The bill amends sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 of the Revised Code and enacts a new section, 3313.475, requiring all public and chartered nonpublic schools in Ohio to install an exterior secure master key box by June 30, 2027. This key box is designed to facilitate emergency access for law enforcement and emergency responders, thereby improving response times during critical situations. The bill specifies the contents of the key box, which must include master keys, access cards, and updated maps of the school buildings, and mandates collaboration with local law enforcement for maintaining this information. Additionally, schools can apply for grants from the attorney general to help cover the costs of these installations.

The bill also introduces new compliance requirements for STEM and college-preparatory boarding schools, aligning them with existing school district regulations. It outlines responsibilities for community school sponsors and governing authorities, including the adoption of internal financial controls and the potential for contract payments for oversight capped at three percent of state funding. Furthermore, the bill addresses the management of funds related to charitable law cases and consumer fraud, specifying the allocation of cash receipts and restitution for affected consumers. It repeals existing sections related to community schools and updates the legal framework to enhance accountability and support for educational institutions, while also providing for appropriations for various programs, including school safety training and law enforcement training.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24, 221.20, H.B, 3313.475