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Ohio Capital JournalThe bill heads to Gov. DeWine after passing with only two no votes, raising fines to $250–$1,000 and allowing bus cameras, but stops short of requiring seat belts.
Three GOP lawmakers joined House Democrats in voting against the 58-36 bill, which drew on Heritage Foundation model legislation and added the mandate to an interstate school psychologist compact.
The carveout exempts Ohio's eight Hillsdale College-affiliated classical schools from a curriculum DeWine has called one of his most important achievements.
The state's deputy solicitor general argues Ohio can't have a local patchwork of tobacco rules, but 21 cities say the override law fails the home rule test.
Democrats say photo ID is already state law and working, while Republicans deny the amendment is designed to boost midterm turnout for their candidates.
Democrats and the Ohio Association of Elected Officials warn the requirement, set to take effect in November 2027, will burden seniors who rely on mail-in voting.
Gun violence advocates point to Ohio's weak gun laws after the shooting, while DeWine offered prayers despite signing a 2022 bill eliminating concealed carry requirements.
The cases surface safety questions about LifeWise's vetting, which operates in 331 Ohio school districts and enrolls nearly 100,000 students nationwide.
The $10 million pilot program has already issued nearly 1,200 pairs of glasses to K-3 students, with plans to expand statewide using $200 million in federal rural health funds.
The bipartisan bill faces skepticism from House Speaker Huffman and comes as 300 public school districts sue over the $1 billion voucher program.
Educators warned the bill's vague language could ban teacher recruitment efforts and support for LGBTQ students, citing research on outcomes.
DeWine calls legalizing sports betting his biggest mistake, citing massive gambling company spending and harm to athletes from online abuse.
