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 the terms of office for trustees, maintaining a nine-year term for those appointed before July 1, 2025, while reducing it to six years for those appointed thereafter. It also clarifies that student members will not have voting rights or be counted for quorum purposes, aiming to improve the governance structure by ensuring trustees are well-informed.

Additionally, the bill mandates that state institutions adopt a "statement of commitment" promoting free intellectual inquiry and civil discourse, and it establishes new requirements for course syllabi to be publicly accessible online. It introduces a course on American civic literacy that students must complete to earn a bachelor's degree, with the chancellor of higher education overseeing compliance. The legislation also addresses partnerships with Chinese institutions, requiring notification and safeguards for intellectual property and national security. Furthermore, it outlines new faculty evaluation standards and modifies collective bargaining procedures for public employees, aiming to streamline governance and enhance educational quality and accountability within Ohio's higher education system.

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