Both the Ohio House and Senate passed a flurry of bills in last week’s lame duck sessions before their recesses until 2026. Most notably, two education bills were passed. Please keep in mind that SB19 still has to be passed by the Ohio House while HB114 is now heading to Governor DeWine’s desk to turn into law.
SB19:
SB19 was re-referred to the Senate Committee on November 18th. Senator Brenner (both chair and sponsor of SB19) cited the need for a re-referral as an error with a previously passed amendment. SB19 (Regards academic intervention, math improvement and intervention) was amended with AM1467-1 which repeal current law regarding advanced math courses and beginning with the 2026/2027 school year would require school districts to enroll each seventh grade student who achieves an accomplished or advanced score in a math achievement assessment into eighth grade algebra 1. The opt out option has been retained.
SB19 was favorably voted out of the Senate Education Committee and passed by the Senate with a 33-0 vote. This bill will now head to the House of Representatives. If you are interested in reading the current bill and LSC analysis, please visit [this site].
HB114:
HB114 (Regards age requirements for kindergarten admission) has passed both the Senate and the House and will head to Governor DeWine’s desk for his signature. HB114 sets either August 1st or September 30th as the date by which students must turn five years old in order to enter kindergarten. Schools must admit any student who turns five by the first day of instruction each year. If you are interested in reading the current bill and LSC analysis, please visit [this site].
The Ohio House has released their 2026 schedule with an intended start date of February 18th. The Senate plans on returning on January 28th. Both chambers will also end on June 10th.
