WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 734

Establish Outstanding Citizenship Award on the state report card

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sarah Fowler Arthur

The bill would add an Outstanding Citizenship Award to the state report card to recognize and publicly report schools’ student civic engagement and service.

Referred to committee
#education #financeandappropriations #primaryandsecondaryeducation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 734

Overview

HB 734 (Session 136, Ohio) proposes establishing an “Outstanding Citizenship Award” on the state report card. The bill aims to recognize student behavior and civic engagement as part of the criteria used to evaluate and report school performance.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a formal recognition category titled the Outstanding Citizenship Award to be included in the state’s school report cards.
  • Emphasize and publicly acknowledge schools’ efforts to foster student citizenship, character, service, and civic-minded activities.
  • Provide a framework for identifying, awarding, and reporting on exemplary civic engagement within schools.

Key provisions and changes

  • Inclusion on report card: The bill directs that the Outstanding Citizenship Award be listed on the state school report card, alongside existing performance metrics.
  • Award criteria: The bill outlines or authorizes criteria to determine eligibility for the award (e.g., student civic participation, community service, leadership in civic activities). Specific thresholds or rubrics would be defined in implementing rules or accompanying language.
  • Administration and nomination: Provisions likely specify who can nominate nominees (schools, districts, or administrators), how nominees are evaluated, and timelines for submission and selection.
  • Reporting and transparency: Results or recipients of the award would be publicly reported as part of the school report card, highlighting best practices in citizenship education.
  • Relationship to existing metrics: The award is designed to complement academic and other non-academic metrics already included on the report card, rather than replace them.

Who would be affected

  • Students: Recognition tied to citizenship and civic engagement may influence school culture and opportunities for students engaged in service and leadership.
  • Schools and districts: Administrators would implement the award criteria, identify eligible students or programs, and prepare data and narratives for the report card.
  • State education officials: State agencies or the department would establish criteria, oversee implementation, and ensure inclusion on the report card.
  • Public accountability: Communities would gain a new metric highlighting citizenship outcomes within schools.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Referral and introduction: Introduced on March 3, 2026.
  • Committee process: Referred to a committee on March 18, 2026, for consideration, potential amendments, and hearings.
  • Implementation timeline: The bill would likely establish a timeline for development of criteria, rules, and integration into the annual state report card, including any required rulemaking or alignment with the annual reporting cycle.

Notes

  • Co-sponsor: Sarah Fowler Arthur.
  • As of the provided history, the bill has not yet progressed beyond committee referral; details on exact criteria, implementation dates, and budget implications would be clarified in committee hearings and any accompanying fiscal analyses.

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

Sign in to ask a question.