The Parents' Rights to Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (P.R.I.D.E.) Act seeks to amend the Ohio Revised Code to bolster parental rights concerning their children's access to medical, behavioral health, hygiene care, and educational opportunities. A new section, 3131.01, is introduced to affirm parents' rights to equitable access while highlighting the importance of inclusivity and children's rights to freedom of speech and behavioral health confidentiality. The bill also proposes amendments to sections 3314.03 and 3326.11 and repeals several existing sections, including 3109.054 and 3319.90, to streamline the legal framework for community schools in alignment with the new parental rights provisions.

In addition to enhancing parental rights, the P.R.I.D.E. Act outlines the responsibilities of sponsors in monitoring community schools, ensuring compliance with laws, and providing technical assistance. It allows contracts between sponsors and community schools to include provisions for payments for oversight, capped at three percent of the school's state operating expenses, and establishes conditions for contract renewal based on compliance and academic performance. The act emphasizes the need for internal financial controls and mandates that community schools submit relevant policies to their governing authority, ultimately aiming to improve accountability and support within Ohio's educational system.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.03, 3326.11, 3109.054, 3129.01, 3129.02, 3129.03, 3129.04, 3129.05, 3129.06, 3313.473, 3313.5320, 3319.90, 3345.562, 3345.90