Read the sections below to find information on ODVN’s current policy priorities, latest bill tracker, and the latest news on pending bills.

136th General Assembly Legislative Priorities

From January 2025 to December 2026, ODVN is pursuing four main policy priorities:

Priority #1. Maintaining Level Funding for Domestic Violence Shelters and Community Programs—H.B. 96

Ohio has made significant strides in funding domestic violence services, and we are incredibly grateful to the legislature for prioritizing the safety of families and advocating for this progress. ODVN hopes to increase funding for domestic violence programs in future General Assemblies to bring Ohio more in line with surrounding states.

*Per capita graphic reflects the amount of state general funds state domestic violence coalitions and their member programs received for FY24.

Priority #2. Enhancing Child Safety and Reforming Family Courts—S.B. 174

ODVN will advocate for legislation around family court reform to create a safer, more child-centered process for children and their families, while ensuring the systems involved have training and education to understand the interplay between domestic violence and child abuse.

Priority #3. Improving Systemic Responses to Strangulation—legislation pending

ODVN will advocate for legislation to expand access to forensic evidence collection for strangulation and explore options for anonymous reporting. Current mandatory reporting laws for felony strangulation may deter survivors from seeking medical care; a trauma-informed alternative can protect survivor safety while preserving prosecutorial pathways. 

Priority #4. Increasing Housing Protections for Survivors—legislation pending  

ODVN will advocate for legislation that allows survivors to break a lease or change locks when safety is at risk, while protecting them from landlord retaliation, discrimination, or information disclosure.

Tracked Bills

ODVN monitors the progress of bills that affect domestic violence survivors and their children in the Ohio Legislature. Use this legislative tracker as a resource to stay informed:

• 136th General Assembly (2025-2026)

Legislative Fact Sheets

• Kids Come First: S.B. 174 Sign-On Letter

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May 2025 Newsletter • March 2025 Newsletter