Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to update and streamline existing laws, focusing on 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. The bill introduces new definitions related to sex and gender, enhances cybersecurity measures for political subdivisions, and modifies the oversight of public contracts and disclosure requirements for public officials. It also mandates joint legislative oversight of the Medicaid program and establishes a framework for the review and management of agency rules and the state budget process, ensuring greater transparency and accountability. Notably, the bill includes provisions for the automatic approval of tax deduction requests by public entities and prohibits certain contract provisions that could expose the state to liability.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant changes to various aspects of state governance in Ohio, including the establishment of the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, which will support charitable organizations and oversee an advisory board. The bill modifies state appropriation limitations by basing them solely on the previous fiscal year's appropriations and requires the main operating appropriations act to list all applicable nongeneral revenue fund items. It also enhances training and certification requirements for peace officers, mandates annual continuing professional training, and introduces provisions for refresher training. Additionally, the bill updates the legislative review process for agency rules, enhances transparency in public meetings, and establishes a framework for improving services for families and children, particularly those with developmental disabilities. Notably, it requires state agencies to review and potentially restate principles of law or policy not currently codified in rules, with a new timeline for initiating rulemaking.
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 by June 30, 2025, while introducing new definitions and requirements for "transformational mixed-use development" projects. The bill establishes a certification process for these projects, overseen by the director of development, and introduces a cap on tax credits for such developments, along with criteria for eligibility and application. Additionally, it creates a microcredential assistance program to support training providers, modifies tax credit regulations for motion picture and Broadway productions, and establishes new funding mechanisms for affordable housing and infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas. The bill emphasizes transparency, accountability, and community impact in its various provisions.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces comprehensive changes to various aspects of state governance in Ohio, including the management and funding of cultural and sports facilities, state employee benefits, procurement processes, and tax collection. Key provisions include the establishment of performance grants for major sports facilities contingent on local funding contributions, the introduction of a centralized reporting system for state grant recipients, and modifications to employee leave policies, such as paid leave for jury duty and increased hours for emergency medical service personnel. The bill also revises the funding structure for public libraries to ensure more stable monthly allocations, updates definitions related to property tax levies, and enhances the management of public funds by the treasurer of state. Overall, the legislation aims to improve financial accountability, support local investment in cultural initiatives, and streamline state operations.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant changes to investment regulations, public records management, and public improvement contracts in Ohio. Notably, it prohibits the treasurer of state from making investment decisions aimed at influencing environmental, social, personal, or ideological policies without explicit legal authorization, enhancing accountability in managing public funds. The bill also clarifies the qualifications for trustees of public funds, outlines eligible securities for investment, and mandates the filing of written investment policies with the auditor of state. Additionally, it establishes new provisions for public records, including protections for sensitive information and a framework for video records, while streamlining processes for public construction projects by allowing electronic bidding and modifying contractor requirements. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in various aspects of public governance.
Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 introduces comprehensive amendments to various laws in Ohio, focusing on the leasing of state-owned land for oil and gas exploration, financial assistance for capital improvement projects, and the management of unclaimed funds. Key provisions include a requirement for state agencies to lease formations in good faith, the establishment of a standard surface use agreement, and the creation of a local transportation improvement program fund. The bill also modifies the certification process for long-term care providers, mandates criminal records checks for direct-care workers, and introduces new tax credit frameworks for low-income housing projects. Additionally, it enhances the management of unclaimed funds, specifying their allocation and escheatment processes, while increasing transparency in zoning amendments by adjusting notification requirements and signature thresholds for referendums. Overall, the bill aims to streamline processes, enhance economic development, and ensure responsible management of state resources.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of changes to various aspects of county governance, including the management of regional transit authorities, procurement processes, and the operation of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services. Key provisions include allowing county commissioners to contract with engineers from other counties during vacancies, updating the terminology from "appraised" to "market" value for tax levies, and raising the population threshold for counties to operate nonemergency patient transport services from forty thousand to sixty thousand. The bill also streamlines the process for creating regional transit authorities, modifies tax exemption procedures for homesteads, and enhances the governance of boards overseeing behavioral health services by ensuring representation and qualifications among board members. Overall, the bill aims to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery across various county functions.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of amendments to various laws concerning opioid treatment programs, community development, local governance, taxation, and campaign finance in Ohio. Key changes include the annual publication of licensed opioid treatment programs, a shift in terminology from "mental health and addiction services" to "behavioral health," and the establishment of procurement goals for minority and EDGE business enterprises. The bill also modifies tax-related language, replacing "appraised" value with "market" value, and outlines new requirements for municipal income tax compliance, including provisions for casino operators and video lottery sales agents. Additionally, it enhances educational requirements for fiscal officers, streamlines processes for tax refunds and municipal contracts, and introduces stricter regulations on campaign finance. Overall, the bill aims to improve the effectiveness, inclusivity, and transparency of local governance and service provision.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces comprehensive changes to various agricultural and regulatory practices in Ohio, including the establishment of a framework for "certificates of free sale" issued by the director of agriculture, which can be accompanied by a fee. The bill modifies licensing requirements for fertilizer manufacturers and seed labelers, increasing fees and changing reporting periods, while also enhancing confidentiality measures for laboratory services. It revises regulations for beekeeping, bakery operations, soft drink manufacturing, and pesticide businesses, including new definitions and fee structures. Additionally, the bill addresses the management of dangerous wild animals and high-volume breeders, emphasizing compliance and accountability. It also updates the notice of commencement requirements for construction projects and clarifies terms related to retail installment contracts, including debt cancellation products. Overall, the bill aims to improve regulatory oversight, enhance public safety, and streamline processes within the agricultural sector.
Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 introduces several amendments aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency in private higher education institutions and their online program managers. The bill mandates that institutions must identify themselves when providing services to students and prohibits online program managers from controlling or administering student financial aid. Additionally, it establishes that contracts between private institutions and online program managers are not considered public records, and requires institutions to develop a plan for preserving student records indefinitely in the event of closure, designating an official custodian for these records. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve oversight and protect student interests in the realm of higher education.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of amendments to various laws concerning court operations, child welfare, juvenile justice, and gaming regulations. Key provisions include enhanced reporting requirements for institutions, the establishment of new fees to support legal aid, and the public availability of probate case information. The bill expands the list of mandated reporters for child abuse, clarifies the responsibilities of public children services agencies, and introduces protections for individuals reporting suspected abuse. It also addresses the sealing of juvenile records, modifies definitions related to gaming and the dissemination of private sexual images, and mandates detailed abortion reporting by physicians. Notably, the bill specifies that fees collected for special projects cannot be used for training or education outside of the state, and it establishes penalties for Medicaid eligibility fraud. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, and protections within the legal and child welfare systems.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of amendments to various laws in Ohio, focusing on enhancing accountability and legal frameworks across multiple areas, including adoption, child welfare, criminal justice, and education. Key provisions include the expansion of falsification offenses, stricter penalties for illegal conveyance of items onto governmental grounds, and new guidelines for conducting body cavity and strip searches by law enforcement. The bill also mandates that convicted felons under eighteen be committed to the Department of Youth Services, outlines processes for intervention in lieu of conviction, and modifies the handling of post-release control for prisoners. Additionally, it streamlines adoption procedures, establishes a Children's Trust Fund for child welfare programs, and restructures the state board of education by transitioning to a fully appointed board. Overall, the bill aims to improve legal processes, enhance public safety, and ensure the protection of children's rights and welfare.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces comprehensive amendments to Ohio's education laws, focusing on the appointment of state board of education members, teacher certification processes, and student assessment requirements. The bill mandates that the governor appoint a qualified replacement within thirty days for any vacancy on the state board and streamlines the certification process for teachers in nonpublic schools by allowing certification based on relevant experience. It also requires the Department of Education and Workforce to develop diagnostic assessments for K-3 students in reading and mathematics, with specific guidelines for English learners and chartered nonpublic schools. Additionally, the bill enhances accountability by establishing detailed reporting requirements for school districts, including financial data and performance metrics, while introducing new performance rating categories for schools. Notably, it emphasizes the importance of transparency in educational outcomes and the ethical use of assessments, ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, are accommodated appropriately.
Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 proposes significant amendments to the governance and operational procedures of the State Teachers Retirement Board, including specific qualifications for board members, an increase in investment expert members, and the introduction of health care benefits comparable to state employees. The bill also establishes a scholarship program for nonchartered nonpublic schools, enhances the autism scholarship program, and introduces a framework for educational choice scholarships and nonchartered educational savings accounts. Additionally, it modifies high school graduation requirements to emphasize financial literacy and introduces new state diploma seals to recognize student achievements. The legislation aims to improve educational opportunities, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and enhance the governance of the retirement board.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a series of amendments aimed at enhancing educational services and accountability for children in homes or facilities, as well as community schools in Ohio. Key provisions include allowing homes or facilities to provide fewer instructional hours if necessary for a child's treatment, requiring notification to school districts upon a child's admission and discharge, and ensuring tuition coverage for certain students. The bill also addresses school attendance for children under 22 affected by parental relocation or custody changes, mandates compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and establishes new guidelines for cellular phone usage in schools. Additionally, it raises enrollment requirements for career-technical education programs, introduces a scholarship program for students in federally supervised districts, and modifies the evaluation and reporting processes for community schools, particularly those focused on dropout prevention and recovery. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational access, support diverse student populations, and enhance accountability within Ohio's educational system.
Am. Sub. H. B. No. 96 amends the Revised Code to enhance financial management and accountability for Ohio school districts, particularly those facing fiscal challenges. The bill allows districts to replace general fund revenues with proceeds from designated sources for permanent improvements, while removing the previous provision for additional revenue sources identified by the auditor of state. It establishes a framework for declaring fiscal caution or watch, revises financial forecasting from five years to three, and mandates corrective actions to prevent fiscal decline. The bill also updates funding calculations for various educational services, including special education and career-technical education, and introduces new definitions and reporting requirements to ensure equitable distribution of resources. Notably, it changes fiscal year references from 2024 to 2026 and from 2026 to 2028 for several funding categories, aiming to align funding with current educational needs and improve support for economically disadvantaged students.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces significant changes to various aspects of education funding and regulations in Ohio. The bill modifies the allocation of gifted units and funding for school districts, updates fiscal years for calculations, and introduces new funding formulas. It expands services for nonpublic school students, including mental health support, while ensuring all services are provided without religious content. The bill also establishes a quality community school support program, modifies funding mechanisms for joint vocational school districts, and introduces a vocational school facilities assistance program. Additionally, it mandates in-service training for school personnel on youth suicide awareness and prevention, allows nonlicensed individuals to teach under certain conditions, and requires school districts to adopt policies accommodating students' religious beliefs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance educational opportunities, streamline funding processes, and improve accountability in Ohio's education system.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at enhancing higher education and workforce development in Ohio. Key provisions include new requirements for criminal records checks for drivers at educational institutions, the establishment of the "Teach CS" grant program to increase qualified computer science teachers, and the introduction of the Ohio work ready grant program for students in high-demand fields. The bill mandates that state universities create accelerated degree programs and develop co-op internship programs in collaboration with JobsOhio, while also establishing independent academic centers for civics at select universities. Additionally, it outlines governance changes for state institutions under fiscal watch, enhances reporting requirements for career colleges, and introduces measures to protect students from tuition loss due to school closures. Notably, the bill includes provisions to restrict partnerships with entities from the People's Republic of China and establishes an election integrity unit within the Secretary of State's office to investigate election law violations.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 modifies various aspects of election laws in Ohio, including the compensation structure for board of elections members, which will now be adjusted based on population metrics and inflation, with specific increases mandated for the years 2019 through 2029. The bill clarifies that board members are appointed rather than elected, outlines funding mechanisms for election-related expenses, and introduces an elections revenue fund. It also revises ballot structures, establishes new candidacy procedures, and enhances campaign finance regulations, including contribution limits and reporting requirements. Notably, it prohibits foreign contributions and imposes restrictions on state contracts related to campaign contributions, aiming to improve transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
Amended Substitute House Bill No. 96 introduces comprehensive changes to Ohio's election laws, focusing on enhancing the integrity and accountability of the electoral process. Key provisions include the establishment of a new Ohio Election Integrity Commission with specific member qualifications, including a requiremen