View live coverage of Ohio House and Senate sessions

You can also use Find A Bill Online with the Ohio General Assembly Bills On-Line website to locate bills by number, keyword, or sponsor.

Use Find Your Legislator with the Ohio General Assembly On-Line website to locate your particular legislator by name, district or zip code.

Education bills enacted in the 126th General Assembly 2005-2006

Education bills enacted in the 125th General Assembly 2003-2004

Go to Senate bills

H.B. 552 - Community Schools
Sponsored by Representative Clayton Luckie (D-Dayton)

Revises the exception to the cap on new start-up community schools by prohibiting contracts with operators that manage other Ohio community schools that have report card ratings of academic watch or academic emergency.
Chronology
May 8, 2008 Introduced in the House

H.B. 549 - Energy Conservation
Sponsored by Representative Louis Blessing (R-Cincinnati)

Authorizes school boards, for on-site energy generation measures and in the same manner as for energy conservation measures, to enter into installment contracts subject to specified terms of payment and provides that energy conservation installment contracts are subject to those same terms.
Chronology
May 1, 2008 Introduced in the House
May 6, 2008 Referred to Alternative Energy Committee

H.B. 539 - Calamity Days
Sponsored by Representative Linda Bolon (D-East Palestine)

Waives the minimum number of school days in the 2007-2008 school year for certain public schools permanently closed due to flood damage and declares an emergency.
Chronology
April 17, 2008 Introduced in the House

H.B. 520 - Calamity Days
Sponsored by Representative Allan Sayre (D-Dover)

Waives the requirement for certain school districts to make up days schools are closed due to flooding and declares an emergency.   
Chronology
March 31, 2008 Introduced in the House
April 1, 2008 Referred to Education Committee

H.B. 519 - School Volunteering
Sponsored by Representative Sandra Williams (D-Cleveland)

Requires parents of students enrolled in school districts to perform volunteer service for the district, grants state employees paid leave to participate in a child's educational activities, allows a nonrefundable credit against the corporate franchise or commercial activity tax for employer-paid leave enabling employees to participate in school-related activities, and requires school districts to establish mentoring programs for students.
Chronology
March 31, 2008 Introduced in the House
April 1, 2008 Referred to Ways & Means Committee

H.B. 517 - School Funding
Sponsored by Representative Sandra Williams (D-Cleveland)

Establishes a committee to study the actual per pupil cost of educating students in public schools and makes recommendations regarding the funding of public schools.
Chronology
March 31, 2008 Introduced in the House
April 1, 2008 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 507 - Teacher Licenses
Sponsored by Representative Allan Sayre (D-Dover)

Allows teachers to pay license renewal fees in annual installments, and allows a refundable credit against the income tax for educator licensing fees and educator-paid criminal records check fees.
Chronology
March 18, 2008 Introduced in the House
March 31, 2008 Referred to Ways & Means Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 484 - School Facilities
Sponsored by Representative Jennifer Garrision (D-Marietta)

Calculates an alternative equity list for fiscal year 2009 funding under the Classroom Facilities Assistance Program and the Exceptional Needs School Facilities Assistance Program for certain school districts with large one-year reductions in valuation.
Chronology
February 19, 2008 Introduced in the House
March 5, 2008 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 464 - Lottery Profits
Sponsored by Representative Ronald Gerberry (D-Austintown Twp)

Requires that a portion of lottery profits be distributed annually on a per pupil basis to public and chartered nonpublic schools.
Chronology
February 5, 2008 Introduced in the House
February 12, 2008 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 454 - School Facilities Assistance
Sponsored by Representative Jennifer Brady (D-Rocky River)

Establishes a moratorium on new "brick and mortar" community schools until July 1, 2010, requires community school operators to be nonprofit entities, and eliminates the requirement that school districts offer property suitable for classroom space for sale to community schools under certain conditions.
Chronology
January 29, 2008 Introduced in the House
January 30, 2008 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 452 - School Facilities Assistance
Sponsored by Representative Todd Book (R-McDermott)

Calculates an alternate equity list for fiscal year 2008 for purposes of determining school districts' eligibility for assistance under the Classroom Facilities Assistance Program and their local shares in fiscal year 2009.
Chronology
January 29, 2008 Introduced in the House
January 30, 2008 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 445 - School Construction
Sponsored by Representative John Schlichter (R-Washington C.H.)

