Week in review: August 24, 2025

A summary of Ohio’s legislative news for the week ending Aug. 22, 2025

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Attorney General Dave Yost has won the indictments of 10 Medicaid workers for the combined theft of nearly $2 million. Yost says nine home-health aides and one provider of home-delivered meals face varying felony charges of Medicaid fraud and theft for allegedly billing the state for services they did not provide. Two of the defendants account for more than $1.7 million of the alleged scam. "Would-be thieves ought to think twice before setting their sights on Medicaid dollars," he said in a statement. "Our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is always on the lookout for sticky-fingered criminals to bring to justice."

The Crime Victims Services Section of the Ohio Attorney General's Office (AGO) will host five trainings around Ohio during September and October for the benefit of many fields of professionals who work with families of those lost to homicide, and others who were violent crime victims. The training sessions are intended to benefit advocates, guardians ad litem, counselors, therapists, adult and child protective service workers, medical professionals, law enforcement officers, attorneys and funeral home professionals.

Attorney General Dave Yost slammed federal Judge Algenon Marbley Tuesday for "numerous mistakes" in his April 16 decision blocking Ohio's Social Media Parental Notification Act adopted nearly two years ago in the 135-HB33 (Edwards) budget but halted this year when Netchoice stepped forward to protect its "members' bottom line." In an appeal to the Sixth Circuit, Yost says simple math rather than careful elucidation of the First Amendment has driven Netchoice to preserve social media profits.

EDUCATION

Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen Dackin Thursday announced a $7.1 million investment to boost career-connected learning and career planning statewide through the Career Pathway Support Networks Request for Applications (RFA). According to the announcement, "This two-year funding strategy aims to better prepare Ohio students for in-demand careers with advising, mentoring, exposure to various professions, and expanded career-technical education."

Attorney General Dave Yost's office is asking the Ohio Supreme Court for permission to file new evidence in its dispute with Columbus City Schools over busing for school choice students. Yost's office filed a motion last week for permission to file revised evidence and an emergency request for a writ of mandamus, after Columbus officials told parents it won't provide transportation while they are in mediation over the district's decision to pay them in lieu of busing their children to school. Last year, Yost sued the district over its decision to offer payment in lieu of transportation to large numbers of families whose children attend charter or private schools. Yost's bid to add new evidence and seek a new order is "not relevant to the factual or legal issues" of the case, the district argued in its own filing.

A tax policy supporting private schools that Ohio instituted a few years ago will soon be reflected at the national level under federal HR1, aka the "One Big Beautiful Bill." The state and federal policies have a few key differences. Congress enacted a nonrefundable tax credit for donations to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs), nonprofits that provide tuition assistance for private school students. Ohio lawmakers created a similar policy in the FY22-23 biennial budget, 134-HB110 (Oelslager). The new federal credit, set to take effect for tax year 2027, provides a $1,700 credit per individual, compared to Ohio's $750 credit. Federal credits will be offset by any state credits claimed for the same donation. The federal law sets out different criteria for eligible SGOs than Ohio uses now.

The Stark County Prosecutor's Office is seeking guidance from Attorney General Dave Yost on townships' authority to contract with private schools to provide school resource officers (SROs). Prosecutor Kyle Stone recently wrote to Yost requesting a formal legal opinion on the question of whether a non-home rule township may enter into a contract with a state-chartered private school to provide services for an SRO under ORC 3313.951 -- the statutory provision addressing qualifications for SROs and the process for schools and law enforcement agencies to enter contracts on SROs. "This issue has arisen because a chartered, nonpublic school located in Lake Township desires to have a school resource officer for the upcoming school year. The neighboring township has the capacity and willingness to provide such services. However, the township seeks clarity on whether it has the authority to enter into such a contract and provide said services," wrote Stone.

