To amend section 5705.19 and to enact section 307.852 of the Revised Code to authorize counties and other political subdivisions to place on the ballot tax levies supporting pre-kindergarten programs and to establish conditions on a county's use of moneys derived from the levied tax.
Summary
SB 141 would authorize counties and other political subdivisions to place a property tax levy on the ballot specifically for pre-kindergarten programs and services. The bill adds a new division to Ohio’s levy statute allowing counties to seek voter approval for a levy dedicated to pre-K support, and it also creates a new section governing how county levy proceeds must be handled. Under the new county-specific provisions, county commissioners would be required to appropriate levy revenue to a qualifying nonprofit organization, rather than directly to providers, and that nonprofit would then distribute the money to eligible child care centers and preschool programs.
The bill limits eligible recipient programs to those licensed under Ohio child care or preschool licensing laws, rated in the middle tier or higher under the state’s Step Up To Quality system, and serving children at least four years old but not yet in kindergarten. It also directs that assistance prioritize children and families with incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty line. If a county finds that levy money was improperly used, the bill requires the county to demand repayment and, if necessary, direct the prosecuting attorney to pursue a civil recovery action.
Impact
SB 141 would amend Ohio Revised Code section 5705.19 to add pre-kindergarten programs and services as an authorized purpose for tax levies, expanding the list of permissible local levy uses. It would also enact section 307.852 to impose conditions on county use of those funds, including the requirement that counties channel revenue through a qualifying nonprofit entity that distributes funds to licensed, quality-rated early learning providers. The bill would therefore affect county budgeting, ballot language, and oversight of levy proceeds, while also creating a statutory enforcement mechanism for recovering misused funds.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the available context, the measure appears to be presented as a targeted early-childhood education funding tool, with an emphasis on quality standards and income-based prioritization. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, so there is no documented public debate or formal vote history to indicate broader support or opposition. The overall framing of the bill suggests a policy goal of expanding access to pre-kindergarten through local voter-approved funding.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be the creation of a new local tax levy authority, the requirement that counties route funds through a nonprofit intermediary, and the bill’s eligibility rules for providers. Some stakeholders may favor the quality and accountability requirements, while others may question whether limiting funds to programs rated in the middle tier or higher under Step Up To Quality could exclude providers that need support to improve. Another possible issue is the income-prioritization standard and the county enforcement process for recouping misused funds, which could raise administrative and oversight concerns for counties and nonprofits.
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 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.
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