Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 seeks to modernize and streamline various sections of the Ohio Revised Code by amending existing laws, adopting new section numbers, and repealing outdated provisions. Key provisions include establishing residency requirements for elected officials, designating June as "Responsible Fatherhood Month," and enhancing oversight of private contractors operating correctional facilities for out-of-state prisoners. The bill also introduces new definitions related to gender and sex, clarifies public contract processes, and mandates regular reviews of occupational licensing boards. Additionally, it enhances transparency in the rule-making process, requires business impact analyses for rules affecting businesses, and outlines new budgeting procedures for state agencies. Overall, the bill aims to improve the efficiency, accountability, and clarity of Ohio's legal framework.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant changes to various aspects of state governance in Ohio, including state appropriation limitations, law enforcement training, and public meeting transparency. The bill modifies the calculation of state appropriation limitations by allowing a straightforward increase of three and one-half percent from the previous fiscal year, and it mandates the inclusion of all nongeneral revenue fund appropriation line items in the main operating appropriations act. It establishes new offices, such as the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the Office of Correctional Facility Inspection Services, while also creating the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission to enhance law enforcement training standards. Additionally, the bill emphasizes open meetings for public bodies, mandates collaboration among state agencies to improve services for families and children, and introduces a framework for reviewing un-codified principles of law or policy. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and service delivery across various state functions.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 aims to streamline regulatory restrictions and enhance economic development in Ohio by mandating a 30% reduction in regulatory restrictions imposed by state agencies over a specified timeline, with specific milestones for reductions by 2023, 2024, and 2025. The bill introduces new provisions for transformational mixed-use development projects, including criteria for tax credits and a ranking system for applications based on economic impact and community alignment. It also establishes a new individual microcredential assistance program to support workforce development, modifies tax credit processes for motion picture and Broadway productions, and creates a residential development revolving loan program to promote affordable housing in rural areas. Additionally, the bill emphasizes transparency in grant applications and scoring metrics, while introducing a Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund to support the remediation of contaminated sites. Overall, the legislation seeks to foster economic growth, improve housing availability, and enhance regulatory efficiency in Ohio.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces comprehensive changes to the management and funding of cultural and sports facilities in Ohio, including new definitions for "professional sports franchise," "major sports facility," and "transformational major sports facility mixed-use project." The bill establishes criteria for these projects, requiring a major sports facility and integration of retail and residential developments with a construction cost exceeding one billion dollars. It outlines funding mechanisms, including performance grants covering up to 25% of construction costs for qualifying projects, and mandates that state funds cannot exceed 15% of initial costs without specific conditions. Additionally, the bill revises state employee leave policies, updates salary schedules, and modifies procurement processes, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and accountability in state funding and management.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant changes to various regulations in Ohio, including investment policies, public records management, and public improvement contracts. Notably, the bill restricts state and municipal treasurers from making investments aimed at influencing environmental or ideological policies unless authorized by law, and it clarifies the qualifications for trustees managing public funds. It mandates that investing authorities file a written investment policy with the auditor of state and requires public offices to adopt a public records policy, ensuring transparency in handling records. Additionally, the bill modifies the bidding process for public improvement contracts, allowing electronic submissions and emphasizing fair treatment of contractors, while also establishing new provisions for leasing state-owned land for oil and gas exploration. Overall, the bill aims to streamline processes, enhance accountability, and protect sensitive information across various sectors.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of amendments to various laws in Ohio, focusing on oil and gas leases, public agency property appropriations, financial assistance for capital improvement projects, and the management of unclaimed funds. Key provisions include the establishment of a bidding process for leases, the allocation of lease funds to the state treasury, and the prohibition of leasing nature preserves for oil and gas exploration. The bill also introduces new legal language regarding lease terms, such as a shut-in royalty provision, and clarifies that no additional royalty payments can be required beyond those specified. Additionally, it enhances the criteria for financial assistance for infrastructure projects, expands the definitions of eligible projects to include innovation and tourism, and modifies the management of unclaimed funds, including new escheatment provisions. The bill aims to streamline processes, enhance economic development, and ensure the integrity of direct-care employment practices through stricter background checks.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant changes to various laws concerning regional transit authorities, nonemergency patient transport services, sports facilities, property taxation, and mental health services in Ohio. Key provisions include allowing counties with populations of at least 400,000 to propose joining regional transit authorities, updating the population threshold for nonemergency transport services from 40,000 to 60,000, and enabling counties to issue revenue bonds for sports facility construction. The bill also modifies procurement processes, emphasizing competitive bidding and transparency, while expanding tax reduction provisions for disabled veterans and establishing new guidelines for boards overseeing behavioral health services. Additionally, it mandates that county auditors complete continuing education and clarifies the application process for property tax reductions, ensuring compliance and accountability. Overall, the bill aims to streamline operations, enhance governance, and improve community services across multiple sectors.

Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of amendments to various laws concerning community development, local governance, and municipal income tax in Ohio. Key provisions include the definition of "community facilities," clarification of "community development charge," and updates to the criteria for "proximate community." The bill allows township boards to create fire and police districts, modifies tax assessment terminology from "appraised value" to "market value," and establishes new compensation structures for township fiscal officers. It also enhances tax compliance for municipal income tax, particularly regarding gaming-related income, and introduces stricter regulations on campaign finance. Additionally, the bill outlines new educational requirements for fiscal officers and modifies licensing fees and reporting requirements for agricultural practices. Overall, the bill aims to streamline governance processes, enhance community development, and ensure effective local administration.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces comprehensive changes to various agricultural and regulatory practices in Ohio, including beekeeping, pesticide management, and the oversight of dangerous wild animals. Key provisions include extending the registration deadline for beekeepers, requiring apiaries to be registered and identifiable, and mandating certification for those selling bees. The bill also updates pesticide regulations by revising licensing processes and definitions, enhancing compliance measures, and establishing civil penalties for violations. Additionally, it modifies the management of dangerous wild animals, including the transfer process for restricted snakes, and introduces a new "animal and consumer protection fund." The legislation aims to improve regulatory oversight, enhance public safety, and streamline processes across multiple agricultural sectors.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 aims to enhance the management and remediation of orphaned oil and gas wells in Ohio, allowing landowners to plug these wells and receive reimbursement from a newly established oil and gas resolution and remediation fund. The bill modifies financial assurance requirements for well owners, introduces a technical advisory council on oil and gas, and creates funds for abandoned mine reclamation and natural areas. It also updates hunting and fishing regulations, including changes to license fees and requirements, and establishes new definitions related to wildlife management. Additionally, the bill addresses the registration and titling of watercraft, modifies the certification processes for mine forepersons, and enhances accountability for private institutions of higher education regarding online program managers. Notably, it mandates that contracts with online program managers are not public records and requires institutions to preserve student records indefinitely. The bill also introduces new filing fees for municipal courts to support legal aid and modifies compensation structures for judges.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of amendments to Ohio's probate court system, juvenile justice, child welfare, and various legal procedures. Key provisions include mandating public access to probate case dockets while protecting certain internal documents, establishing qualifications and responsibilities for court investigators and assessors, and allowing probate courts to charge investigation costs for guardianship applications with waivers for indigent parties. The bill also creates a putative father registry fund and a second chance trust fund for organ donation awareness, modifies juvenile court processes, enhances reporting requirements for child abuse, and clarifies the roles of public children services agencies. Additionally, it updates definitions related to gaming and nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images, mandates detailed abortion reporting by physicians, and establishes penalties for illegal conveyance of items into governmental facilities. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency across various legal and social service systems in Ohio.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of amendments to various laws in Ohio, focusing on issues such as theft by public officials, drug paraphernalia, body cavity searches, juvenile offenders, post-release control, adoption processes, child welfare, and education governance. Key provisions include defining theft in office and restitution requirements for convicted officials, establishing stricter guidelines for body cavity searches, committing juvenile offenders to the Department of Youth Services, and enhancing victim notification rights during prisoner transitions. The bill also modifies the adoption process, allowing for a putative father registry, and reforms the state board of education by transitioning to an appointed board structure. Notably, it updates terminology related to retirement benefits and introduces "Roberta's Law" to strengthen victim rights. Overall, the bill aims to improve accountability, streamline legal processes, and enhance public safety and welfare.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces comprehensive reforms to educational assessments and accountability in Ohio, focusing on various student populations, including those with disabilities and English learners. The bill mandates the development of diagnostic assessments for grades K-3 in reading and mathematics, with specific guidelines for their administration and public record status. It establishes new performance rating categories for schools, requiring detailed reporting on student achievement and fiscal data, while emphasizing transparency and stakeholder involvement. Additionally, the bill modifies the governance of the State Teachers Retirement Board, enhancing member qualifications and campaign conduct regulations. Overall, the legislation aims to improve educational standards, assessment processes, and accountability measures across Ohio's school systems.