The bill enacts the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, which 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 trustee terms, 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 members will not have voting rights or be counted for quorum purposes, and introduces a requirement for institutions to make course syllabi publicly available starting in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the promotion of intellectual diversity by requiring institutions to develop a "statement of commitment" to free inquiry and equal treatment, while prohibiting certain diversity initiatives unless exceptions are granted. It mandates the development of a course on American civic literacy and outlines a framework for addressing complaints related to intellectual diversity rights. The bill also establishes guidelines for partnerships with Chinese institutions, ensuring safeguards for intellectual property and national security. Overall, the legislation aims to improve educational quality, accountability, and governance within Ohio's higher education system while streamlining administrative processes.

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