Requires adjustments in a school district's state education aid and Classroom Facilities Assistance Program rankings to correct certifications of tax-exempt property erroneously treated as taxable property.
Chronology
January 23, 2008 Introduced in the House
January 29, 2008 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 439 - Student Suicide Prevention
Sponsored by Representative Robert Hagan (D-Youngstown)

Requires each school district and each community school to provide suicide prevention services for students in grades five to twelve.
Chronology
January 22, 2008 Introduced in the House
January 29, 2008 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 430 - Sex Offenders/Schools
Sponsored by Representative Jennifer Garrison (D-Marietta)

Prohibit adult tier III sex offender/child-victim offenders who have committed specified offenses against a victim under sixteen years of age from knowingly being present on school premises or preschool or child day-care premises.
Chronology
January 10, 2008 Introduced in the House
January 15, 2008 Referred to Criminal Justice Committee

H.B. 428 - School Employee Misconduct
Sponsored by Representative Arlene Setzer (R-Vandalia)

Regarding the reporting of and discipline for school employee misconduct.
Chronology
January 9, 2008 Introduced in the House
January 9, 2008 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 426 - Bus Drivers
Sponsored by Representative Michael DeBose (D-Cleveland)

Requires a person employed as a driver of a school bus or motor van to maintain control of the pupils on that school bus or motor van and provides an exception to political subdivision sovereign immunity if injury, death, or loss to person or property results from the failure of the driver of a school bus or motor van to maintain control of the pupils on that school bus or motor van.
Chronology
January 8, 2008 Introduced in the House
January 9, 200 Referred to State Government & Elections Committee

H.B. 424 - School Performance
Sponsored by Representative Arlene Setzer (R-Vandalia)

Eliminates the performance index score as a factor in school district and building performance ratings, makes changes in the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program, and makes changes in the requirement that schools offer dual enrollment programs.
Chronology
January 8, 2008 Introduced in the House
January 9, 2008 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 423 - Teacher Wages
Sponsored by Representative Arlene Setzer (R-Vandalia)

Revises the eligibility for the state stipends to National Board certified teachers; permits school districts, educational service centers, and county MR/DD boards to pay wage rate differentials above their regular salary schedules for certain teachers; and specifies that teacher wage rate differentials, the length of the school year, and the length of the school day are not subjects for collective bargaining.
Chronology
January 8, 2008 Introduced in the House
January 9, 2008 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 421 - Nuisance Properties
Sponsored by Representative Eugene Miller (D-Cleveland)

Eradicates nuisance properties from around schools.
Chronology
January 2, 2008 Introduced in the House
January 9, 2008 Referred to Education Committee
As introduced

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 406 - Corporal Punishment
Sponsored by Representative Jon Peterson (R-Delaware)

Prohibits corporal punishment in all public schools.
Chronology
December 4, 2007 Introduced in the House
December 11, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 379 - School Curriculum
Sponsored by Representative Diana Fessler (R-New Carlisle)

Requires the study of specified historical documents be included in the high school American history and government curriculum.
Chronology
November 7, 2007 Introduced in the House
December 3, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 348 - Special Education Vouchers
Sponsored by Representative Jon Peterson (R-Delaware)

Creates the Special Education Scholarship Pilot Program and amends the version of section 109.57 of the Revised Code that is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2008, to continue the provisions of this act on and after that effective date.
Chronology
October 9, 2007 Introduced in the House
October 10, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 347 - Educator Licensing
Sponsored by Representative Arlene Setzer (D-Vandalia)

