The Advance Ohio Higher Education Act amends various sections of the Revised Code to enhance the governance and operation of state institutions of higher education in Ohio. Key provisions include the establishment of mandatory educational programs for new members of boards of trustees, focusing on fiduciary obligations, ethics, and financial management, which must be completed within their first two years. The bill modifies the terms of office for trustees, maintaining nine-year terms for those appointed before July 1, 2025, while reducing terms to six years for those appointed thereafter. It also clarifies that student trustees will not have voting rights or be counted for quorum purposes. Additionally, the bill mandates that institutions make undergraduate course syllabi publicly accessible online starting in the 2026-2027 academic year.

The legislation further emphasizes intellectual diversity and outlines new requirements for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including the development of a "statement of commitment" that institutions must post prominently. It prohibits certain DEI training unless exceptions are granted by the chancellor of higher education and establishes guidelines for responding to complaints regarding violations of intellectual diversity rights. The bill also introduces a requirement for a course on American civic literacy and mandates that institutions adopt policies regarding tenure and retrenchment, while prohibiting collective bargaining on these standards. Additionally, it restricts state institutions from accepting gifts from entities affiliated with the People's Republic of China and requires reporting on partnerships with Chinese institutions to safeguard intellectual property and national security.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3335.02, 3335.09, 3337.01, 3339.01, 3341.02, 3343.02, 3344.01, 3345.45, 3350.10, 3352.01, 3356.01, 3359.01, 3361.01, 3362.01, 3364.01, 4117.14, 4117.15, 3333.045
As Reported By Senate Committee: 3335.02, 3335.09, 3337.01, 3339.01, 3341.02, 3343.02, 3344.01, 3345.45, 3350.10, 3352.01, 3356.01, 3359.01, 3361.01, 3362.01, 3364.01, 4117.14, 4117.15, 3333.045
As Passed By Senate: 3335.02, 3335.09, 3337.01, 3339.01, 3341.02, 3343.02, 3344.01, 3345.45, 3350.10, 3352.01, 3356.01, 3359.01, 3361.01, 3362.01, 3364.01, 4117.14, 4117.15, 3333.045
As Reported By House Committee: 3335.02, 3335.09, 3337.01, 3339.01, 3341.02, 3343.02, 3344.01, 3345.45, 3350.10, 3352.01, 3356.01, 3359.01, 3361.01, 3362.01, 3364.01, 4117.14, 4117.15, 3333.045
As Passed By House: 3335.02, 3335.09, 3337.01, 3339.01, 3341.02, 3343.02, 3344.01, 3345.45, 3350.10, 3352.01, 3356.01, 3359.01, 3361.01, 3362.01, 3364.01, 4117.14, 4117.15, 3333.045
As Enrolled: 3335.02, 3335.09, 3337.01, 3339.01, 3341.02, 3343.02, 3344.01, 3345.45, 3350.10, 3352.01, 3356.01, 3359.01, 3361.01, 3362.01, 3364.01, 4117.14, 4117.15, 3333.045