Ohio Lawmaker Revises Bill to Punish School Districts for Suing Over Vouchers

Rep. Jamie Callender plans to amend legislation that would withhold state funding from districts challenging voucher programs in court.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Rep. Jamie Callender, a Republican lawmaker in Ohio, has proposed revising a bill that would allow the state to withhold funding from any school district that challenges Ohio's private school voucher programs in court. The original bill, House Bill 671, faced immediate criticism from opponents who argued it violated school districts' constitutional rights. Callender now plans to amend the legislation so that only the amount being spent on a lawsuit would be put in escrow, rather than the entire amount of funding the district was due from the state.

Why it matters

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate over school voucher programs in Ohio. Critics argue the voucher system diverts much-needed funding away from public schools, while supporters say it provides families with more educational choices. The proposed bill raises concerns about whether it would unconstitutionally punish school districts for exercising their legal rights to challenge the state's policies.

The details

House Bill 671, sponsored by Rep. Jamie Callender, a Lake County Republican, would allow the state to deny support to any school district involved in legal action against Ohio's voucher programs or other parts of the state education funding. Under the original proposal, money that would normally go to the school district would be held in an escrow fund. Callender now plans to revise the bill so that only the amount being spent on a lawsuit would be put in escrow, rather than the entire amount of funding the district was due from the state.

  • In late June, a Franklin County judge agreed with local school districts that providing $1 billion in funding to private schools for the EdChoice scholarship program hurt public schools.
  • The case is now pending in the 10th District of the Ohio Court of Appeals.

The players

Rep. Jamie Callender

A Republican lawmaker in Ohio who sponsored House Bill 671, which would withhold state funding from school districts that challenge Ohio's voucher programs in court.

Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney

The ranking Democrat on the House Finance Committee, which will hear testimony on House Bill 671.

Eric Brown

Former Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court and former Columbus City Schools Board of Education member, who stated the bill is unconstitutional.

Sen. Jerry Cirino

A Republican state senator from Lake County who supports House Bill 671.

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What they’re saying

“The bill will still penalize school districts and continues to be unconstitutional. Whether it is a dime or $1 million, it's unconstitutional.”

— Eric Brown, Former Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court and former Columbus City Schools Board of Education member (Statement)

“I don't know how you don't see that as an infringement on the most basic right to be able to seek justice in our judicial branch.”

— Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney, Ranking Democrat on the House Finance Committee (Interview)

“That's really the objection here, is that they're using state funded money to sue the state.”

— Sen. Jerry Cirino, Republican state senator from Lake County (Interview)

What’s next

The case challenging Ohio's voucher programs is currently pending in the 10th District of the Ohio Court of Appeals.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing tension between public school districts and the state government over the use of taxpayer funds for private school vouchers. The proposed changes to the bill suggest lawmakers are trying to find a balance, but critics argue any attempt to punish school districts for exercising their legal rights would be unconstitutional.