Amended Substitute Senate Bill No. 276 introduces significant changes to the licensing and practice of massage therapy and school psychology in Ohio. The bill ratifies the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists and modifies the Interstate Massage Compact, which includes new requirements for member states to accept a psychometrically valid national examination for licensure, replacing the previous National Licensing Examination. It mandates continuing education for massage therapists, requiring licensees to complete a specified number of hours before renewal, with non-compliance resulting in automatic forfeiture of the right to practice. The bill also establishes the "success sequence" framework to reduce poverty rates, tasking the Department of Education and Workforce with maintaining related curricula and preparing a report on a statewide hybrid assessment system by November 15, 2026.

Additionally, the bill creates the Student Athlete Mobility (SAM) Act, allowing students in community or STEM schools to participate in extracurricular activities at neighboring public schools, contingent upon approval from both districts. It establishes the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact Commission, which will oversee the administration of the Compact, manage finances, and ensure compliance among member states. The bill includes provisions for the exchange of licensure and disciplinary information, emphasizes the importance of maintaining public health and safety, and allows for the participation of active military members and their spouses in the Compact. Key deletions include the repeal of existing sections related to these practices, while new language is inserted to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Commission and the requirements for licensure and continuing education.

Statutes affected:
As Reported By House Committee: 3313.537, 3319.316, 4511.76, 4731.156, 5903.12, 4731.155
As Passed By House: 3313.537, 4731.156, 5903.12, 4731.155
As Concurred By Senate: 3313.537, 4731.156, 5903.12, 4731.155
As Enrolled: 3313.537, 4731.156, 5903.12, 4731.155