GOP gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy pledged a "radical revolution of standards for our public schools" including reinstitution of the third grade reading guarantee, a similar policy for algebra proficiency by the end of middle school and use of the U.S. citizenship exam for high school graduation, during an event Wednesday night in Hilliard. Ramaswamy was the keynote speaker for the forum on the future of education, hosted by Americans for Prosperity-Ohio and the Franklin County Republican Party. Preceding his remarks was a panel discussion that included House Finance Chair Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) and Senate Education Chair Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware).

The Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education (Ohio ACTE) announced its 2025 scholarship and memorial grant recipients. Two students received $1,000 apiece under the Darrell Parks Student Scholarship and Workforce Awards, named for the former executive director of Ohio ACTE and former career-technical education director for the state education department. Two educators received grants for projects to improve student learning and expanded career-tech opportunities under the Christine Gardner Memorial Grant program, named after another former Ohio ACTE executive director.

Gov. Mike DeWine's Ohio Property Tax Reform Working Group went into more detail on the state's school funding formula Thursday while also generally coming to a consensus on support for legislation that would limit property tax increases. Working group Co-Chair Bill Seitz told the members that he would like to get moving on recommendations to provide substantial property tax relief, specifically citing an increase in the homestead exemption, a circuit breaker, or a tax deferral program. He presented members with a number of questions to consider if they go in the direction of a tax deferral program, including what age it would be appropriate for; income for qualification; if the median income should be determined per county or by the statewide median; what the time frame for a deferral would be - when the home is sold or a lesser period; what the dollar extent of the deferral would be; whether interest should be charged on the amount of the deferral; how long an applicant would have to reside in the home to qualify; whether the applicant should have equity in their home to qualify; how the lien should be designed to secure repayment of the deferral; and whether there should be requalification requirements to make sure the person getting the benefits of the deferral still qualifies under the terms.

As the new school year begins this month in districts around the state, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) on Thursday approved long-term plans for three districts. Each district was approved by the commission for an Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP), which allows K-12 districts to begin their facilities project with local funds instead of waiting for state dollars to become available.

ELECTIONS 2026

Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown made his 2026 plans official Monday - he will seek to unseat U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) and rejoin the ranks of the U.S. Senate. Brown released a statement Monday saying he will "fight for workers and take on a rigged system that benefits corporations and billionaires at the expense of hardworking Ohioans." Brown followed up Tuesday by announcing he’d raised $3.6 million since announcing his campaign.

A screening panel of the Ohio Republican Party has recommended Second District Court of Appeals Judge Ron Lewis for an endorsement for the Ohio Supreme Court next year, passing over current Justice Pat Fischer, who made a play to switch seats as he runs up against age limits. Whether Lewis gets the full endorsement of the state party will be up to the State Central Committee, which could vote to adopt the recommendation or go in a different direction.

With former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) deciding to run for U.S. Senate next year rather than run for governor, speculation has turned to former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan and whether he may run for the state's top job. A spokesman for Ryan said in an email that Ryan has been contacted by a number of people asking him to run for governor next year. "Since Sherrod Brown announced he was running for the U.S. Senate, Tim Ryan's phone has been blowing up. He really appreciates everyone reaching out to him and asking him to run for governor. He will make a final decision sometime by Sept. 30," said Ryan spokesman Dennis Willard.

Former State Rep. J. Todd Smith announced Wednesday that he is running for his former seat in 2026. The seat is currently held by Rep. Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria), who is running for the Ohio Senate. Smith, a pastor, served in the Ohio House from 2017 through 2020, but decided not to run for re-election, citing family constraints.

Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) is running for secretary of state, the former House minority leader announced Thursday. Russo spoke with Hannah News ahead of her announcement, saying she hopes to restore the independence of the office after Secretary of State Frank LaRose used the position to advance partisan interests during his tenure. "The secretary of state's office should not be partisan. It should be purely focused on making sure that citizens have access to the ballot, and that it is transparent," Russo said. "To me, this is about restoring power back to where it belongs, and that is with the people of Ohio. And the secretary of state has incredible power to be able to do that."

