Jones, Bird House Bill 583 Passes Ohio House of Representatives

COLUMBUS –State Representative Don Jones (R-Freeport) and Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) today passed House Bill 583 out of the Ohio House of Representatives, legislation that intends to make changes to the Ohio Revised Code regarding educator licenses for substitute teachers, to establish a study committee on the substitute teacher shortage, and to make an appropriation.

This legislation gives school districts local control over the requirements necessary for substitute teachers. Thus allowing for flexibility for exigent circumstances when there are multiple slots that need to be filled at once. This will help keep our kids in the classroom rather than subjecting them to remote learning. 

This legislation is simply an extension of policy from the 2020-2022 school years and will keep the policy in place through the 2024 school year so the issue does not have to be revisited. 

Furthermore, House Bill 583 will establish a study commission to research and address the shortage we have of substitute teachers in the Buckeye State. 

“This is common-sense legislation; we must continue to address and solve all of the issues within our education system and be sure that the students are the priority,” said Jones. “House Bill 583 is an investment in the future leaders of Ohio and it is our job to give our state's students all of the tools necessary to succeed.” 

Lastly, the legislation makes a $338 million appropriation for the National School Lunch program

The legislation will now go to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.