The bill, introduced by Representative Hiner, seeks to amend sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 of the Revised Code and enact a new section, 3313.5321, focusing on the broadcasting rights of middle and high school post-season interscholastic athletic contests in Ohio. It defines key terms such as "qualifying athletic activity," "broadcast," "local broadcaster," and "organization," and establishes that schools have the right to broadcast all qualifying athletic activities involving their teams. The bill prohibits organizations regulating interscholastic events from entering exclusive broadcast agreements that would hinder local broadcasters or schools from broadcasting these events. Local broadcasters must have a history of providing broadcast services for school activities or a formal agreement with the school to broadcast the event.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions to enhance governance and operational standards for community schools, STEM schools, and college-preparatory boarding schools. It mandates the establishment of enrollment and attendance policies, including parental notification of residence changes, and requires governing authorities to adopt internal financial controls. Contracts between sponsors and governing authorities must detail the sponsor's responsibilities, including compliance monitoring and performance evaluation. The bill allows for contract renewals based on satisfactory performance and specifies that contracts become void if a community school fails to open within a year or closes before expiration. Existing sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 are repealed, streamlining the legal framework for these educational institutions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24