As Ohio’s 136th General Assembly races toward a July 1 budget deadline, a slate of high-profile bills, including Ohio Drag Shows has ignited fierce debates. Here’s a closer look at five of the most contentious measures, with summaries and the clashing viewpoints of their backers and detractors.
Ohio Property Protections Act (SB 88 / HB 1)
Summary: Expands state restrictions on real-property ownership by “covered foreign entities” to include any land within 25 miles of military bases, power plants, water treatment centers or major transport hubs. Previously, only agricultural land was off-limits.
Proponents say:
- Bolsters Ohio’s security against adversarial nations acquiring critical-infrastructure real estate.
- Aligns Ohio with federal efforts to scrutinize foreign land deals near sensitive sites.
Opponents say:
- Risks chilling legitimate foreign investment and undermining local development.
- Could spur costly litigation over what qualifies as a “covered foreign entity.”
DEI Prohibition in Public Schools (SB 113 / HB 155)
Summary: Bans diversity, equity and inclusion offices, trainings and hiring criteria in K–12 districts, community schools and charter institutions. Districts would have 90 days to adopt policies eliminating all DEI-focused programs.
Proponents say:
- Prevents “divisive” or “ideological” content from infiltrating classrooms.
- Ensures taxpayer dollars aren’t used for identity-based initiatives.
Opponents say:
- Silences critical conversations about race, gender and inclusion in schools.
- Risks legal challenges and harms recruitment of a diverse educator workforce.
Marijuana and Hemp Law Revisions (HB 160)
Summary: Seeks to roll back parts of Issue 2 (the 2023 voter-approved recreational cannabis amendment) by:
- Reducing home-grow limits to match medical marijuana potency rules.
- Capping retail licenses and eliminating small “Level III” cultivator permits.
- Repealing select Issue 2 provisions on possession and use.
Proponents say:
- Introduces consumer protections by lowering THC levels.
- Streamlines the market, preventing over-saturation of small growers.
Opponents say:
- Ignores the 57% of Ohio voters who passed Issue 2.
- Threatens municipal revenue streams and criminalizes previously legal conduct[5].
Inside Millage Repeal (HB 335)
Summary: Eliminates “inside millage”—the constitutional right of local governments to levy up to 10 mills without voter approval—forcing all property-tax revenue increases to go before the ballot. Proponents project $3.5 billion in homeowner savings next year and estimate a $350 reduction per $100,000 of property value.
Proponents say:
- Empowers taxpayers to decide every local levy, preventing stealth tax hikes.
- Motivates governments to find efficiency gains or alternative revenue sources.
Opponents say:
- Jeopardizes funding for schools, libraries, police and infrastructure.
- Rural districts and service-dependent municipalities could face drastic cuts or repeated referendum losses.
Indecent Exposure Modernization Act (HB 249)
Summary: Amends the Ohio obscenity laws to restrict adult-cabaret performances—such as drag shows—to venues inaccessible to minors. Performances open to all ages would face fines or misdemeanor charges.
Proponents say:
- Shields children from exposure to “inappropriate” adult entertainment.
- Offers clarity on venue licensing and event age-restrictions.
Opponents say:
- Targets LGBTQ+ communities under the guise of protecting minors.
- Violates performers’ First Amendment rights and invites discriminatory enforcement.
With the House and Senate now in final negotiations, each chamber’s priorities are under intense scrutiny. Whether any of these controversial bills survive the budget gauntlet remains to be seen—what’s certain is that Ohioans will be watching closely as lawmakers hash out the details in the coming days.