Chair Fowler Arthur Supports Three Bills that Impact Ohio Schools and Students
COLUMBUS—State Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula), Chairwoman of the House Education Committee, is pleased to announce that the Ohio House of Representatives this week passed three pieces of legislation that will have transformational impacts on Ohio’s education system and students.
Minimize Administrative Burden on Schools
House Bill 455 will modernize Ohio’s education code by eliminating outdated educator requirements and reducing administrative burden to ensure teachers can devote more time to delivering high-quality instruction to Ohio students.
“The House Primary & Secondary Education Committee has spent this fall looking for practical ways to ease the burden on Ohio’s schools,” said Fowler Arthur. “One of our biggest goals has been cutting back on mandates—especially the long list of reporting requirements that often take time away from students. HB 455 makes real progress on that front. It also updates Ohio’s school report cards so districts are no longer penalized for doing the right thing and continuing services for students with disabilities up to age 22, as required under federal law. In the past, districts were unfairly marked down when students continued receiving support past age 18. This bill fixes that.”
Baby Olivia Act
House Bill 485, also known as the Baby Olivia Act, works to enhance science education in Ohio public schools by requiring the inclusion of a medically accurate video about early human development in school curriculum. The name of the bill is inspired by a video called Baby Olivia, which shows the life of a baby growing within the womb.
“The Baby Olivia Act gives students in grades 5–12 the opportunity to learn about human fetal development using modern, medically accurate technology,” said Fowler Arthur. “The committee heard expert testimony from Dr. Bill Lile, an OB-GYN who has performed groundbreaking in-utero surgeries—including open-heart procedures and spinal bifida repairs—that have dramatically improved outcomes for both mothers and babies. Parents retain the full right to opt their children out of the annual presentation.”
Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act
House Bill 486, also known as the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act, works to preserve the ability for educators to discuss the positive impact of religion on American history, highlighting its consistency with freedom of speech and emphasizing how imperative it is to reduce politically motivated hate and violence in society. This legislation follows the tragic death of conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk.
“The committee also heard from teachers and students who said they sometimes feel hesitant to discuss the positive role Christianity and Judeo-Christian values have played in American history, even when those contributions are part of a well-rounded curriculum,” said Fowler Arthur. “The Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act simply reaffirms the existing Supreme Court decision that accurate, balanced historical information—including the positive influences of religion—can be taught in classrooms without fear of litigation.”
House Bills 455, 485, and 486 now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.