To amend sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 and to enact section 3313.675 of the Revised Code regarding human trafficking screening in public schools and to make an appropriation.
Summary
HB431 would require Ohio public school districts to annually screen students for possible human trafficking risk beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, using the University of Toledo’s FOCUS youth screening tool. Starting in 2026, the University of Toledo would be responsible for training school districts on the tool, making it available in digital and physical form, and creating an online portal to collect and publish aggregate screening data. The bill states that student names and personally identifiable information may not be disclosed, and that screening results are not public records.
The bill also amends the state’s community school, STEM school, and college-preparatory boarding school statutes to add the new human trafficking screening section to the list of laws those schools must follow. In addition, it creates a $5 million annual appropriation for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the University of Toledo through the Department of Higher Education to support training and the data portal. The measure would therefore expand state education compliance requirements and create a new state-funded screening infrastructure centered at the University of Toledo.
Impact
HB431 would add a new statewide student screening mandate to the Revised Code and require public school districts to use a specific University of Toledo tool for human trafficking risk identification. It would also incorporate the new screening requirement into the compliance lists for community schools, STEM schools, and college-preparatory boarding schools, making the provision part of the legal framework governing those schools. The appropriation would direct state funds to the University of Toledo for implementation support, training, and data collection infrastructure.
Sentiment
Based on the available record, the bill appears to have been introduced and referred to the House Education Committee, but there are no recorded votes or committee transcripts in the provided materials. As a result, there is no documented public debate to indicate broad support or opposition. The bill’s framing suggests a policy focus on child protection and early identification of trafficking risk, which may appeal to proponents of student safety measures.
Contention
The main likely points of contention are the mandatory nature of annual screening, the use of a single university-developed tool, and the creation of a public-facing data portal. Questions may arise about student privacy, the accuracy and appropriateness of screening minors for trafficking risk, the burden on school districts, and whether publishing data—even in aggregate—could create confidentiality or implementation concerns. Another possible issue is the scope of state funding and whether the University of Toledo should serve as the central repository and trainer for a statewide education mandate.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.