Couch to Capitol: May 2026 Legislative Updates

Policy can feel far away until it lands in a session as grief, fear, shame, or burnout. Join the Ohio Counseling Conversations Team as we bridge the gap between the clinical couch and the Ohio Statehouse with a rapid, practical briefing on the bills most likely to affect counselors, and clients across Ohio.

We start with House Bill 698 and its push to withhold public university funding based on DEI compliance, including annual certification requirements and tracking of prior DEI roles. We talk plainly about why that matters for counselor educators trying to uphold CACREP expectations and the counseling profession’s ethical commitments to beneficence and social justice. From there, we break down Senate Bill 156’s “success sequence” curriculum mandate for public schools and why a one-size-fits-all definition of success can invalidate students from LGBTQ communities, non-traditional families, and many real-life paths our clients live every day.

We also cover House Bill 347’s 24-hour waiting period tied to reproductive care and the risk created by scripted, legally loaded requirements for providers. On the practice side, we dig into Senate Bill 162, a critical insurance reform aimed at limiting insurer clawbacks and reducing administrative burdens that can destabilize small practices and shrink access to mental health care. We round out the update with House bills on an all-payer claims database and behavioral health well checks, privacy protections for mental health professionals, Ohio’s Senate Bill 113 DEI ban, and a national legal challenge that could restrict federal student loans for counseling and other professional degrees.

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OPPOSE House Bill 698- withholding higher-ed funding tied to DEI compliance and annual certification requirements
OPPOSE  Senate Bill 156- the “success sequence” requirement in public schools plus likely harm for marginalized students
OPPOSE House Bill 347- creating a 24-hour waiting period for reproductive care and adding provider compliance risks
SUPPORT Senate Bill 162- reducing insurance takeback timelines and easing appeals to protect small practices and client access
WATCHING House Bill 716- proposal for an all-payer claims database to support data-driven health care improvements
SUPPORT House Bill 724 requiring coverage for behavioral health well checks without a diagnosis
WATCHING House Bill 718- changes to the Behavioral Health Professionals Board and why legislative language matters
WATCHING House Bill 837- aiming to protect residential and familial information for mental health professionals
OPPOSE Senate Bill 113- banning DEI efforts in K-12 and why OCA submits formal opposition
SUPPORT the National lawsuit challenging federal student loan rules that narrow what counts as a professional degree, including counseling 

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Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee

·Hosted by Victoria Frazier & Lauren Collins-Knight

·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Lauren Collins-Knight, Victoria Frazier, Mariah Payne, and Chase Morgan-Swaney

·Editing by Victoria Frazier

Transcript

Welcome And What We Track

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Welcome back to Couch the Capital on Ohio Counseling Conversations, where we bridge the gap between your clinical couch and the halls of Ohio State House and beyond. I'm Victoria Fraser.

SPEAKER_00 0:11

I'm Lauren Collins Knight. And each month it's our role we'll bring you the most relevant legislative updates impacting counselors, clients, and the mental health profession across our state. Let's dive in.

SPEAKER_01 0:23

This month has been particularly busy for the Ohio legislature. They are back in session and will remain until mid-June before heading out again. They're expected to resume following the November elections. Things have been moving quickly and they could be amended into other bills. Let's start with House Bill 698, the Compliance Supplemental Appropriation Act, sponsored by Tom Young, a Republican member of the House of Representatives, representing the 37th District. House Bill 698 would insert government even further into Ohio's public colleges and universities, adding to the controversial Senate Bill 1 that we have covered on the show before. House Bill 698 has been moving through the House Workforce and Higher Education Committee, chaired by Representative Young. The bill mandates that a portion of state funding be set aside and withheld from public universities and colleges that fail to comply with Senate Bill 1, which banned diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. According to House Bill 698,

