As of April 10, 2025, multiple new laws in Ohio are poised to reshape aspects of education and public safety, following the signing of 29 bills by Governor Mike DeWine on January 8. Among these new regulations, notable changes pertaining to religious release time in schools and increased penalties for drunk driving are set to make headlines. Here’s an overview of six notable laws that will impact Ohio residents.
House Bill 8, known as the Parents’ Bill of Rights, is one of the significant legislative changes that will require public school districts to establish policies allowing students to participate in off-premise religious classes during school hours. Although schools previously had discretion in permitting these programs, this law mandates their presence. However, it maintains existing standards that necessitate parental permission, adherence to non-use of school resources, and instruction occurring off school grounds.
While districts must implement a policy for religious release time by April 10, they will have until July 1 to enact further stipulations, including provisions for parents to review materials depicting “sexual concepts or gender ideology.” A notable aspect of this bill also enables schools to notify parents if a student wishes to be addressed by a name or pronouns different from their biological sex at school.
Liv’s Law aims to intensify penalties for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI). The new statute elevates the minimum fine for a first-time offense from $375 to $565, representing a significant increase intended to deter impaired driving. Furthermore, it raises the maximum fine for aggravated vehicular homicide by $10,000, capping it at $25,000.
Additionally, Liv’s Law expands the means of collecting evidence from suspected impaired drivers to include oral fluid samples, a method previously restricted to blood, urine, and breath testing. With this adjustment, refusal to provide a sample can also lead to criminal charges, making the enforcement of drunk driving laws more robust.
Under House Bill 206, public schools in Ohio can now impose indefinite expulsions on students deemed an “imminent and severe endangerment” to others. Prior regulations limited expulsions to a maximum of 180 days for serious offenses, such as bringing a firearm to school or making bomb threats. The new law allows for extensions beyond this limit, with an evaluation process involving a psychiatrist to assess the student’s readiness for reinstatement.
This legislative measure is intended to enhance school safety by providing a framework for dealing with severe disciplinary issues in a more flexible manner. It allows expulsion extensions in 90-day increments, evaluated continuously by school officials to measure rehabilitation efforts.
In a move to combat digital exploitation, House Bill 531, also referred to as Braden’s Law, classifies sextortion as a felony. Defined as sexual extortion involving blackmail over intimate images, the law categorizes such offenses as third-degree felonies. Depending on factors including the victim’s age and prior offenses by the perpetrator, charges can escalate to second or first-degree felonies.
The provisions under this law aim not only to hold perpetrators accountable but also to offer immunity from prosecution to victims who may have sent explicit images, thus encouraging reporting of such crimes. With severe penalties ranging from nine months to 11 years of imprisonment, Ohio aims to reinforce protections against this growing concern.
House Bill 29 presents a significant reform in driver’s license regulations by terminating the suspension of licenses due to failures to pay court fines, fees, or minor offenses like school truancy. Those affected by prior suspensions under these criteria may apply for reinstatement, easing the burden on residents who may have been hindered by such administrative penalties. Additionally, provisions enabling individuals facing child support payment suspensions to demonstrate that their suspension hinders their ability to pay will allow for limited driving privileges under specific circumstances.
Senate Bill 58, known as the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, prohibits financial institutions from tracking or categorizing firearm-related purchases. This measure is designed to safeguard the privacy rights of gun owners, preventing the creation of databases and restricting data sharing. While Ohio has not mandated firearm liability insurance at the state or local level, this law preempts any future attempts at enacting such requirements.
With the implementation of these new laws, Ohio is taking significant strides toward enhancing parental control in education, increasing safety measures on the roads, and addressing both digital and physical threats within the schools. As these laws take effect, their impact on families, students, and residents throughout Ohio will be closely monitored, reflecting broader societal shifts in both educational policy and public safety.
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