The bill introduced by Representative Williams seeks to amend the Revised Code to prohibit coverage for gender reassignment surgery under Medicaid and health insurance plans provided by state and local authorities. It adds new sections 9.051 and 5164.21, which define "gender reassignment surgery" and explicitly state that the Medicaid program shall not cover such procedures. Local authorities are required to certify their compliance with this prohibition annually, and the Attorney General will maintain a list of those that fail to comply. Additionally, the bill amends existing sections related to public employment agreements to ensure that such agreements cannot include provisions for gender reassignment surgery coverage, aligning with the new prohibition.

The bill also addresses local government fund payments, introducing a framework for the tax commissioner to reduce payments to municipal corporations based on compliance with specific regulations, including a "gender reassignment surgery adjustment" of 25% for non-compliance. It establishes a new Ohio highway and transportation safety fund to receive funds equivalent to the reductions in payments to local authorities, aimed at enhancing public safety. Furthermore, the bill amends the apportionment process for the undivided local government fund, allowing for an alternative method of apportionment with annual reviews and specifying that municipal universities may request a share of the funds. Several sections of the Revised Code are repealed, and updates are made to streamline the process and ensure accountability among local authorities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4117.10, 5747.50, 5747.502, 5747.504, 5747.505, 5747.51, 5747.53