Require juvenile facility develop health care, education policies

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rachel Baker

Requires juvenile facilities to publish and keep updated health care and education policies, ensuring public access and paper copies on request.

Referred to committee

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Summary of HB 944 (Ohio, 136th General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

The bill requires juvenile facilities operated by or contracted with the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) to establish and publicly share defined health care and education policies.

The overarching goal is to ensure transparency and minimum standards for access to health care and education for youths in custody or under supervision in various correctional and residential settings.

Key provisions

The new statute to be enacted: Section 5139.15 of the Revised Code.

Applies to:

Facilities operated by or contracted by the Department of Youth Services
Secure facilities
Detention centers
Community corrections facilities
Juvenile correctional facilities
Community residential programs

Required actions:

Develop and maintain policies on health care and education, including minimum standards for access to both health care and education.
Regularly review and update these policies.
Make the health care and education policies publicly available on the facility’s website.
upon request, provide a paper copy of the policies to a member of the public.

Who would be affected

Youths confined or supervised in:

DYS-operated or contracted facilities
Secure facilities, detention centers, and juvenile correctional facilities
Community corrections facilities and community residential programs

Facility administrators and staff responsible for policy development, review, and public access.

Members of the public seeking information on health care and education policies in these juvenile settings (with paper copy access on request).

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill establishes a continuous obligation to:

Develop and maintain health care and education policies
Conduct regular policy reviews and updates
Maintain public-facing access via facility websites
Respond to public paper-copy requests

Specific implementation dates or transition timelines are not provided in the introduced text; the requirement appears to become effective upon enactment, with ongoing compliance thereafter.

Potential impact

Increased transparency: Public access to policies via facility websites and upon request.

Standardization: Establishment of minimum standards for health care and education across a range of juvenile facilities.

Accountability: Regular policy reviews could prompt ongoing assessment and improvement of services for youth.

Accessibility: Paper copies ensure access for individuals without internet or digital access.

Notes

The bill lists Rachel Baker as a co-sponsor.

No amendments, funding provisions, or enforcement mechanisms are detailed in the introduced text; such details may appear in committee references or subsequent bill actions.