The S.B. 1 Compliance Supplemental Appropriation Act amends various sections of the Revised Code to enhance the operation and oversight of state institutions of higher education in Ohio. Key provisions include a requirement for the governor to allocate a portion of the state share of instruction funds specifically for these institutions, along with compliance certifications mandated for fiscal years 2027 and beyond. Institutions must certify their adherence to the Revised Code, with potential consequences for noncompliance, including the withholding of state funds. The bill also introduces new definitions and requirements related to faculty workload policies and the reassignment of employees involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion functions, emphasizing transparency and accountability in these processes.

Additionally, the bill mandates that each institution's board of trustees develop and adopt retrenchment policies within ninety days of the bill's effective date, detailing the authority and criteria for faculty retrenchment. It specifies that factors such as seniority and tenure do not guarantee retention, while also providing procedural protections for affected faculty members. Institutions are required to eliminate undergraduate degree programs that confer fewer than five degrees annually over a three-year period, with waivers available from the Chancellor of Higher Education. The bill repeals several existing sections of the Revised Code and establishes compliance measures, with the Chancellor tasked with ensuring adherence to the new retrenchment policies and updating them every five years. Overall, the legislation aims to standardize retrenchment processes and enhance accountability within Ohio's higher education system.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 113.70, 113.73, 3345.45, 3345.454, 3345.456