Last week, six new laws took effect in Ohio, introducing significant changes in various areas of legislation. Below is an overview of these new laws and their potential impact on the state’s residents and institutions.
House Bill 531, also referred to as “Braden’s Law,” addresses the issue of sexual extortion by classifying it as a felony. This law mandates service providers to comply with warrants or requests from parents or guardians for electronic information within 30 days following a minor’s death, imposing fines for non-compliance.
House Bill 8, known as the Parents’ Bill of Rights, enhances parental control over their children’s education related to health and sex education. It requires public schools to inform parents about the health and sex-ed materials used and mandates collaboration with religious entities for the provision of release time courses in religion.
House Bill 37 intensifies penalties for offenses such as OVI (Operating a Vehicle Intoxicated) and aggravated vehicular homicide. It now includes oral fluid in the list of controlled substance tests and allows courts to consider the presence of substances as evidence, not just their concentration levels. The law stipulates a mandatory prison sentence of 12-20 years for aggravated homicide and increases fines for OVI-related offenses.
House Bill 206 deals with school expulsion, the closure of community schools, and increased funding for school choice program administration. It grants superintendents the authority to expel students for more than 180 days if they pose imminent danger, with a required plan for re-entry involving psychiatric assessment. The funding for the Foundation Funding – All Students program has been increased from $4 million to over $8 million.
House Bill 29 eliminates driver’s license suspensions for non-payment of court fines or fees, allowing individuals previously affected by this to have their licenses reinstated.
Senate Bill 58, titled the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, prohibits companies from tracking firearm purchases within the state and bans the imposition of liability insurance or fees on firearms.
Impact on Daily Life
These legislative changes have a broad impact on Ohioans’ daily lives. “Braden’s Law” strengthens protections for minors and provides clarity for service providers and families in tragic circumstances. The Parents’ Bill of Rights empowers parents in their children’s educational decisions, potentially leading to more personalized and involved educational experiences.
Increased penalties for driving under the influence through House Bill 37 aim to deter dangerous behavior on the roads, promoting safer communities. The new policies regarding school expulsions and community school closures ensure that student safety remains a priority while maintaining educational opportunities through increased funding.
With House Bill 29, individuals who faced hardships due to driver’s license suspensions for unpaid fines can now regain mobility, positively affecting employment and economic stability. Lastly, the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act reflects the state’s stance on firearm privacy, influencing how financial and insurance services interact with gun owners.