Replaces the Praxis III assessment as a condition for a professional educator license with assessment systems developed by school districts, community schools, STEM schools, and chartered nonpublic schools.
Chronology
October 9, 2007 Introduced in the House
October 10, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 341 - Health Grants
Sponsored by Representative Dan Dodd (D-Licking Township)

Establishes the healthy farms and healthy schools grant program for the purpose of providing grants to schools to establish nutrition education and agricultural education programs for kindergarteners.
Chronology
October 3, 2007 Introduced in the House
October 9, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 315 - STRS Laws
Sponsored by Representative Scott Oelslager (R-Canton)

Creates the Health Care Fund in the State Teachers Retirement System and make other changes in STRS law.
Chronology
September 18, 2007 Introduced in the House
September 27, 2007 Referred to Financial Institutions, Real Estate & Securities Committee

H.B. 271 - Remedial Education
Sponsored by Representative Thomas Patton (R-Strongsville)

Permits a school district to establish a policy guaranteeing state institutions of higher education that its graduates will not require remedial coursework in specified subject areas or the district will cover the costs of remediation.
Chronology
June 21, 2007 Introduced in the House
June 26, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 270 - Pensioner Reemployment
Sponsored by Representative Michelle Schneider (R-Cincinnati)

Provides that a member of the Public Employees Retirement System, Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund, State Teachers Retirement System, or School Employees Retirement System who retires and then returns to public employment in the same position will not receive a pension while earning a salary for that employment.
Chronology
June 19, 2007 Introduced in the House
June 21, 2007 Referred to Financial Institutions, Real Estate and Securities Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 254 - Child Obesity
Sponsored by Representative Jon Peterson (R-Delaware)

Establishes the Ohio Child Wellness Advisory Council, establishes nutritional standards for certain foods and beverages sold in public and chartered nonpublic schools, requires public and chartered nonpublic schools to implement local wellness policies and makes other changes regarding student nutrition and physical activity.
Chronology
June 5, 2007 Introduced in the House
June 7, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 245 - School Funding
Sponsored by Representative Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton)

Modifies the method of adjusting the per-pupil formula amount for school districts from year to year.
Chronology
May 30, 2007 Introduced in the House
June 7, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 240 - Re-Employed Retirees
Sponsored by Representative Bruce Goodwin (R-Defiance)

Regarding employment of retired members of the Public Employees Retirement System, School Employees Retirement System, State Teachers Retirement System, and Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund.
Chronology
May 29, 2007 Introduced in the House
June 12, 2007 Referred to Financial Institutions, Real Estate and Securities Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 234 - School Funding
Sponsored by Representative Diana Fessler (R-New Carlisle)

Includes revenue from all operating levies, including school district emergency levies, in the calculation determining whether a school district's effective tax rate is below the 20-mill floor, or, for joint vocational school districts, the 2-mill floor.
Chronology
May 23, 2007 Introduced in the House
May 30, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 226 - School Funding
Sponsored by Representative Bill Batchelder (R-Medina)

Earmarks 88% of the personal income tax for primary and secondary education expenditures, in addition to all lottery profits, and creates a new method for distributing state aid among school districts.
Chronology
May 22, 2007 Introduced in the House
May 23, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 216 - School Construction
Sponsored by Representative Thom Collier (R-Mt. Vernon)

Grants priority for state classroom facilities assistance to school districts that consolidate or make joint use of their facilities.
Chronology
May 9, 2007 Introduced in the House
May 15, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 204 - School Security
Sponsored by Representative Barbara Boyd (D-Cleveland Hts.)

Permits the board of a school district or educational service center to employ school security personnel officers and authorizes training programs that qualify persons as school security personnel officers.
Chronology
May 3, 2007 Introduced in the House
May 8, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

H.B. 197 - School Assaults
Sponsored by Representative Barbara Boyd (D-Cleveland Hts.)

