COLUMBUS – State Representative Angie King (R-Celina) recently introduced two new pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Ohio families and preserving students’ access to education, ensuring the legislature maintains appropriate oversight of the Ohio Department of Health.
The first bill is a concurrent resolution that would rescind specific provisions of the Ohio Department of Health Director’s October 30, 2026, Journal Entry concerning school exclusions for students with lawful immunization exemptions.
This resolution centers on three fundamental principles: protecting children’s access to education, respecting parental rights under Ohio law, and upholding the General Assembly’s statutory oversight authority. The resolution does not repeal Ohio’s existing immunization requirements or statutory exemptions. Nor does it eliminate the Department’s broader public health responsibilities or other disease-control authorities established by law.
King said-
“Our children’s education and the rights of Ohio families should never be subject to unchecked government authority.”
The other bill strengthens the legislature’s ability to overturn orders issued by the Health Director.
King said-
“My greatest concern is that otherwise healthy children with no symptoms could be excluded from the classroom for extended periods, causing them to miss valuable instructional time and fall behind academically.”
This legislation will do the following:
- Restore Legislative Authority: Remove restrictions on the General Assembly’s ability to rescind certain Health Director orders.
- Prevent Unchecked Government Power: Ensure the Health Director remains accountable to legislative oversight.
- Keep Power with the People: Protect the authority of elected representatives to make decisions on behalf of Ohioans.
- Protect Ohio Students: Help prevent unnecessary disruptions to children’s education.
Both pieces of legislation await a number and committee assignment.
For more information about Rep. King’s legislation, click here.
-30-