HB 698 And Campus DEI Compliance

SPEAKER_01 1:19

institutions must annually certify compliance and submit an inventory of employees who previously held DEI-related roles. This bill reinforces that state law is not optional, says Representative Young. It ensures consistent enforcement, protects students, and restores confidence that Ohio's education system is operating with integrity and accountability. House Bill 698's opponent hearing was held prior to the hearing for those in support of the bill, something that we don't usually see. This may have been in an effort to surprise opponents or decrease the perceived opposition to the bill. If that was the case, they were unsuccessful. More than 170 opponents submitted testimony, and dozens were present in person to testify against the bill. Unfortunately, the hearing was shut down after just 90 minutes, denying many the opportunity to testify against the bill. Young announced during the hearing that he is working with the Ohio Association of Community Colleges and the Interuniversity Council of Ohio and the Department of Higher Education to further amend the bill. At the time of recording, the bill has just had its hearing for proponents and interested parties. The bill is especially salient for counselor educators who are navigating the requirements to remove courses about diversity, equity, and inclusion while attempting to meet K-CREP standards and uphold several core ethical pillars of counseling, including social justice and beneficiance. Contact information for Committee Chair Young can be found in the show notes for those who feel called to contact him and demand another opponent hearing on House Bill 698.

SPEAKER_00 2:54

Let's continue on the topic of education. Senate Bill 156 is currently in the process of hearings in the Ohio House. The bill focuses on requiring students in public schools to be taught about the success sequence. The bill requires children to learn that, quote, individuals who complete at least a high school education, obtain full-time work, and marry before having children are less likely to live in poverty and adulthood. End quote. Senator Al Petrona, a Republican from Canfield, introduced the bill in the Senate and passed it in October of last year. Now the bill is making its way through the House.

SB 156 And The Success Sequence

SPEAKER_00 3:34

Planned Parenthood shared a statement on their website regarding the bill. They said, every student deserves the opportunity to pursue a life that is meaningful to them. For some, that may include having children. For others, it may not. Likewise, marital status does not determine a person's success. Whether one is single, married, with children, or without, all life paths are valid and valuable. This bill negates the experiences of clients we serve, ignores structural inequalities, placing emphasis on individual choices and not systemic structures that impact one's perceived success. It is also important to remember that there are other issues impacting expectant parents in Ohio, such as maternal and infant mortality, access to safe and affirming care, and economic strain on new families, to name a few. Should this bill pass, it emphasizes a perspective not only for adults, but for our younger clients as well. This is especially impactful for young people who already feel othered by the lack of support offered at an institutional level, including children who identify as LGBTQ, those coming from non-traditional family structures, such as single parents, children born through IVF or surrogacy, and children of trans and gender non-toplemi clients. It also creates the possibility for feelings of alienation or hurt for parents who have welcomed children through alternative means outside of the so-called success sequence.

SPEAKER_01 5:03

Next up is House Bill 347, which requires a 24-hour waiting period for patients accessing reproductive care. The bill is technically titled The Share the Health and Empower with Informed Notices, or She Wins Act, but it does not honor a decision that Ohioans made when passing issue one, enshrining reproductive freedom in our state constitution and assuring that these decisions belong to individuals and their health care providers. The bill is sponsored by Mike Odysseo from the 30th District and Josh Williams from the 44th District. Representative Mohammed from the 3rd District spoke out against the bill, saying, by imposing unnecessary

HB 347 And Reproductive Waiting Periods

SPEAKER_01 5:44

waiting periods and medically unsupported requirements, this legislation creates additional barriers to care that voters explicitly rejected. We should be focused on upholding the will of the people, not undermining it with policies that interfere with constitutionally protected health care decisions. This bill also requires providers to discuss specific information with their patients, including possible complications to their care and more, and failing to provide this outlined information means the abortion was illegally performed, placing providers and patients at risk. The Ohio ACLU had this to say. Ohio would be better served by the General Assembly removing all language and references to now unconstitutional abortion provisions in the Ohio Revised Code, instead of entertaining legislation promoted by those who demand their religious beliefs about abortion apply to everyone else all the time. Senate Bill 347 is currently in committee in the Senate after passing in the Ohio House. We will keep an eye out for future updates, but in the meantime, we encourage you to contact your representatives. A link to the Directory of Representatives sitting on the Senate Health Committee is available in the show notes. We encourage you to reach out and share how this bill impacts the communities you serve with your legislators.