Provides for the reporting of assaults in public schools to school administrators and law enforcement authorities.
Chronology
May 3, 2007 Introduced in the House
May 8, 2007 Referred to Criminal Justice Committee

H.B. 190 - Achievement Tests
Sponsored by Representative Clifford Hite (R-Findlay)

Specifies administration dates for the elementary achievement tests.
Chronology
April 26, 2007 Introduced in the House
April 30, 2007 Referred to Education Committee
June 19, 2007 Reported out of committee
June 26, 2007 Passed in House 96-0
June 27, 2007 Moved to Senate and referred to Education Committee
October 30, 2007 Reported out of committee
Octobter 31, 2007 Passed in Senate 32-0
November 7, 2007 House concurs in Senate amendments
November 14, 2007 Signed by Governor; effective immediately

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As reported by Senate Education Committee

H.B. 181- Missing Children
Sponsored by Representative Arlene Setzer (R-Vandalia)

Requires public and nonpublic schools to mark the records of students identified as missing children and to notify law enforcement of requests for those records.
Chronology
April 24, 2007 Introduced in the House
April 25, 2007 Referred to Education Committee
June 19, 2007 Reported out of committee
September 11, 2007 Passed in House 94-0

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As reported by House Education Committee

H.B. 175- Calamity Days
Sponsored by Representative Diana Fessler (R-New Carlisle)

Permanently permits school districts to make up excess calamity days by adding hours to remaining days in the school year and to declare an emergency.
Chronology
April 24, 2007 Introduced in the House
April 25, 2007 Referred to Health Committee

H.B. 162- Teacher Tax Credits
Sponsored by Representative Clayton Luckie (D-Dayton)

Allows a refundable credit against the personal income tax for taxpayers who teach in and reside in a big eight school district and allows an additional credit for such teachers who teach math, science, or technology.
Chronology
April 18, 2007 Introduced in the House
April 25, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 155- STEM Schools
Sponsored by Representative Arlene Setzer (R-Vandalia)

Directs the General Assembly's deliberations to establish a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics School System.
Chronology
April 17, 2007 Introduced in the House
April 17, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

Requires school boards to establish alternative retirement plans for teachers and school employees.
Chronology
April 17, 2007 Introduced in the House
April 25, 2007 Referred to Financial Institutions, Real Estate & Securities Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 143- School Health Care
Sponsored by Representative Jeff Wagner (R-Sycamore)

Eliminates certain requirements and prohibitions applying to school district boards of education, including the centralized procurement of employee health benefits contingently mandated by Am. Sub. H.B. 66 of the 126th General Assembly.
Chronology
April 5, 2007 Introduced in the House
April 17, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 142- School Threats
Sponsored by Representative Bill Batchelder (R-Medina)

Authorizes the state highway patrol to provide emergency assistance to a school district confronted with a bomb threat or a similar threat of imminent and catastrophic harm, and increases the penalty for inducing panic to a felony of the second degree when a school is involved.
Chronology
April 3, 2007 Introduced in the House
April 17, 2007 Referred to Infrastructure, Homeland Security & Veterans Affairs Committee
June 13, 2007 Reported out of committee
June 26, 2007 Passed in House 96-0
June 27, 2007 Moved to Senate and referred to Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee
October 31, 2007 Reported out of committee
November 14, 2007 Passed in Senate 28-2
December 4, 2007 House concurs in Senate amendments
December 21, 2007 Signed by Governor; effective in 90 days

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As reported by Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee

H.B. 136- School Buildings
Sponsored by Representative Jim Raussen (R-Cincinnati)

Permits high-wealth school districts to receive payments for district-directed classroom facilities projects in lieu of participating in other state programs.
Chronology
March 28, 2007 Introduced in the House
April 17, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 117- School Taxes
Sponsored by Representative Jim Raussen (R-Cincinnati)

Authorizse school districts to enter into agreements with the Department of Taxation or other entities for the collection and administration of school district income taxes.
Chronology
March 20, 2007 Introduced in the House
March 21, 2007 Referred to Ways & Means Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 114- Prevailing Wage
Sponsored by Representative Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon)

