Vacationland Times

The Ohio Legislature has passed two bills sponsored by State Representative Gary Click during its recent session. The legislation aims to enhance school safety and protect parental rights in education.

House Bill 206 focuses on improving safety measures in schools across Ohio. It provides more flexibility for district officials when handling students who bring weapons to school or pose threats to others' safety. The bill allows districts to set conditions that must be met before such students can return from expulsion. Additionally, it mandates that districts offer a free psychological evaluation and continuing education for the student during this period, addressing gaps in current law.

"This bill was brought to me by educators within my district," said Click. "It allows flexibility for schools to act on appropriate warning signs and ensure that our students and teachers are safe and secure in the classroom."

The second piece of legislation, House Bill 445, secures parents' rights to direct their children's education by requiring each school district in Ohio to have an approved religious release time education policy. While many districts already have these policies, some do not, leading to disparities across the state. The measure was ultimately included as an amendment in House Bill 8.

"Parents, not politicians, should be making these decisions for their children," Click stated. "While many schools have been responsive to the requests of parents, some have not. Regardless of their intentions, their failure to implement these policies results in a denial of Ohioans’ parental rights and constitutional right to the free exercise of religion." He added that restoring local control ensures equal opportunities for all students.

Both bills now await the governor's signature.