OHIO ADVOCACY

The Ohio NAACP is closely monitoring state legislation that directly impacts Black communities, marginalized populations, and civil rights efforts across Ohio. Below are key legislative updates and advocacy priorities.

Impact of Senate Bill 1

Senate Bill 1 poses a broad threat to various support systems, scholarships, and programming across Ohio’s higher education system.

Key Concerns:

  • Potential loss of scholarships and alumni programming
  • Reduced support for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and victims of human trafficking
  • Disruption of events like Black Alumni Weekend and Women’s Leadership Programs
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Housing Stability in Ohio

Black Ohioans continue to experience the highest rates of housing instability in the state.

Key Legislative Efforts:

  • Senate Bill 42: Residential Stability Zones (bipartisan)
  •  Senate Bill 83: Housing Defense Fund (bipartisan)
  • Homestead Exemption expansion proposals

NAACP Recognition and Advocacy

  •  Senate Bill 17: Recognizing the historic 6-Triple Eight Battalion Day

Criminal Justice Reform

  • Black Ohioans are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system. The Ohio NAACP supports bipartisan efforts to introduce equity and transparency.

Upcoming legislation:

  • Recognition of child-caring responsibilities in sentencing and incarceration
  • Improvements to Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQE) to allow faster application and job access for returning citizens

Key Bills:

  •  House Bill 31: Mandates electronic recording of parole board hearings (bipartisan)
  • House Bill 29: Guarantees access to feminine hygiene products for individuals incarcerated in local, county, and state facilities (bipartisan)

Resources

 Ohio Medicaid Work Requirement Analysis

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 Medical Community Response

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Stay Engaged

  • The NAACP will continue working alongside lawmakers, community organizations to monitor bills, advocate for justice, and support policies that uplift our communities.
  • Join our advocacy efforts. Stay informed. Make your voice heard.

Education Access & Equity

  • House Bill 25: Foster College Scholarship – Guarantees college funding for foster youth age 13+ (bipartisan)
  • Continued advocacy against Senate Bill 1, which may weaken access and diversity initiatives in education

Medicaid and Health Equity

  • Senate Bill 113 / House Bill 155: Proposed Medicaid work requirements
  • These changes may lead to thousands losing healthcare coverage, including working-class families and vulnerable populations