Requires the Ohio School Facilities Commission to reduce the state funds for a school district's classroom facilities project by twenty per cent if the district requires contractors to pay the prevailing rate of wages.
Chronology
March 20, 2007 Introduced in the House
width='50%' align='center'>

H.B. 93- Education Budget
Sponsored by Representative Joseph Koziura (D-Lorain)

Requires that an appropriations bill for education agencies be enacted separately from and prior to any other operating appropriations bills.
Chronology
March 6, 2007 Introduced in the House
March 12, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 82- School Buses
Sponsored by Representative Kathleen Chandler (D-Kent)

Requires all school buses purchased, leased, or rented after January 1, 2010, to transport students to and from school to be equipped with a seat belt assembly for all passengers.
Chronology
February 28, 2007 Introduced in the House
March 6, 2007 Referred to Infrastructure, Homeland Security & Veterans Affairs Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 66 - Instructional Hours
Sponsored by Representative Thom Collier (R-Mount Vernon)

Establishes a minimum school year for school districts and chartered nonpublic schools based on hours, rather than days, of instruction.
Chronology
February 22, 2007 Introduced in the House
February 27, 2007 Referred to Education Committee
March 20, 2007 Reported out of committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 48 - Auction Items
Sponsored by Representative Bob Gibbs (R-Lakewille)

Exempts certain tax exempt organizations and schools that sell at auction items donated to them from license and contract requirements for such an auction, requires those organizations and schools to maintain records of the auction for two years and precludes claims against the Auction Recovery Fund for any loss associated with those types of auctions.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the House
February 27, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee
January 29, 2008 Reported out of committee
February 5, 2008 Passed in House 90-0

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As reported by House Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 44 - Parity Aid Payments
Sponsored by Representative Jennifer Garrison (D-Marietta)

Changes the formula for calculating state parity aid payments to primary and secondary schools.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the House
February 20, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 43 - All-Day Kindergarten
Sponsored by Representative Jennifer Garrison (D-Marietta)

Provides formula funding for all-day kindergarten for all school districts and community schools that offer it.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the House
February 20, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 42 - School Funding
Sponsored by Representative Jimmy Stewart (R-Albany)

Establishes a bipartisan committee to recommend to the General Assembly a system that provides state funds to pay one hundred per cent of the actual cost of providing a thorough and efficient education to each public school student and requires the Department of Education to report certain school funding information to the parents and taxpayers of each school district.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the House
February 20, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

H.B. 36 - Rapid Enrollment Program
Sponsored by Representative Larry Wolpert (R-Hilliard)

Creates the Rapid Enrollment Growth School Facilities Assistance Program.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the House
February 20, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 29 - Fuel Tax Exemption
Sponsored by Representative Sandra Harwood (D-Niles)

Exempts from the motor fuel tax any sales of motor fuel sold to school districts or educational service centers for school district or service center operations.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the House
February 20, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 27 - Academic Peformance
Sponsored by Representative Larry Wolpert (R-Hilliard)

Revises the law regarding school district and school building academic performance ratings.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the House
February 20, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 14 - School Reimbursement
Sponsored by Representative Jim Hughes (R-Clintonvile)

Extends indefinitely the full reimbursement to school districts for the phase-out of taxes on business tangible personal property.  
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the House
February 20, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

H.B. 1 - Education Funding
Sponsored by Representative Arlene Setzer (R-Vandalia)

Reserves this bill number for the Governor's school funding reform plan.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the House
February 20, 2007 Referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

S.B. 333 - School Property Sales
Sponsored by Tom Roberts (D-Trotwood)

Regarding the sale of school district property to community schools.
Chronology
May 6, 2008 Introduced in the Senate
May 7, 2008 Referred to Finance & Financial Institutions Committee

S.B. 332 - Charter School Records
Sponsored by Tom Roberts (D-Trotwood)

