OHIO LEGISLATIVE SERVICE COMMISSION
Office of Research Legislative Budget
www.lsc.ohio.gov and Drafting Office
H.B. 171 Bill Analysis
135th General Assembly
Click here for H.B. 171’s Fiscal Note
Version: As Introduced
Primary Sponsor: Rep. Lightbody
Effective date:
Samantha Horna, Attorney
SUMMARY
 Requires the State Board of Education to begin updating the model curriculum for social
studies by July 1, 2024, to include the migration journeys, experiences, and societal
contributions of specified communities in Ohio.
 Requires the State Board to include these model curriculum changes in the first updated
social studies model curriculum adopted after July 1, 2024.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
Updated model curriculum for social studies
The bill requires the State Board of Education to begin updating the model curriculum
for social studies to include age- and grade-appropriate instruction in several specific topics by
July 1, 2024. The updated curriculum must include the migration journeys, experiences, and
societal contributions of the following communities:
1. African American communities;
2. Asian American and Pacific islander communities;
3. Arab, African, and North African immigrant, refugee, and asylee communities;
4. Appalachian communities;
5. Jewish communities;
6. Latin American communities; and
7. Native American communities.
June 20, 2023
Office of Research and Drafting LSC Legislative Budget Office
The bill further requires that these changes be made in the first update of the social
studies model curriculum adopted after July 1, 2024.1
Under continuing law, public schools are not required to use all or any part of the State
Board’s model curriculum.2
Continuing law requires school districts to prescribe a curriculum for their students in
grades K-12. A district’s curriculum must include the study of the history of the United States
and Ohio, American government at the national, state, and local levels, and a balanced
presentation of the relevant contributions to society of men and women of African, Mexican,
Puerto Rican, and American Indian descent as well as other ethnic and racial groups.3
HISTORY
Action Date
Introduced 05-10-23
ANHB0171IN-135/ts
1 R.C. 3313.079(B)(3).
2 R.C. 3313.079(B)(4).
3 R.C. 3313.60(A)(2), not in the bill.
P a g e |2 H.B. 171
As Introduced