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SB 318

Allow law enforcement to provide certain school resource services

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Al Cutrona

SB 318 authorizes Ohio law enforcement to provide school resource officer services in public schools, establishing legal framework for police presence during school hours.

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#education #primaryandsecondaryeducation #stateandlocalgovernment
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Bill Summary · SB 318

Legislative bill overview

SB 318 authorizes law enforcement officers to provide school resource officer (SRO) services in Ohio schools. The bill clarifies the legal framework for police presence in educational settings and defines the scope of services officers may provide within school environments.

Why is this important

School resource officers are a widespread but sometimes controversial component of school safety infrastructure affecting hundreds of thousands of students. The policy has real implications for school discipline practices, student civil rights, and the balance between safety and educational environments, making the legal authorization and parameters for these roles significant.

Potential points of contention

  • Criminalization of school discipline: Critics argue expanded law enforcement presence in schools shifts discipline from educators to the criminal justice system, disproportionately affecting students of color and those with disabilities
  • Scope of authority and oversight: Ambiguity about what "certain services" entails could lead to inconsistent application across districts and questions about accountability and training standards
  • Fiscal and resource trade-offs: Funding for SROs may compete with spending on counselors, mental health services, and other supportive staff that some research suggests more effectively prevent school incidents

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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