Regarding the application of the Public Records Law and Public Audit Law to community school sponsors and operators and sanctions for community schools in arrears on workers' compensation payments.
Chronology
May 6, 2008 Introduced in the Senate
May 7, 2008 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

S.B. 331 - Charter School Evaluations
Sponsored by Tom Roberts (D-Trotwood)

Requires regular on-site evaluations of community schools, requires certain community school teachers to be "highly qualified," and makes other changes regarding public schools.
Chronology
May 6, 2008 Introduced in the Senate
May 7, 2008 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

S.B. 322 - Calamity Days
Sponsored by Jason Wilson (D-Columbiana)

Waives the requirement for certain school districts to make up days schools are closed due to flooding and declares an emergency.
Chronology
April 22, 2008 Introduced in the Senate
April 23, 2008 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

S.B. 288 - School Nutrition
Sponsored by Jason Wilson (D-Columbiana)

Establishes the healthy farms and healthy schools grant program for the purpose of providing grants to schools to establish nutrition education and agricultural education programs for kindergarteners.
Chronology
February 5, 2008 Introduced in the Senate
February 6, 2008 Referred to Finance & Financial Institutions Committee

S.B. 273 - School Building Support
Sponsored by Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond)

Calculates an alternate equity list for fiscal year 2008 for purposes of determining school districts' eligibility for assistance under the Classroom Facilities Assistance Program and their local shares in fiscal year 2009.
Chronology
January 15, 2008 Introduced in the Senate
January 23, 2008 Referred to Finance & Financial Institutions Committee
March 5, 2008 Reported out of committee
March 11, 2008 Passed in Senate 32-0
March 31, 2008 Moved to House and referred to Finance & Appropriations Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As passed by Senate

S.B. 270 - School Employee Misconduct
Sponsored by Senator Gary Cates (R-West Chester)

Regarding the reporting of and discipline for school employee misconduct.
Chronology
January 9, 2008 Introduced in the Senate
January 15, 2008 Referred to Education Committee
April 22, 2008 Reported out of committee
April 23, 2008 Passed in Senate 31-1
April 29, 2008 Moved to House and referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As reported by Senate Education Committee

S.B. 264 - Teacher Strikes
Sponsored by Senator John Carey (R-Wellston)

Prohibits classroom teachers employed by boards of education from striking and instead requires binding arbitration to settle their unresolved collective bargaining disputes and makes an appropriation.
Chronology
December 11, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
December 12, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

S.B. 187 - SERS Eligibility
Sponsored by Senator Gary Cates (R-West Chester)

Requires school districts to provide transportation to the school of attendance for each resident student under sixteen years of age whose parent requests transportation.
Chronology
June 19, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
June 20, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

S.B. 148 - SERS Eligibility
Sponsored by Senator Keith Faber (R-Celina)

Revises retirement eligibility requirements for members of the School Employees Retirement System.
Chronology
April 19, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
April 24, 2007 Referred to Health, Human Services & Aging Committee
May 30, 2007 Reported out of committee
October 24, 2007 Passed in Senate 31-2
October 30, 2007 Moved to House and referred to Financial Institutions, Real Estate & Securities Committee
January 16, 2008 Reported out of committee
January 29, 2008 Passed in House 88-2
February 13, 2008 Signed by Governor; effective in 90 days

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As reported by House Financial Institutions, Real Estate & Securities Committee

S.B. 141 - Community Schools
Sponsored by Senator Joy Padgett (R-Coshocton)

Makes changes in the law regarding the approval and monitoring by the Department of Education of community school sponsors.
Chronology
April 10, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
April 17, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

S.B. 139 - Prevailing Wage
Sponsored by Senator Larrry Mumper (R-Marion)

Permits state institutions of higher education to use either single or multiple prime bidding for public improvement projects; exempts from the Prevailing Wage Law projects constructed by state institutions of higher education and projects constructed by private, non-profit organizations that receive public moneys to construct those projects; and prohibits the Ohio School Facilities Commission from approving school district projects that specify the payment of prevailing wages.
Chronology
April 5, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
April 17, 2007 Referred to Finance & Financial Institutions Committee