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of provisions aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and accountability within Ohio's school system. Key changes include the establishment of educational choice scholarships and nonchartered educational savings accounts, which will begin in the 2026-2027 school year, allowing families to cover educational expenses. The bill modifies the autism scholarship program to broaden eligibility and service options, while also enhancing the Jon Peterson special needs scholarship program. Additionally, it introduces new state diploma seals to recognize various student achievements and mandates improved reading proficiency measures for K-3 students. The legislation also addresses school attendance policies for children under twenty-two, ensuring access for those affected by relocation or homelessness, and requires school districts to adopt policies regarding electronic communications devices by January 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational standards, support special education, and streamline administrative processes within school districts.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant amendments to Ohio's laws regarding cellular phone usage in schools and the operation of community schools. The bill prohibits student cellular phone use during instructional hours, with exceptions for health-related needs or individualized education programs, and mandates public disclosure of any district policies on this matter. It also establishes competency-based educational programs for individuals over eighteen without a high school diploma, and requires Southern State Community College to report annually on its Ohio code-scholar program. Additionally, the bill modifies community school regulations, including the evaluation and rating system for sponsors, allowing for new internet-based schools, and enhancing accountability measures. It introduces provisions for dropout prevention and recovery schools, including performance benchmarks and reporting requirements, while also addressing financial management for school districts facing fiscal challenges. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational access, accountability, and financial oversight within Ohio's educational system.

Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 modifies the funding calculations for Ohio school districts, particularly focusing on fiscal years 2026 and 2027, and introduces new provisions for various educational services. The bill outlines specific formulas for calculating costs related to academic activities, safety, technology, and student support, while also detailing leadership and accountability costs. Significant changes include the adjustment of fiscal years referenced in the calculations, the introduction of a new equity supplement for community schools, and the establishment of a decrease threshold for districts with declining enrollment. Additionally, the bill revises definitions related to economically disadvantaged students and expands reporting requirements for student enrollment, ensuring accurate funding distribution based on updated data and needs. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the effectiveness and fairness of funding mechanisms across Ohio's educational institutions.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant amendments to Ohio's educational framework, focusing on career-technical education, community schools, and funding mechanisms. Key changes include the removal of deadlines for program approvals by lead districts, the establishment of a new payment structure for joint vocational school districts with transitional aid for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, and the introduction of a "quality community school support program" that provides financial support based on student demographics. The bill also modifies funding calculations for special education services, enhances the oversight of school construction projects, and mandates in-service training for school personnel on youth suicide awareness and prevention. Additionally, it allows nonlicensed individuals to teach under specific conditions, updates attendance enforcement laws, and introduces new requirements for career colleges regarding documentation and compliance. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational opportunities and operational efficiency across Ohio's educational institutions.

Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 introduces comprehensive amendments to Ohio's higher education laws, including the establishment of new reporting requirements for the chancellor of higher education, the creation of various educational programs such as the "Teach CS" grant and the Ohio work ready grant program, and the introduction of a tuition guarantee program for undergraduate students. The bill modifies eligibility criteria for the rural practice incentive program, enhances research opportunities through a competitive grant system, and establishes independent academic centers for civics at select universities. Additionally, it introduces regulations for state institutions regarding financial interactions with foreign entities, mandates the preservation of student records, and outlines governance changes for universities under fiscal watch. Key changes include the removal of specific reporting requirements and the establishment of a new process for approving loan repayments for attorneys in underserved areas, as well as provisions for competency-based educational programs and the creation of the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership at the University of Toledo.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant changes to Ohio's election and campaign finance laws, including the removal of certain offices from the ballot structure, specifically the state board of education, while ensuring the title for the office of member of a board of education is included. The bill mandates that the order of offices on the ballot is certified by the Secretary of State and establishes new procedures for candidate nominations, including signature requirements and disqualification processes for candidates running for multiple offices. It also modifies campaign finance regulations, setting new contribution limits, requiring monthly financial statements from statewide candidates, and prohi