The following endorsements were made over the week:

- The campaign of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton announced the endorsements of Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood); Rep. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati); Cincinnati Council members Anna Albi and Mark Jeffreys; Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey; Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus; Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich; Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Pavan Parikh; former Ohio Democratic Party Chair David Pepper; and former Dayton mayor and 2022 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Whaley.

EMPLOYMENT/UNEMPLOYMENT

Ohio's unemployment rate increased to 5.0% in July, up from 4.9% in June, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) said Friday. The national unemployment rate for the month was 4.2%.

ENERGY/UTILITIES

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has resolved one criticism of the regulatory process that survived energy reset HB15 (Klopfenstein) and remained one of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel's (OCC) cardinal misgivings around electric ratemaking. PUCO has ordered staff for the first time to "modify the audit process" and direct independent accountants to withhold draft reports from audited utilities -- in this instance, FirstEnergy Corp.

GAMING/GAMBLING

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) Wednesday didn't discuss the issue of sports gambling prop bets during its first meeting after Gov. Mike DeWine called for the prohibition of the wagers. The governor urged OCCC to remove prop bets from the list of legal wagers that can be placed in the state, citing Major League Baseball's (MLB) sports betting investigation into two Cleveland Guardians pitchers. OCCC recently announced it was also involved in the Guardians investigation. OCCC General Counsel Andromeda Morrison told Hannah News after the meeting that the commission wouldn't have any comments on potential prop bet changes until after the Guardians investigation is complete.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY/STATEHOUSE

The House Democratic Caucus Saturday announced the formation of a panel to interview potential candidates for the seat formerly held by Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati), who resigned earlier this month. The screening committee will be led by Rep. Dan Troy (D-Willowick) and include Reps. Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati), Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati), Veronica Sims (D-Akron), Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland), and Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus).

Members of the Controlling Board Monday questioned the Ohio Cosmetology and Barber Board's move from Grove City to Dublin. Sens. Louis Blessing (R-Cincinnati) and Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield) objected to the item, which would see the board spending $401,214 in FY26 and $166,103 in FY27 to cover the costs of the move. The board had said in its request that the move from its current location, where it has been since 2007, was due to an expired lease and the property owner's communicating his intent to sell and declining to engage in lease renewal discussions. Blessing and Koehler focused their concerns on the board's not using state owned-office space, with Blessing noting lawmakers had been told that the Department of Administrative Services had offered multiple state-owned locations to the cosmetology board.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) recently hosted the second annual Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo, highlighting Ohio's commitment to accessibility and meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The one-day conference brought together community leaders, cabinet directors, Ohioans with disabilities and their families, employers, and public and private venues and attractions to explore accessibility solutions, resources, and best practices.

Mental health issues have been on the rise among youth in Ohio and nationally in recent years, with data from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio showing survey results from 2023 in which 20% of middle school students and one third of high school students in the state reporting that their mental health was not good most or all of the time. When such challenges emerge early in life, responsibilities for care often fall to a child's immediate family. According to a study released in June by the Ohio Children's Alliance, the Ohio State University College of Nursing and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), caregivers of youth with mental health challenges face unique stressors that can affect their employment, relationship and overall well-being. To address those issues for caregivers, many states, including Ohio, in recent years have structured systems of respite care in hopes of reducing family stress, improving overall family stability and preventing or delaying costly out-of-home placements for children with mental health issues.

Gov. Mike DeWine's Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP) waiver working group heard more calls Thursday for an extension of its January 2026 statutory reporting deadline and specifically for a new date in July 2027. Members addressed major challenges in implementing a workable SNAP ban on sugary drinks -- the charge of budget bill HB96 (Stewart) -- from interstate grocery giants to regional chains to mom-and-pop stores dominating underserved areas inside and outside Ohio. Governmental Affairs and Public Relations Director Lora Miller of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants (OCRM) noted the disparate cost impact of technical upgrades to point-of-sale (POS) stations, staff retraining, and work disruptions on different classes of vendors.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Ohio State President Ted Carter said that while it is a "turbulent time" for higher education, Ohio State is in a strong position compared to some of their colleagues around the country and even in the Big 10. Carter sat down for an interview at Wednesday's Columbus Metropolitan Club with Columbus Dispatch higher education reporter Sheridan Hendrix. He said many other schools in the conference and around the country have frozen their budgets, stopped hiring, and shut down their Ph.D. to faculty pipelines due to difficulties in the sector. Ohio State, however, is doing the opposite, thanks to years of being fiscally responsible in the way it goes about its business.

