Committee assignments have been announced, and meetings are underway! Rep. Louis W. Blessing III (R-Colerain Township) chairs the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee, and Sen. Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) chairs the Senate Education Committee. Meanwhile, Reps. Robert R. Cupp (R-Lima) and John Patterson (D-Jefferson) serve as co-chairs of the House Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education.
Click here for a list of House committee assignments, and click here for a list of Senate committee assignments.
House Finance Committee
The committee conducted hearings on House Bill (HB) 62, sponsored by Rep. Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton). The bill, which funds the state transportation budget, affects school districts by increasing fuel tax refunds from 6 cents to 24 cents, which offsets the initial 18 cent increase in the gas tax.
House Primary and Secondary Education Committee
The committee conducted sponsor hearings on the following bills:
• HB 22, sponsored by Rep. Niraj J. Antani (R-Miamisburg), which requires a study of all school buildings eligible for school facilities funding regarding air conditioning, accessibility, school safety and other amenities;
• HB 23, sponsored by Antani, which permits international students possessing an F-1 visa to participate in interscholastic athletics;
• HB 43, sponsored by Rep. Catherine D. Ingram (D-Cincinnati), which eliminates the right of first refusal for charter schools, STEM schools and college-preparatory boarding schools when acquiring school district property.
Senate Judiciary Committee
The committee conducted sponsor testimony on Senate Bill (SB) 16, sponsored by Sen. Sandra R. Williams (D-Cleveland). The bill requires public high schools to instruct students in proper interactions with peace officers during traffic stops and other encounters.
Senate Ways and Means Committee
The committee conducted sponsor testimony on SB 26, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard). The bill permits teachers to deduct from their state income taxes up to $250 for out-of-pocket expenses for classroom supplies and professional development.