To enact sections 3301.96 and 3333.89 of the Revised Code to establish the Foster-to-College Scholarship Program, to require the Department of Education and Workforce to hire a full-time school foster care liaison, and to make an appropriation for the Foster-to-College Scholarship Program.
To establish the 'A HAND UP' pilot program, to designate this act as the Actionable Help And New Dignity for Upward Progression (A HAND UP) Act, and to make an appropriation.
To amend sections 1751.67, 2133.211, 3313.539, 3707.511, 3727.06, 3923.233, 3923.301, 3923.63, 3923.64, 4723.01, 4723.02, 4723.06, 4723.07, 4723.24, 4723.28, 4723.36, 4723.41, 4723.42, 4723.43, 4723.431, 4723.44, 4723.46, 4723.481, 4723.482, 4723.483, 4723.493, 4723.50, 4731.27, 4761.17, and 5164.07; to enact section 4723.439; and to repeal sections 4723.45 and 5164.73 of the Revised Code to modify the laws governing the practice of advanced practice registered nurses and to name this act the Better Access to Health Care Act.
SB 149 would allow Ohio to join the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, enabling Ohio-licensed respiratory therapists to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill creates a "Compact Privilege," letting therapists provide care across state lines while still adhering to each state's specific rules and scope of practice. It preserves each state's authority to regulate licensing and protect public safety, requiring therapists to maintain an active Ohio license and comply with the laws of the state where care is delivered. This affects respiratory therapists seeking to work in multiple states, particularly for telehealth or temporary assignments, without changing Ohio's existing licensing requirements.
To amend section 2903.13 of the Revised Code to enact the Courtroom Employee Protection Act to increase the penalty for assault when the victim is a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, or court official or employee.
SB 314 requires nurse aides working in Ohio long-term care facilities to complete specialized dementia care training. The bill mandates that this training cover recognizing dementia symptoms, communication strategies, and person-centered care techniques. This applies to all nurse aides employed in facilities providing dementia care services. The training requirement would be enforced under new sections added to Ohio's Revised Code.
To enact sections 3902.65, 3902.651, 3902.652, 3902.653, and 3902.654 of the Revised Code to require health insurance coverage of orthotic and prosthetic devices.
To amend sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 and to enact sections 5.2322 and 3313.475 of the Revised Code to enact the Graduation Readiness and Development (GRAD) Act regarding exit orientation programs at public high schools and to designate September as "Workforce Development Month."
SB 128 creates Ohio's state-run ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account program, allowing individuals with disabilities to save for qualified disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested public benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The bill directs the state treasurer to establish the program, set contribution limits, and ensure funds are exempt from resource calculations for benefit eligibility under Section (H). It requires accounts to be managed separately per beneficiary, imposes administrative fees (paid by the state for account owners), and mandates quarterly statements. The program aligns with federal tax rules to maintain tax-advantaged status while protecting beneficiaries' access to public assistance.
HB 131 prohibits law enforcement agencies from setting or using numerical quotas for arrests and citations. This means police departments and other agencies would no longer be allowed to require officers to meet specific targets for the number of arrests or tickets they issue. The bill enacts a new section in the Revised Code to make this practice illegal across all law enforcement agencies in the state. By banning quotas, the law aims to ensure that enforcement actions are based on individual circumstances rather than arbitrary numerical goals.