SPEAKER_00 6:56

Now let's turn our focus to Senate Bill 162, which focuses on the timeframe for health insurer recruitment from healthcare providers. The bill, sponsored primarily by Representative Blessing, representing the 8th District, ties recruitment timelines to what is actually written in the provider's contract. It stops insurers from changing payment or review terms mid-contract, and it removes the fees that providers currently have to pay just to appeal an overpayment decision. We have been following this bill closely throughout its journey in the House and Senate. It was passed in the Senate with a unanimous vote of 33 to 0. It is now in the House subcommittee where it will be discussed before

SB 162 And Insurance Takebacks

SPEAKER_00 7:37

a vote by the House. OCA officially endorses this bill, and our lobbyists have been keeping us informed of all its movement. As a reminder, this bill would decrease Ohio's current 24-month insurer takeback time frame, decreasing it to one year, extend the provider appeal period from 30 to 60 days, and require electronic notification of takebacks when an electronic system exists. This last point will help streamline communication and reduce unnecessary administrative work for clinicians, allowing more time to be spent on client care. Our insurance advocacy committee chair, Michael Despacito, submitted written testimony on our behalf. He stands firmly with OCA, stating, when an insurer can come back at any time to take money already paid or charge you to fight that decision, it creates financial instability that small practices cannot absorb. When practices close or cut back because the business side becomes unworkable, clients lose access to care. Senate Bill 162 helps protect against that. This bill is especially salient following the now paused care source claw acts that shocked Ohio counselors. We encourage you to reach out to your senators and encourage them to voice their support and vote yes for Senate Bill 162. A link to the Senate Directory has been included in the show notes should you need help finding your representative.

SPEAKER_01 9:04

Next up, House Bill 716, to create within the Department of Insurance an all-payer claims database. This bill was introduced in the House in February by Representatives Craig of District 77 and Dieter of District 54, who are both Republicans. An all-payer claims database is a collection of healthcare claims data for both public and private insurance plans. According to the All Claims Payer Database Council, the APCD serves as a central source of healthcare information to support evidence-based improvements in access, quality, and cost of health care. House Bill 716 has been referred to committee and we will be keeping an eye on how it progresses. It currently awaits its first hearing in the Senate.

SPEAKER_00 9:44

Let's take a look at

HB 716 All Payer Claims Database

SPEAKER_00 9:45

House Bill 724, introduced by Representatives White and Slavo, who require health insurance plans to cover behavioral health well checks. In this instance, a behavioral well check constitutes a routine mental health visit, similar to an annual physical. The bill would require the visit to be covered by insurance and available for everyone. House Bill 724 would require a visit to be covered without a diagnosable condition, something that is currently required for care to be paid for by insurance companies. The bill had its first hearing this month by the House Insurance Committee. We will be keeping an eye on House Bill 724 as it progresses.

HB 724 Behavioral Health Well Checks

SPEAKER_01 10:24

House Bill 718 recently had its third hearing with the House Community Revitalization Committee. The bill was introduced in February of this year by Representatives Brown Lee and Salva. House Bill 718 will change the name of the Chemical Dependency Professionals Board to the Behavioral Health Professionals Board. Additionally, it will require the board to certify peer supporters and qualified mental health professionals and to make other changes to the laws governing the board and the professionals it regulates. The bill not only applies to counselors due to its impact on the mental health care provider ecosystem at large, but because as counselors, we are proud of our professional identity and must work to preserve it. Language use

HB 718 Board Name And Scope

SPEAKER_01 11:04

in legislation is important and we are monitoring the use of counseling and counselor within it. With that being said, it is encouraging to see the language of the board expanded so as to include behavioral addiction in addition to substance use. Many proponents, including those from recovery community centers, peer recovery organizations, and various behavioral and mental health organizations, shared their support for the bill back in March.

SPEAKER_00 11:27

Next up, House Bill 837, an amendment to section 149.3 of the revised code, is meant to protect from release under Ohio public records law the residential and familial information of mental health professionals and social workers. Sponsored by Representatives Brown Lee and Russo, the language of the bill currently specifies social workers. We are keeping an eye out for changes in the bill that would apply specifically to counselors. The bill has not yet had its first hearing, but stay tuned for updates.

