This page contains information regarding policy changes throughout the state of Ohio.

House Bill 254

State Representatives Jon Peterson (R-Delaware) and Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton) introduced House Bill in June 2007.   House Bill 254 aims to combat childhood obesity by increasing quality nutrition and physical fitness opportunities in Ohio schools.

The concept in creating House Bill 254 was to make use of an easily accessible point of intervention for the growing problem of childhood obesity in Ohio.  The bill seeks to make Ohio’s school environments the healthiest possible by guiding local decisions toward establishing healthy standards for the food children have access to throughout the school day and encouraging quality local implementation of Local School Wellness Policies.

"Unfortunately, Ohio has one of the highest rates of overweight high school students in the nation, as well as large numbers of overweight children between the ages of 2 and 5," Representative Petersen said.  "We must work to address this epidemic with proven best practices that will encourage healthy habits in our children.  "OAFHK has chosen to use school settings as a point of intervention because that is where children spend a majority of their time, learn physical activity habits, and have access to food outside the influence of family.  Strahorn agreed, "The best way to ensure healthy Ohio children is to support healthy Ohio schools."

The wellness legislation addresses the quality of nutrition resources within the school environment by expanding USDA meal programs; defining nutrition standards for snacks and beverages sold on a la carte lines, in vending machines and in school stores; and requiring professional development for food service personnel. The bill also calls for Ohio schools to implement school wellness policies, have an active wellness council, utilize an assessment tool to guide ongoing evaluation and monitor the progress of these activities.  A final element provides that a state level Advisory Wellness Council be created and housed in the Governor's Office to ensure nutrition and physical education standards are implemented, provide technical assistance and support to local schools, and promote state-level presence and awareness.

Bill 254 had sponsor testimony in June in the House Committee on Education.  A second hearing was held October 9th.  

House Bill 254 Details

For more information about House Bill 254 and what you can do to support it, contact Shelly Roth.

2008-09 State Budget was signed by Governor Ted Strickland on 6/30/07

The budget bill contains the following regarding PE language:

1. Adoptions of PE standards by the State Board of Education by December 31, 2007

2. A staff position within the Department of Education committed to the area of PE by October 31, 2007

3. The removal of PE standards from concurrent approval of the General Assembly

4. A requirement to report, by October 31, 2007, from each school district in Ohio, how many minutes of instruction per week and how frequenty instruction is provided per week for each grade level in Physical Education.