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SB 345

Create Higher Ed Evidence-Based Innovation Fund, Grant Program

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nathan Manning

Ohio bill creates grant fund rewarding higher education institutions for implementing measurable, evidence-based innovations and practices.

Introduced
#education #highereducation
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Bill Summary · SB 345

Legislative bill overview

SB 345 establishes a new Evidence-Based Innovation Fund and associated grant program within Ohio's higher education system. The bill creates a dedicated funding mechanism to support research, pilot programs, and initiatives in colleges and universities that demonstrate measurable outcomes and evidence-based practices.

Why is this important

Higher education funding directly affects tuition costs, program quality, and economic competitiveness for Ohio. By incentivizing evidence-based approaches, the bill aims to improve educational outcomes and accountability while potentially directing limited state resources toward demonstrably effective programs rather than traditional spending patterns.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill's specific funding mechanism and whether it requires new appropriations or reallocates existing higher ed dollars is not detailed, raising questions about overall impact on institutional budgets
  • "Evidence-based" definition: Determining what qualifies as sufficiently evidence-based could favor certain disciplines (STEM, business) over others (humanities, arts), potentially reshaping institutional priorities in contested ways
  • Administrative burden: Schools may face increased reporting and evaluation requirements to demonstrate outcomes, creating compliance costs that could disproportionately burden smaller institutions

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

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