OHIO LEGISLATIVE SERVICE COMMISSION
Office of Research Legislative Budget
www.lsc.ohio.gov and Drafting Office
H.B. 612 Bill Analysis
135th General Assembly
Click here for H.B. 612’s Fiscal Note
Version: As Introduced
Primary Sponsor: Rep. Forhan
Effective date:
Chris Edwards, Attorney
SUMMARY
▪ Requires state officers and employees to complete annual training on engaging with
individuals who are neurodivergent.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
Neurodivergent training for state officers and employees
The bill requires most state officers and employees to complete an annual training
program that covers topics on engaging with individuals who are neurodivergent, including
individuals who have an autism spectrum disorder. The Executive Director of the Opportunities
for Ohioans with Disabilities Agency must create the training program. The Executive Director
must offer the training multiple times throughout each year and may make it available through
electronic means.
All of the following individuals must complete the training each year:
▪ Members of the General Assembly;
▪ General Assembly staff, including all officers and employees of either house of the
General Assembly who act on behalf of a member of the General Assembly or on behalf
of a committee or either house of the General Assembly;
▪ Employees of each legislative agency;
▪ The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor of State, Attorney
General, Treasurer of State, and their employees;
▪ The head and employees of each state agency;
▪ The justices of the Ohio Supreme Court and judges of the courts of appeals, courts of
common pleas, municipal courts, and county courts;
October 9, 2024
Office of Research and Drafting LSC Legislative Budget Office
▪ Employees of each court and any judicial agency.
The appointing authority of an employee listed above must establish the date by which
the employee annually must complete the training program.1
HISTORY
Action Date
Introduced 05-28-24
ANHB0612IN-135/sb
1 R.C. 124.77 and 3304.25.
P a g e |2 H.B. 612
As Introduced