OHIO LEGISLATIVE SERVICE COMMISSION
Office of Research Legislative Budget
www.lsc.ohio.gov and Drafting Office
H.B. 216 Bill Analysis
135th General Assembly
Click here for H.B. 216’s Fiscal Note
Version: As Introduced
Primary Sponsors: Reps. Lightbody and Williams
Effective date:
Allison Schoeppner, Research Analyst
SUMMARY
 Requires the Department of Education to develop a request for an investigation process
for a school’s compliance with the district’s anti-harassment, intimidation, and bullying
policy.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
Investigation of compliance – anti-bullying policies
The bill requires the Department of Education1 to develop a process by which a student
or a student’s parent or guardian may request an investigation by the Department of the
student’s school’s compliance with its policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, and bullying
established by the school district under continuing law.2
Upon receiving a request for an investigation, the Department must conduct an
investigation in accordance with procedures developed by the Department. As part of this
investigation, the Department must provide the student and the school an opportunity for a
hearing. If the Department determines that the school has not complied with its policy, it must
order the school to comply within a specified time and manner.
Under current law, school district boards of education are required to establish a policy
prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying.3 The policy must be developed in consultation
1 H.B. 216 was introduced prior to the passage of H.B. 33 of the 135th General Assembly. That act
transferred most of the powers of the Department and the State Board of Education to the Department
of Education and Workforce. Consideration should be given to changing references to the “Department
of Education” in H.B. 216 to the “Department of Education and Workforce.”
2 R.C. 3313.666(I).
3 R.C. 3313.666(B).
August 18, 2023
Office of Research and Drafting LSC Legislative Budget Office
with parents, school employees, school volunteers, students, and community members but
current law prescribes certain requirements for inclusion in each policy related to reporting
protocol for school personnel, parental notification, and documentation and disciplinary
procedures. Additionally, each policy must appear in any student handbooks and other
publications that set forth comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for
school and students in the district.
HISTORY
Action Date
Introduced 06-20-23
ANHB0216IN-135/ar
P a g e |2 H.B. 216
As Introduced


Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3313.666