Healthcare (Children)

HB 916 creates the Children's Dental Services Program to provide dental screenings, treatment, and preventive care to children living in underserved areas. The Department of Health will administer this program, which may utilize mobile dental units to reach schools and communities that need them most. The bill directs the department to focus on increasing access to care and reducing tooth decay among children while requesting specific funding to support these efforts.

HB 371 amends Ohio law to require elected officials - including mayors, city council members, county commissioners, and state legislators - to report suspected child abuse or neglect, just like teachers and healthcare workers. This change directly affects all current and future elected officials in Ohio who may encounter situations involving child welfare. The bill updates existing mandatory reporter provisions to include these public officeholders, requiring them to immediately notify child protective services upon reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect. This policy change expands the group of individuals legally obligated to report such concerns under Ohio Revised Code Section 2151.421.