Ohio House Passes Reps. Newman, Ritter Bill Expanding College-Ready Assessment Options for Students

COLUMBUS, OH  — State Representatives Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta) and Johnathan Newman (R-Troy) today announced the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 326, legislation to give students and schools greater flexibility by expanding access to nationally recognized college admissions exams.

The bill would allow public and chartered nonpublic schools to select any valid, reliable, nationally norm-referenced exam used for college admission, including the ACT, SAT, Classic Learning Test (CLT), or other qualifying assessments. Currently, Ohio law requires school districts to administer a single state-selected assessment, most commonly the ACT or Sat, to 11th grade students, though families may opt out.

“This legislation is about giving students, families, and schools more options and fewer barriers,” said Rep. Ritter. “Ohio students come from diverse educational backgrounds, and they deserve the flexibility to demonstrate college readiness using the assessment that best reflects their learning.”

Under the bill, state institutions of higher education that require a nationally standardized assessment for admission must accept all assessments approved under the College and Work Ready Assessment System.

“By requiring our public universities to recognize all approved assessments, we are creating a fairer and more consistent admissions process,” said Rep. Newman. “This bill aligns K–12 assessment choices with higher education expectations and helps students transition more smoothly to college.”

The legislation now advances to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.