To amend section 2903.22 and to enact section 2927.31 of the Revised Code to prohibit a person from knowingly harassing or impeding an emergency service responder who is engaged in the lawful performance of a legal duty and to clarify that heightened penalties apply for menacing a probation officer.
To amend sections 4112.01 and 4112.05 of the Revised Code to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, to add mediation as an informal method that the Ohio Civil Rights Commission may use, and to uphold existing religious exemptions under Ohio's Civil Rights Law.
To amend sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 and to enact section 3313.475 of the Revised Code to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools.
SB 287 creates the Farming and Workforce Development Program to provide training for seasonal crop farming jobs in Ohio. The program targets residents aged 16-35, including individuals with past felony convictions (as long as they meet eligibility criteria). County offices of Ohio State University Extension and Central State University Extension will develop the training curriculum, application process, and implementation guidelines. The bill appropriates state funds for program operations, with funding allocated for fiscal year 2026 and beyond.
SB 294 defines key energy terms for Ohio's policy, including "affordable energy source" (excluding advanced nuclear), "reliable energy source" (requiring 50% capacity and grid stability), and "clean energy source" (including nuclear and natural gas). It mandates that all utility facility applications prioritize affordable, reliable, and clean energy sources while requiring domestic production for non-nuclear energy and minimizing reliance on foreign adversary nations for critical materials. The bill directly affects utility companies seeking facility permits by setting these requirements for energy sourcing and infrastructure. It establishes these definitions and policies for future energy siting decisions without creating new regulatory requirements.
To urge the President of the United States, the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the United States Congress to take prompt action to reduce the processing time for veterans' disability benefit claims.
Proposing to amend Section 6 of Article I of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to prohibit slavery or involuntary servitude in Ohio for the punishment of crime.
SCR 7 is a resolution urging Congress to reissue Department of Defense (DoD) Civilian Retiree Identification Cards. These cards are used by retired civilian employees of the DoD to access military bases and services. The resolution does not require Congress to act but formally requests they consider reissuing the cards for affected retirees.
To amend sections 1751.67, 2133.211, 3313.539, 3707.511, 3727.06, 3923.233, 3923.301, 3923.63, 3923.64, 4723.01, 4723.02, 4723.06, 4723.07, 4723.24, 4723.28, 4723.36, 4723.41, 4723.42, 4723.43, 4723.431, 4723.44, 4723.46, 4723.481, 4723.482, 4723.483, 4723.493, 4723.50, 4731.27, 4761.17, and 5164.07; to enact section 4723.439; and to repeal sections 4723.45 and 5164.73 of the Revised Code to modify the laws governing the practice of advanced practice registered nurses and to name this act the Better Access to Health Care Act.
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.