IMMIGRATION

The Ohio Supreme Court on Monday ordered evidence to be produced and briefing to commence in the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio's lawsuit against the Geauga County Sheriff's Office for failing to provide records on its dealings with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The ACLU of Ohio sued the Geauga County Sheriff's Office in May, and filed a similar lawsuit against the Seneca County Sheriff's Office in mid-August. Both cases were filed on behalf of ACLU of Ohio Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer Jocelyn Rosnick, who requested public records from the sheriffs' offices on March 12, according to a news release from the organization.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

One hundred and fifty military police service members from the Ohio National Guard are bound for Washington, D.C. under orders from Gov. Mike DeWine. "We have been asked by the secretary of the Army to send 150 military police from the Ohio National Guard to support the District of Columbia National Guard. These Ohio National Guard members will carry out presence patrols and serve as added security. None of these military police members are currently serving as law enforcement officers in the state of Ohio," DeWine said in a statement Saturday.

At least five states have now joined Ohio in sending National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. as part of the Trump administration's attempt to overhaul policing in the nation's capital city. Concerned Ohioans gathered on the steps of the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday to call on Gov. Mike DeWine to recall the troops he ordered to D.C. earlier this week, calling the situation in the nation's capital a manufactured crisis.

PENSIONS

When lawmakers decided to refashion the board of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS), they took to heart advice from their pension oversight council's investment adviser. The change was prompted in large part by recent events, according to key lawmakers. "I think the straw that broke the camel's back was when their board governance consultant voluntarily fired themselves," said Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario), vice chair of the Ohio Retirement Study Council (ORSC).

Attorney General Dave Yost shouldn't be able to pick and set payment for the lawyers representing two State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) officials whom Yost sued, a new legal complaint against the attorney general says. STRS Board of Trustees Chair Rudy Fichtenbaum and former trustee Wade Steen are facing allegations from Yost that they breached their fiduciary duty to the system, allegations they strongly deny.

The State Teachers Retirement System Board of Trustees temporarily extended the terms of its chair and vice chair Thursday to allow more time for trustees to consider new leadership within the changes to the stricture of governance that will take effect at the end of September. Chair Rudy Fichtenbaum and Vice Chair Elizabeth Jones, both elected to represent retired teachers, will be ineligible to serve in board leadership starting Tuesday, Sept. 30, the effective date of HB96 (Stewart), the state budget. The budget language bars trustees who are system beneficiaries from serving as chair and vice chair, among several other governance changes.

REDISTRICTING/REAPPORTIONMENT

As the Texas Legislature considers a new congressional map that favors Republicans and Ohio lawmakers prepare for their redistricting process, the two states' Democratic leaders are promising to do everything in their power to ensure fair districts are implemented. "Over the past few weeks, we have watched Texas Republicans fall in line with Trump to push a map that puts politics before Texans, and left Democrats no choice but to leave the state," Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde said during a virtual press conference, joined by Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder.

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) will spend at least $2.25 million on road salt for the winter season, maintenance engineer Bryan Emery announced Monday. While $2.25 million is the minimum amount OTIC will purchase under the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) bidding process, the maximum amount is $2.98 million, Emery said during the commission's monthly meeting.

VETERANS

The Ohio Department of Veterans Services and its partner the Ohio Arts Council are soliciting submissions for the 2025 Ohio Veterans Art Exhibition set for Oct. 21 through Dec. 6 in the first-floor lobby of the Riffe Center for Government and the Arts. The deadline for submissions, which are to be made online at www.artcall.org, is by 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1.

Provided by Hannah News Service