SPEAKER_01 11:58

Finally, for Ohio, Senate Bill 113. This bill, primarily sponsored by Senator Brenner, was introduced to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools.

HB 837 Privacy For Providers

SPEAKER_01 12:08

C.J. Potter, one of OCA's Government Relations Committee co-chairs, submitted opposition to this bill on OCA's behalf at the third hearing on May 19, 2026. He stated the Ohio Counseling Association formally opposes Senate Bill 113, which both seeks to prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within K-12 educational settings. If enacted, this bill would require Ohio's primary and secondary schools to adopt policies that eliminate DEI programs and departments. It would mandate the dismantling

SB 113 DEI Ban In Schools

SPEAKER_01 12:39

of existing DEI efforts and prohibit the formation of new offices or roles dedicated to these areas. Additionally, these bills would restrict schools from engaging third parties to support diversity-based hiring or admissions practices and prevent the inclusion of DEI references and job descriptions. As professionals committed to the well-being and development of our clients and communities, it is important that we stand against legislation that could undermine efforts to foster inclusive and equitable educational environments. Furthermore, OCA states that according to figures published by Ohio's Department of Education, student populations in Ohio schools are becoming more diverse. Research indicates that educational outcomes tend to improve when teachers and staff reflect the demographic characteristics of their communities. Having a teacher who shares similar backgrounds with students can enhance engagement, leading to better attendance, higher test scores, and an increased graduation rate. Policymakers have acknowledged the importance of a diverse K-12 workforce and have emphasized the need for contractual agreements that outline strategies to ensure staff represent the communities they serve. Notably, investments in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have contributed to a more represented faculty and staff within Ohio schools. The Ohio Counseling Association strongly opposes Senate Bill 113, which threatens to marginalize systemically vulnerable, oppressed, or underrepresented groups. We acknowledge the potential psychological harm and stand in solidarity with those affected. SAGEO opposes any legislation conflicting with the American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics that hampers community growth, development, or well-being. OCA's testimony was submitted to the committee along with oppositional testimony from Equality Ohio, the Ohio Federation of Teachers, the Ohio School Counseling Association, the Columbus Education Justice Coalition, as well as various school boards and concerned committee members. It's clear that Ohioans are willing to stand up for the rights of our students. We urge you to contact your representatives and encourage them to oppose Senate Bill 113.

SPEAKER_00 14:39

Now, a bit of national news. A broad coalition representing professionals with degrees in nursing, counseling, public health, and education has formed to challenge a new U.S. Department of Education policy that, if enacted, would unlawfully exclude a wide array of professionals from access to the direct loan program. This program is the largest source of federal financial assistance for those continuing on to post-secondary education programs. In a complaint filed by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Education Association,

Student Loans And Professional Degrees

SPEAKER_00 15:20

Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, and American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the coalition is asking a court to block the rule, which violates the Administrative Procedure Act. The plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward, a Jacobson Lawyers Group, PLCC. In July 2025, Congress enacted legislation that changed the Department of Education's Direct to Loan Program, which eliminated one type of loan and imposed new borrowing limits on others. In the new law, Congress expressly preserved higher borrowing limits for students pursuing professional degrees. Months after the law was signed, the Department of Education issued a new rule, reimagining and improving student education, federal student loan program final regulations, which drastically narrows what is considered a professional degree for the purposes of federal student loans. The Department of Education's redefinition of professional degrees excludes degrees in nursing, public health, education, counseling, marriage and family therapy, and other post-baccalaureate programs that prepare students for entry into critical professional programs that require specialized training. The result will not only harm students and educational institutions, but also undermine access to vital health care, mental health, and educational services for communities across the country. This administration cannot unilaterally disqualify sectors of the workforce from vital financial aid to not only deprive them of their dreams, but also to deprive people in America who need their services, says Sky Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward. The case is American Association of Nurse Practitioners et al. versus Linda McCann et al. We will look out for updates as the case progresses.

SPEAKER_01 17:11

That wraps up this month's episode of Couch to Capital. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an update. If you have questions, feedback, or want to get involved with our advocacy efforts, be sure to drop us a line. Additionally, please be sure to check out resources listed in our show notes. You can text us or connect with our socials, which are found in the show notes as well.