State Legislative Update, May 20-24

The week saw a flurry of activity on bills in both the Ohio House of Representatives and the State Senate: 

• SB 273 (Establish Child Care Credit Program): Introduced by Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester). Creates a voluntary “tri-share” funding model for child care between workers, employers, and the state government. Companion bill HB 610 introduced in the House by Rep. Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe). 
  

• HB 7 (Enact the Strong Foundations Act): Reported from House Finance Committee. Now heads to the House Rules and Reference Committee, where we hope it will be referred to the floor before summer recess. Originally sponsored by Reps. Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus). 
  

• HCR 16 (Recognizing the Importance of Perinatal Mental Health): Passed Ohio House Behavioral Health Committee and headed to House Rules and Reference Committee. Originally introduced by Reps. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) and Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth). 
  

• HB 352 (Establish Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Commission): Passed House floor on Wednesday, 89-5. Originally sponsored by Reps. Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) and Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton). 
  

• HB 484 (Establish Child Care Grant Programs): Introduced by Reps. Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Bill Roemer (R-Richfield). Creates certain child care grant programs, including those related to child care capacity and learning labs, and makes an appropriation. 
  

• HB 583 (Express Intent to Increase Accountability for Group Homes): Sponsored by Reps. Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Phil Plummer (R-Dayton). Announces the General Assembly's intent to increase the requirements, compliance, and accountability for group homes for children. 
  

• HB 595 (Enact the Universal Preschool Act): Introduced by Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon). Increases certain sports gaming taxes to fund universal preschool, in addition to requiring all day kindergarten.  

We are closely following these developments. Make sure to follow us on social media for updates.