Bill > SB274

This bill aims to strengthen parental consent requirements for mental health services and school-related health services for minors in Ohio. The legislation requires mental health professionals to obtain parental consent before diagnosing or treating minors for gender-related conditions, and mandates that they screen minors for potential underlying mental health conditions and traumas. For schools, the bill requires districts to develop policies that ensure parents are promptly notified of substantial changes in their child's health services, prohibit school personnel from encouraging students to withhold information from parents, and establish procedures for parental authorization of health care services. The bill also restricts sexuality content instruction in kindergarten through third grade and requires schools to obtain parental consent before providing most health care services. Additionally, the legislation removes previous provisions that allowed minors to consent to certain mental health services without parental involvement, effectively requiring parental consent for most mental health treatments for individuals under 18. The bill emphasizes parents' fundamental right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, education, and healthcare, while providing mechanisms for parents to review and challenge school policies related to their children's health and education.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb274