Rep. Humphrey's Legislation Supporting Ohio's Children, Families Heads to Governor's Desk

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus) today announced the unanimous Senate passage of House Bill (HB) 7, which enacts new provisions to enhance services for infants, children, and parents. The bill includes initiatives to improve early learning, expand access to home visiting services, and support families through better coordination of state resources. HB 7 unanimously passed the Senate 31-0 Wednesday, following an 81-7 concurrence vote in the House. The bill now advances to the governor’s desk for signature.

“This bill is about giving every child in Ohio the opportunity to thrive, regardless of where they live—whether it’s in rural areas, cities, or suburbs,” said Rep. Humphrey during her floor speech in the Ohio House. “HB 7 takes a holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by our children and families, expanding critical services and laying the foundation for future progress.”

HB 7 incorporates several initiatives to improve child and family well-being, including:

• Enhancements to Early Childhood Programs: Establishes standards for early learning and development programs under the “Step Up to Quality” system, ensuring consistent support for families statewide.

• Expanded Home Visiting Services: Strengthens access to evidence-based home visiting models and supports centralized intake and referral systems to streamline services for families.

• Improved Mental Health Support: Expands Medicaid coverage for evidence-based mental health and family therapy services for children up to age five.

• WIC Program Improvements: Directs the Department of Health to investigate and recommend enhancements to Ohio’s WIC program to increase access and participation.

• Fatherhood Initiatives: Supports programming that strengthens parenting skills, prevents premature fatherhood, and helps fathers maintain family connections.

“HB 7 represents a significant step forward in ensuring Ohio’s children and families have the resources they need to succeed,” Rep. Humphrey added. “While there is more work to do, this legislation is a meaningful investment in the future of our state.”

HB 7 will now be sent to Governor Mike DeWine for his signature.