Ohio lawmakers approved proposed legislation that mandates teaching 6th grade through 12 grade students to wait until marriage to have children.
“The department of education and workforce shall review and maintain a list of curriculum and resources for grades six to twelve about the success sequence,” the legislation states.
Success sequence refers to a three-pronged framework for youth and young adults based on studies showing adults are more likely to live in poverty if they have children before being married, completing high school, and securing a full-time job, according to the bill.
Section 3301.0717 of the bill attributes the "success sequence" framework to research from diverse institutions.
“Our report shows how harmful a long history of promoting marriage has been, and continues to be, and offers key policy recommendations to begin moving forward, and promote family justice for all. Too many are hurting right now because they don’t fit one specific mold — all families deserve dignity, equality, and respect.”
Amended Substitute Senate Bill 276 has passed the Ohio House and Senate. The legislation now awaits Gov. Mike DeWine’s final approval.
“Any curriculum or resources on this list shall include, and be consistent with, evidence, identified using the best research methods available, describing the positive personal and societal outcomes associated with the success sequence,” the bill further states.
State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) proposed the legislation to aid in the state’s entry into the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists.
States that are already part of the pact include West Virginia, Colorado, Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Nebraska, and Virginia.
The Interstate Compact for School Psychologists sets forth standards that help school psychologists obtain licenses to practice across state lines.
"This Compact shall enable the Member States to ensure that safe and effective school psychological services are available and delivered by appropriately qualified professionals in their educational settings," the legislation states.
SB 276 would also establish a School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact commission.