Ohio HB 800 enacts the Preschool for All Act, requiring universal preschool and all-day kindergarten by 2031 while increasing sports gaming taxes

Original title: Enact the Preschool for All Act

Last action · May 13, 2026: Referred to FinanceSponsors: Crystal Lett and 32 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Ohio House Bill 800 mandates that all school districts provide universal preschool programs and all-day kindergarten starting July 1, 2031, while increasing the sports gaming tax rate to 33% for major market operators to fund these educational expansions and establish dedicated revenue funds.

Why it matters

The measure restructures state education mandates and creates new revenue streams from sports gaming taxes, directly impacting school district operations, teacher staffing standards, and local tax revenues across Ohio.

Background

Ohio public school funding and preschool regulations are governed by Title XXXIII of the Ohio Revised Code, which undergoes periodic legislative adjustments. context
Sports gaming was legalized in Ohio under previous legislation, establishing a framework of taxes and fees administered by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

School districts

City, local, and exempted village school districts must implement universal preschool and all-day kindergarten programs, participate in surveys, and manage staff salary minimums.

Directly affected

Sports gaming proprietors

Sports gaming operators with a market share of two and one-quarter per cent or greater are subject to an increased tax rate of thirty-three per cent starting in 2028.

Directly affected

Preschool teachers and staff

Head teachers in preschool programs must be paid a salary of at least thirty-five thousand dollars per year, and staff members face updated credential and training requirements.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the universal preschool and all-day kindergarten requirements take effect?

The requirements take effect on and after July 1, 2031, beginning with the 2031-2032 school year.

Can school districts request a waiver from the preschool and kindergarten mandates?

Yes, school districts may submit a request to the Department of Education and Workforce by February 1 prior to the school year for which the waiver is sought, subject to public hearings and approval processes.

How are the preschool and all-day kindergarten programs funded?

The programs are funded in part through an increased sports gaming tax rate of thirty-three per cent on operators with a large market share, with revenues deposited into dedicated state education and preschool funds.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

2 actions

May 13, 2026HouseCommittee
Referred to Finance
Mar 31, 2026HouseIntroduced
Introduced

Version history

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