The Strengthening Ohio Civics Act aims to enhance civics education across Ohio's universities by establishing independent academic units dedicated to American civics literacy. Key provisions include the creation of the Salmon P. Chase School for Civics, Culture, and Society, which will operate with the rights of an independent college and focus on teaching and research related to the American constitutional order. The bill also introduces a seven-member academic council responsible for appointing the center's director, who will oversee faculty recruitment, curriculum development, and financial resources. Additionally, the centers will retain all tuition and revenue from their courses and can create independent endowments.

The bill further establishes the Ohio civics board to oversee the academic civics centers and ensure the development of American civic literacy courses at state institutions. Starting in the 2027-2028 academic year, all state institutions will be required to offer a course in American civic literacy as a graduation requirement. The bill also includes the establishment of a new independent academic center at Wright State University, which will focus on promoting civil discourse and informed citizenship. Significant changes include the renaming of existing centers and the repeal of certain sections of the Revised Code to support these initiatives, with a focus on enhancing the curriculum and governance structures of these academic units.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3335.39, 3339.06, 3344.07, 3345.382, 3345.58, 3352.16, 3364.07