Chapter 7 – Lawmaking Process

7.11 Competing Interests: Senate Bill 83 as a Case Study

Senate Bill 83, also known as the “Ohio Higher Education Enhancement Act,” was a hotly debated in the 135th Ohio General Assembly (2023-24). This bill proposed reforms to higher education, including restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at state colleges and universities. The bill aimed to prohibit mandatory diversity training, the use of diversity statements in hiring, and requires universities to demonstrate intellectual diversity for course approval.

The bill also mandated annual performance evaluations for faculty members and would eliminate their right to engage in labor strikes.

Support and Opposition 

Supporters of SB 83, including its sponsor Senator Jerry Cirino and several conservative lawmakers, argued that the bill is necessary to ensure free speech and intellectual diversity on state-owned college campuses. They believed that current DEI programs can stifle diverse viewpoints and create an environment of ideological conformity. Proponents also asserted that the bill would have prevented public funds from being used for what they consider to be biased training and policies.

Opponents, including university faculty, certain student organizations, and civil rights advocates, argued that the bill undermined efforts to create inclusive and equitable educational environments. They contend that DEI programs are essential for addressing historical and systemic inequalities in education. Critics also expressed concerns that the bill’s restrictions could lead to a chilling effect on academic freedom and discourage honest discussions about important social issues.

Legislative Process 

SB 83 passed the Ohio Senate in May 2023 and was subsequently revised and passed by a House committee in December 2023. However, the bill faced opposition in the Ohio House, where numerous lawmakers from both parties expressed concerns about its potential impact on education and labor rights. House Speaker Jason Stephens refused to give the bill a floor vote and it died in committee.

Remember, the Speaker of the House has the authority to decide which bills reach the House floor for a vote (and which don’t). This means that he can choose to hold up or advance bills based on various factors, including political strategy and legislative priorities. This demonstrates the Speaker’s power and pivotal role in shaping the legislative process.​

This case highlights the intense debates and competing interests that can arise in the legislative process, particularly around issues of education, free speech, and equity. It demonstrates how legislative proposals can galvanize various constituency groups, each advocating for their vision of what policies best serve the public interest​.

Update

Early in the 136 Ohio General Assembly (2024-25), Senator Cirino reintroduced the bill as Senate Bill 1, Representative Tom Young of the Miami Valley in Southwest Ohio introduced identical legislation in the House as House Bill 6. Representative Young, who chairs the Workforce and Higher Education Committee, will oversee the bill’s review in committee. Once it passes out of committee, the Speaker of the House determines whether it will come to the floor for a vote. In the previous session, Speaker Jason Stephens blocked a floor vote. With Matt Huffman now serving as Speaker, the likelihood of the bill passing both the House and Senate has significantly increased. Governor DeWine previously expressed conditional support for the bill, which makes it likely that he will sign it if it reaches his desk..

Watch this report from WKYC Channel 3:

YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAwzGjISzU0

Duration: 0:37

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An Ohioan’s Guide to State & Local Government by R. Clayton Wukich is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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