Rep. Tom Young Introduces H.B. 698, the S.B. 1 Compliance Supplemental Appropriation Act

COLUMBUS, OH — State Representative Tom Young (R-Washington Twp.) today held a press conference to discuss House Bill 698, the “S.B. 1 Compliance Supplemental Appropriation Act,” legislation designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and compliance across Ohio’s state institutions of higher education.

“This bill reinforces that state law is not optional,” said Rep. Young. “It ensures consistent enforcement, protects students, and restores confidence that Ohio’s higher education system is operating with integrity and accountability.”

The legislation enhances eligibility requirements for State Share of Instruction (SSI) funding set aside in this General Assembly’s operating budget, in addition to establishing a requirement for future set-asides going forward. Eligibility components include establishing clear certification, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms for public institutions of higher education (IHEs). Under the bill, a portion of SSI funding will be set aside and released only to institutions that meet specific requirements already established in Ohio law under S.B. 1, including provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion restrictions, faculty workload standards, tenure and retrenchment policies, and public transparency.

Key components of the legislation include:

• Enhanced Oversight Authority: The Chancellor of Higher Education is granted audit, review, and enforcement authority to verify compliance and withhold funds when institutions fail to meet statutory requirements.
• Prohibition on Rebranding Prohibited DEI Positions: Current law prohibits institutions from reassigning or relabeling positions to continue diversity, equity, and inclusion functions. This legislation would require IHEs to submit detailed inventories and justification reports for reassigned staff.
• Faculty Workload and Tenure Reforms: Boards of trustees are required to adopt clear, measurable faculty workload policies, update tenure pathways, and implement standardized retrenchment policies that prioritize institutional needs and student outcomes.
• Transparency and Public Accountability: Salary information, compliance reports, and retrenchment documentation are designated as public records to ensure taxpayer visibility.

The bill also includes enforcement timelines beginning in fiscal year 2028 and makes clear that funds withheld for noncompliance will not be retroactively released, even if an institution later comes into compliance.

The bill had its first hearing in the House Workforce and Higher Education committee Tuesday.