Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 proposes extensive amendments to the Ohio Revised Code, focusing on various areas including residency requirements for elected officials, the establishment of "Responsible Fatherhood Month," and the regulation of private contractors operating correctional facilities for out-of-state prisoners. Key provisions include the requirement for all elected officials to reside within their respective districts, the introduction of new definitions related to sex and gender, and enhanced cybersecurity measures for political subdivisions. The bill also mandates a review process for occupational licensing boards, outlines the procedures for public contracting, and establishes a framework for legislative oversight of the Medicaid program. Notably, it includes new legal language to clarify the requirements for state agencies in adopting proposed rules, emphasizing transparency and accountability in both regulatory and budgeting processes.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant changes to various aspects of state governance in Ohio, including state appropriation limitations, law enforcement training, public meeting transparency, and service coordination for families and children. The bill modifies the calculation of state appropriation limitations to a straightforward increase of three and one-half percent from the previous fiscal year and 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 enhancing training requirements for peace officers, including mandatory continuing education and refresher training. The bill also emphasizes transparency in public meetings, requiring open deliberations and prompt availability of meeting minutes, and mandates collaboration among state agencies to improve services for families and children. Additionally, it introduces a framework for agencies to review and restate principles of law or policy not currently codified in rules, ensuring ongoing evaluation and potential rule-making.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 aims to streamline regulatory restrictions imposed by state agencies, mandating a 30% reduction in these restrictions by June 30, 2025, with specific percentage targets for interim deadlines. The bill also modifies the certification process for transformational mixed-use development projects, introducing new definitions and requirements, including a points-based evaluation system for tax credits based on project merits. Additionally, it establishes a platinum provider program for training providers in microcredential assistance, enhances affordable housing development through tax credits, and creates a Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund for remediation projects. The bill further revises tax credit regulations for investments in opportunity zones and the film industry, ensuring accountability and transparency in the allocation of these credits. Overall, the legislation seeks to promote economic development, reduce regulatory burdens, and enhance workforce training and housing opportunities in Ohio.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of provisions aimed at enhancing the management and funding of various state programs and facilities in Ohio. Key features include the establishment of a residential development revolving loan fund, prioritization of loan applications based on housing needs, and the introduction of new definitions related to cultural and sports facilities. The bill outlines specific funding criteria for sports facilities, allowing state funds to cover up to 25% of construction costs under certain conditions, and mandates that agreements for these facilities include liability protections for the Ohio facilities construction commission. Additionally, it modifies employee leave policies, updates salary schedules for exempt employees, and streamlines procurement processes for state agencies. The bill also addresses public library funding by changing how funds are credited, enhances the management of public funds by the treasurer, and establishes an advisory council for prescription drug affordability. Overall, the bill aims to improve economic development, accountability, and operational efficiency across various sectors in Ohio.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces comprehensive changes to the management and investment of public funds in Ohio, including new provisions that allow the treasurer of state to enter into agreements for purchasing obligations with state universities and colleges, while ensuring fees are reasonable and cover only direct costs. The bill establishes two new funds for managing these agreements and sets limits on the amount of obligations that can be purchased, explicitly prohibiting the use of general revenue funds for subsidies. It also imposes restrictions on investment decisions to prevent political or ideological influences, mandates written investment policies, and requires public reporting on acquired obligations. Additionally, the bill modifies the governance of the Ohio public employees deferred compensation program, enhances public records access and transparency, and streamlines public improvement contracting processes, including electronic bid submissions and dispute resolution procedures. Overall, the bill aims to improve the efficiency, security, and accountability of public fund management and investment practices in Ohio.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant amendments to various laws in Ohio, focusing on economic development, public project contracting, and community-based long-term care services. Key provisions include the removal of the requirement for affirmative action programs while ensuring non-discrimination in hiring practices for public projects, the establishment of a Facilities Establishment Fund, and the introduction of a presumptive eligibility component for the PACE program. The bill also modifies the allocation of financial assistance for capital improvement projects, emphasizing the prioritization of infrastructure repair and the creation of a local transportation improvement program fund. Additionally, it enhances the oversight of self-employed providers in long-term care services through mandatory background checks and establishes a framework for tax credits related to low-income housing projects, streamlining the application process and ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria. Overall, the bill aims to promote equitable hiring practices, enhance support for local initiatives, and improve the efficiency of Medicaid services and affordable housing development.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a series of amendments to various laws concerning zoning resolutions, county office management, property taxation, and mental health services in Ohio. Key provisions include increasing the required signatures for zoning referendum petitions from eight percent to thirty-five percent, allowing county commissioners to contract with another county's engineer in case of vacancies, and updating the terminology regarding property valuation from "appraised" to "market" value. The bill also raises the population threshold for counties to operate nonemergency patient transport services from forty thousand to sixty thousand, establishes new guidelines for the governance of boards overseeing behavioral health services, and introduces tax exemptions for certain homesteads. Additionally, it streamlines procurement processes for regional transit authorities and emphasizes the importance of minority business participation in contracts. Overall, the bill aims to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery across various county functions.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a series of amendments aimed at enhancing the operation and oversight of opioid treatment programs and mental health services, including the annual publication of licensed opioid treatment programs and a shift in terminology from "mental health and addiction services" to "behavioral health." The bill mandates boards to implement affirmative action programs for economically disadvantaged groups and establishes procurement goals for minority and EDGE business enterprises. It also outlines new procedures for township fire and police districts, tax regulations for municipal income, and the dissolution of villages, while enhancing accountability through reporting requirements and clarifying definitions related to municipal taxable income. Overall, the bill seeks to improve service delivery, promote equity, and streamline governance in various sectors.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces comprehensive changes to various regulations in Ohio, focusing on campaign finance, agriculture, animal protection, and construction. Key provisions include stricter regulations on campaign materials for candidates, modifications to the licensing and reporting requirements for agricultural practices, and updates to the management of dangerous wild animals and commercial dog breeding. The bill establishes new definitions, such as "certificate of free sale" and "pesticide business," while also increasing certain fees and penalties related to licensing and compliance. Additionally, it streamlines processes for filing complaints regarding campaign finance violations and enhances the regulatory framework for pesticide use and hemp cultivation. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency across multiple sectors.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces various regulatory changes across multiple sectors in Ohio, focusing on consumer protection, environmental management, and educational transparency. Key provisions include the establishment of age verification requirements for organizations providing potentially harmful online content to minors, the creation of an oil and gas resolution and remediation fund for orphaned wells, and modifications to hunting and fishing license regulations. Notably, the bill mandates that private institutions of higher education disclose contracts with online program managers and prohibits these managers from controlling student financial aid. Additionally, it enhances the management of oil and gas operations, streamlines the registration process for watercraft, and clarifies definitions related to securities and investment practices. Overall, the bill aims to improve compliance, safety, and transparency across various industries while safeguarding consumer and environmental interests.

Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of amendments to various laws concerning higher education, court operations, child welfare, juvenile justice, and gaming regulations. Key provisions include requirements for educational institutions to preserve student records indefinitely in case of closure, the collection of additional court fees to support legal aid, and the establishment of online access to probate court dockets. The bill also expands the list of mandated reporters for child abuse, clarifies the responsibilities of public children services agencies, and enhances protections for victims of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images. Additionally, it modifies juvenile court procedures, including the sealing of juvenile records, and introduces penalties for Medicaid fraud. Overall, the legislation aims to improve transparency, accountability, and protections within these systems while ensuring that vulnerable populations are safeguarded.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of amendments to various laws in Ohio, focusing on issues such as adoption, child welfare, criminal justice, and education. Key provisions include the establishment of a putative father registry to streamline adoption processes, modifications to the penalties for illegal conveyance of items onto government property, and enhanced guidelines for conducting body cavity and strip searches by law enforcement. The bill also addresses the management of offenders, particularly juveniles, by mandating their commitment to the Department of Youth Services and outlining a process for intervention in lieu of conviction. Additionally, it reforms the state board of education by transitioning from an elected to an appointed board, while also implementing measures to improve child support enforcement and funding for children's advocacy centers. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability, streamline legal processes, and improve the welfare of children and families in Ohio.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces comprehensive reforms to Ohio's education system, focusing on the appointment of state board of education members, teacher certification processes, and student assessment requirements. Key provisions include a mandate for the governor to fill board vacancies within thirty days, streamlined certification for teachers in nonpublic schools based on experience, and a shift in funding for certification fees to the occupational licensing fund. The bill also requires the Department of Education and Workforce to develop rigorous K-12 academic standards, implement diagnostic assessments for early grades, and enhance accountability measures for school performance through detailed report cards. Notably, it establishes new performance rating categories for schools, mandates the inclusion of diverse student achievement data, and emphasizes the ethical use of assessments while safeguarding student privacy. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational standards, transparency, and accountability across Ohio's schools.

Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 proposes significant amendments to various aspects of Ohio's education and retirement systems. Key changes include new qualifications for state teachers retirement board members, such as residency requirements and experience in asset management, and an increase in investment expert members from two to four. The bill also revises the election process for board members, introduces stricter campaign conduct regulations, and establishes provisions for health care benefits for board members. Additionally, it outlines eligibility criteria for educational choice scholarships and nonchartered educational savings accounts, enhances the autism scholarship program, and modifies high school graduation requirements, including financial literacy education. The legislation aims to improve educational opportunities, accountability, and operational efficiency within the state's educational and retirement frameworks.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of provisions aimed at enhancing educational access and accountability within Ohio's school districts, particularly for students under the age of twenty-two. Key provisions include allowing students whose parents relocate during their senior year to continue attending their previous school, establishing enrollment rights for children in grandparent custody, and ensuring compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act for homeless students. The bill also mandates public and chartered nonpublic schools to provide informational materials to parents upon enrollment, prohibits cellular phone use during instructional hours with specified exceptions, and requires community schools to report various student enrollment statistics. Additionally, it modifies the evaluation and rating system for community school sponsors, introduces new performance benchmarks for dropout prevention and recovery schools, and outlines financial management procedures for school districts facing fiscal challenges. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational outcomes, governance, and fiscal accountability across Ohio's educational landscape.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant changes to the financial oversight and funding mechanisms for school districts in Ohio, including the establishment of a financial planning and supervision commission that remains active until specific fiscal conditions are met. The bill reduces the required budget forecasting period from five years to three years, mandates the submission of a final report by the commission upon termination, and outlines new funding calculations based on fiscal year 2022 data for various educational costs, including salaries and operational expenses. It also revises the fiscal years for funding calculations, changing references from 2024 to 2026 and from 2025 to 2027, and introduces new provisions for calculating costs related to special education, career-technical education, and English learners. Additionally, the bill emphasizes equitable funding distribution, particularly for community and STEM schools, and mandates accurate enrollment reporting to enhance transparency and resource allocation.

Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant changes to Ohio's education laws, focusing on funding, accountability, and support for various educational programs. Key provisions include the establishment of a "community school of quality" designation with specific performance metrics, a new payment structure for joint vocational school districts, and enhanced funding mechanisms for community and STEM schools based on student demographics. The bill also mandates training for school personnel on youth suicide prevention and child sexual abuse, modifies the approval processes for career-technical education programs, and updates regulations for school construction funding. Additionally, it addresses attendance policies, allowing for more structured interventions for chronic absenteeism, and introduces new requirements for career colleges regarding documentation and accreditation. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational outcomes and ensure effective allocation of resources across Ohio's schools.

Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 introduces comprehensive amendments to Ohio's higher education laws, focusing on enhancing educational access, accountability, and workforce development. Key provisions include the establishment of a tuition guarantee program, the creation of independent academic centers for civics at select universities, and the introduction of the "Teach CS" grant program to increase qualified computer science teachers. The bill mandates that state universities develop accelerated degree programs and collaborate with local businesses to align education with workforce needs. It also outlines new responsibilities for the chancellor of higher education, including annual reporting on graduate outcomes and the management of a competitive grant system for research. Additionally, the bill modifies governance structures for state institutions under fiscal watch and introduces measures to ensure election integrity, including the establishment of an election integrity unit within the Secretary of State's office. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen Ohio's higher education system while promoting civic education and workforce readiness.

Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 introduces comprehensive amendments to Ohio's election laws, focusing on precinct election officials' compensation, ballot structure, candidate nomination processes, and campaign finance regulations. The bill allows for a pay increase of up to 4.5% for precinct election officials earning between $85 and $95 per diem and clarifies that state employees can serve as officials without losing regular pay. It modifies ballot presentation by removing references to certain offices and establishing