S.B. 131 - Physical Education
Sponsored by Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo)

Requires the State Board of Education to adopt instructional standards in physical education, nutrition and dental care; specifies physical education requirements for grades kindergarten through eight; requires physical education teachers to be licensed in their subject area and makes other changes relative to physical education.
Chronology
March 27, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
March 28, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

S.B. 130 - Calamity Days
Sponsored by Senator Joy Padgett (R-Coshocton)

Permits school districts and nonpublic schools to count time that schools are in session beyond the required minimum number of hours in order to make up "calamity days" missed during the 2006-2007 school year in excess of the number of days permitted by law, and declares an emergency.
Chronology
March 27, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
March 28, 2007 Referred to Education Committee
April 17, 2007 Reported out of committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

S.B. 118 - Physical Eduation
Sponsored by Senator Randy Gardner (R-Bowling Green)

Requires daily physical education instruction in grades kindergarten to six, requires completion of one unit of physical education in grades seven to twelve, requires physical education teachers to be licensed in their subject area, and makes other changes relative to physical education.
Chronology
March 20, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
March 21, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

S.B. 110 - Student Health Tests
Sponsored by Senator John Boccieri (D-New Middletown)

Requires public and chartered nonpublic schools to test students for dyslexia and related disorders and to provide intervention services to students identified as having dyslexia or a related disorder.
Chronology
March 13, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
March 14, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

S.B. 89 - School Calendar
Sponsored by Senator Randy Gardner (R-Bowling Green)

Prohibits public schools from opening for instruction prior to Labor Day except in specified circumstances.
Chronology
March 1, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
March 6, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

S.B. 71 - Corporal Punishment
Sponsored by Senator Ray Miller (D-Columbus)

Prohibits the use of corporal punishment on a child who is less than three or more than twelve years of age or by hitting a child about the face or head or with any object other than a bare hand and prohibits corporal punishment in schools.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
February 27, 2007 Referred to Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee

S.B. 62 - School Zone Speeding
Sponsored by Senator Ray Miller (D-Columbus)

Doubles the fine for a speeding violation that occurs in a school zone during restricted hours.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
February 27, 2007 Referred to Highways & Transportation Committee

S.B. 57 - Special Education Program
Sponsored by Senator Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls)

Establishes the Special Education Scholarship Program and requires the Department of Education every two years to prepare an analysis of the special education funding weights.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
February 27, 2007 Referred to Education Committee
May 6, 2008 Reported out of committee
May 7, 2008 Passed in Senate 17-15
May 13, 2008 Moved to House and referred to Education Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As passed by Senate

S.B. 51 - Teacher Tax Credit
Sponsored by Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster)

Allows a credit against the personal income tax for amounts spent by teachers for instructional materials.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
February 27, 2007 Referred to Ways & Means & Economic Development Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

S.B. 49 - School Construction
Sponsored by Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster)

Prohibits ranking a school district participating in the Expedited Local Partnership Program in a higher percentile on the eligibility list for state classroom facilities assistance after the district's electors have approved a bond issue for the district's portion of the basic project cost.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
February 27, 2007 Referred to Finance & Financial Institutions Committee

Bill analysis from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission
As introduced

S.B. 11 - Public Education
Sponsored by Senator Tom Roberts (D-Trotwood)

Directs the General Assembly's deliberations to reform the state's public education systems in a manner that promotes educational opportunities and economic prosperity for all Ohioans.   
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
February 27, 2007 Referred to Education Committee

S.B. 1 - Education Funding
Sponsored by Senator Joy Padgett (R-Coshocton)

Reserves this bill number for the Governor's school funding reform plan.
Chronology
February 20, 2007 Introduced in the Senate
February 27, 2007 Referred to Education Committee