year.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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in committee · Ohio · House Jun 18, 2025

HB 351: Establish the Ohio Task Force on Gun Violence

HB 351 creates a 14-member Ohio Task Force on Gun Violence to study the issue and develop recommendations. The Task Force includes the Governor, Attorney General, health and youth agency directors, judicial leaders, legislative members, and community advocates. It will examine gun violence prevalence, evidence-based prevention programs, community revitalization, criminal justice approaches, and health factors affecting victims. The Task Force must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within one year of the bill's effective date, after which it will dissolve. This is a procedural measure focused on research and policy analysis, not direct legislative action.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill establishes a new state task force, which inherently requires government spending for its operation and falls under the topic of Budget & Taxes, funding a new state initiative.65% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a task force to study gun violence, including criminal justice approaches, and develop recommendations, indicating intent to advance or improve the topic.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareHB 351 creates a task force including health agency directors to study health factors affecting gun violence victims, which can lead to recommendations supporting public health.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · Ohio · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 178: Establish a supplemental benefit allotment for SNAP recipients

To enact section 5101.546 of the Revised Code to establish a supplemental benefit allotment for certain recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and to make an appropriation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill explicitly states it will 'make an appropriation' to establish supplemental SNAP benefits, directly increasing government spending for public assistance.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes supplemental SNAP benefits, which improve nutrition and are a key component of public health, indirectly supporting overall health outcomes.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations

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in committee · Ohio · House Sep 15, 2025

HB 367: Revise the law governing dedicated organ recovery vehicles

To amend sections 4511.01, 4511.042, 4511.213, 4511.45, 4513.17, and 4513.21 of the Revised Code to make changes to the law governing dedicated organ recovery vehicles.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill revises laws for dedicated organ recovery vehicles, which directly supports and facilitates organ transplantation, a critical health service.80% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill revises laws governing dedicated organ recovery vehicles, directly impacting vehicle regulations and operations within the transportation system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Driver Licensing

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in committee · Ohio · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 216: Enact A HAND UP Act

To establish the 'A HAND UP' pilot program, to designate this act as the Actionable Help And New Dignity for Upward Progression (A HAND UP) Act, and to make an appropriation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill explicitly states it will 'make an appropriation,' which directly involves government spending and fiscal management to fund a new program.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a pilot program under 'Health and Human Services' with an appropriation, indicating funding/establishment of services.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes and funds a 'Public Assistance' pilot program ('A HAND UP') for 'Upward Progression,' implying support for basic needs including housing.80% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentThe 'A HAND UP' program aims for 'Upward Progression' and falls under 'Public Assistance,' suggesting support for individuals to improve their employment status.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations

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in committee · Ohio · House May 21, 2025

HB 274: Require local government firefighting and EMS; create grants

To enact sections 9.51 and 9.511 of the Revised Code to require townships and municipal corporations to provide firefighting services and emergency medical services and to establish the Fire and EMS Shared Services Reimbursement Grant Program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill establishes a grant program for fire and EMS services, directly involving state appropriations and government spending, thus funding essential public services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates local governments provide emergency medical services (EMS) and creates grants for them, directly advancing and funding a critical component of health services and patient access.95% confidence

Tags Local Government Public Safety

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in committee · Ohio · House Feb 26, 2025

HB 128: Enact the Reproductive Care Act

To amend sections 109.572, 2305.11, 2317.02, 2919.10, 2919.12, 2953.25, 3701.341, 3701.792, 3702.30, 4112.01, 4112.02, 4729.291, 4731.22, 4731.223, 4731.281, 4731.293, and 4743.09; to enact sections 2305.2312, 3732.01, 3732.02, 3732.03, 3732.04, 3732.05, 3732.06, 3732.07, 3732.08, 3732.09, and 3732.11; and to repeal sections 2307.54, 2317.56, 2317.561, 2919.101, 2919.124, 2919.171, 2919.19, 2919.191, 2919.192, 2919.193, 2919.194, 2919.195, 2919.196, 2919.197, 2919.198, 2919.199, 2919.1910, 2919.1912, 2919.1913, 2919.20, 2919.201, 2919.202, 2919.203, 2919.204, 2919.205, 3701.79, 3701.791, 3702.302, 3702.303, 3702.304, 3702.305, 3702.306, 3702.307, 3702.308, 3702.309, 3702.3010, 3702.3011, 3726.01, 3726.02, 3726.03, 3726.04, 3726.041, 3726.042, 3726.05, 3726.09, 3726.10, 3726.11, 3726.12, 3726.13, 3726.14, 3726.15, 3726.16, 3726.95, 3726.99, 3727.60, 4717.271, 5101.57, and 5103.11 of the Revised Code to enact the Reproductive Care Act regarding abortion, abortion-related laws, and reproductive health protections.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill's title 'Enact the Reproductive Care Act' and the repeal of numerous criminal code sections (2919.xx) strongly indicate it aims to protect or expand reproductive healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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in committee · Ohio · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 157: Enact the Hunger-Free Campus Act

To enact section 3333.47 of the Revised Code to enact the Hunger-Free Campus Act to establish the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program and designation and to make an appropriation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill explicitly states it 'makes an appropriation,' which directly involves government spending and fiscal management to fund a new program.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes and funds the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program, directly supporting higher education students by addressing food insecurity and enhancing their educational experience.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill establishes a Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program to address food insecurity. Improving nutrition and combating hunger positively impacts public health and prevents health issues.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Ohio · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 174: Enact the No Hungry Families Act

To enact section 5101.548 of the Revised Code to establish a program to refund SNAP recipients who have been victims of electronic theft or fraud, to name this act the No Hungry Families Act, and to make an appropriation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill explicitly states it will 'make an appropriation' to establish a program, directly involving state budgeting and government spending to fund an essential program.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill supports public health by protecting food security for vulnerable families through SNAP refunds, addressing a critical social determinant of health.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes a program to refund SNAP recipients victimized by electronic theft or fraud, thereby protecting individuals from tech-related crime in electronic transactions.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations

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