Ohio House Bill HB 455

Ohio 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/17/25
• Report Pass: 11/18/25
• Engrossed: 11/19/25

Caption

To amend sections 109.57, 109.803, 124.011, 133.06, 135.142, 135.143, 149.41, 2151.354, 2152.19, 2915.092, 2919.24, 2921.44, 3301.01, 3301.02, 3301.03, 3301.07, 3301.079, 3301.0710, 3301.0711, 3301.0712, 3301.0714, 3301.0715, 3301.0716, 3301.0730, 3301.111, 3301.12, 3301.133, 3301.45, 3301.52, 3301.85, 3302.01, 3302.02, 3302.021, 3302.03, 3302.034, 3302.035, 3302.04, 3302.05, 3302.07, 3302.10, 3302.12, 3302.13, 3302.151, 3302.17, 3302.21, 3302.41, 3307.01, 3309.01, 3309.011, 3310.03, 3310.14, 3310.522, 3311.242, 3311.741, 3311.80, 3313.11, 3313.411, 3313.413, 3313.483, 3313.603, 3313.6026, 3313.6028, 3313.61, 3313.611, 3313.612, 3313.614, 3313.618, 3313.6110, 3313.6111, 3313.6112, 3313.6113, 3313.6114, 3313.64, 3313.661, 3313.663, 3313.664, 3313.6611, 3313.7112, 3313.7118, 3313.753, 3313.814, 3313.902, 3314.016, 3314.017, 3314.02, 3314.031, 3314.034, 3314.35, 3314.351, 3314.353, 3314.362, 3315.42, 3316.03, 3316.04, 3316.06, 3316.14, 3317.02, 3317.023, 3317.03, 3317.18, 3317.25, 3319.2310, 3319.31, 3319.311, 3319.319, 3319.39, 3319.393, 3320.02, 3320.03, 3325.08, 3326.11, 3327.014, 3331.02, 3333.041, 3333.048, 3333.301, 3345.061, 3365.01, 3365.032, 3365.07, 3728.01, 3737.07, 3781.106, 3792.04, 4109.07, 4117.01, 4723.483, 4723.4811, 4729.01, 4729.513, 4729.541, 4730.433, 4730.437, 4731.92, 4731.96, 5104.53, 5502.262, 5705.212, 5705.213, 5753.11, and 6109.121; to enact new section 3314.25 and sections 3314.252 and 3319.265; and to repeal sections 3301.28, 3301.68, 3302.032, 3302.036, 3302.042, 3302.06, 3302.061, 3302.062, 3302.063, 3302.064, 3302.065, 3302.066, 3302.067, 3302.068, 3313.484, 3313.487, 3313.488, 3313.489, 3313.4810, 3313.615, 3313.85, 3314.25, 3314.354, 3316.041, 3318.60, 3318.61, 3318.62, 3328.01, 3328.02, 3328.03, 3328.04, 3328.11, 3328.12, 3328.13, 3328.14, 3328.15, 3328.16, 3328.17, 3328.18, 3328.19, 3328.191, 3328.192, 3328.193, 3328.20, 3328.21, 3328.22, 3328.23, 3328.24, 3328.241, 3328.25, 3328.26, 3328.27, 3328.29, 3328.30, 3328.31, 3328.32, 3328.34, 3328.35, 3328.36, 3328.37, 3328.38, 3328.41, 3328.45, 3328.50, 3328.52, and 3328.99 of the Revised Code regarding the operation of schools and the Department of Education and Workforce, regarding appointments to the State Board of Education, regarding age and schooling certificate requirements and work hours for a person under sixteen years of age, and to eliminate obsolete provisions of education law.

Impact

If implemented, HB 455 would impact existing laws governing public education, specifically those that relate to school operations and administrative responsibilities. Supporters argue that the bill would provide clearer guidelines and enhance the effectiveness of schools by allowing them to focus more on delivering quality education rather than navigating bureaucratic hurdles. Critics, however, raise concerns about potential overreach by the state into local educational governance, arguing that decisions affecting schools should remain close to the communities they serve.

Summary

House Bill 455 aims to address various aspects concerning the operation of public schools and the Department of Education Works (DEW). The bill seeks to streamline operations and make necessary amendments that affect how schools are managed and how resources are allocated. It is part of an ongoing effort to improve educational outcomes by ensuring that schools have the authority and means to operate effectively while adhering to state standards.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 455 is mixed, with some stakeholders expressing optimism about the potential for improved school operations and outcomes, while others are apprehensive about the implications for local control. Supporters believe that the bill will lead to better management practices and ultimately benefit students, whereas detractors worry about the loss of local input and flexibility in addressing specific community needs.

Contention

Notable points of contention in HB 455 revolve around the balance between state oversight and local autonomy. While proponents emphasize the need for uniform standards and practices to ensure consistency in education, opponents argue that such oversight may undermine local decision-making processes. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate about how best to govern public education and the potential consequences of increased state involvement in local school matters.