Ohio Bill Aims to Ease Child Care Access for Military Families

Proposed legislation would exempt certain military-certified providers from state licensing requirements.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ohio Senate Bill 218 seeks to simplify child care access for military families by exempting child care facilities licensed through the U.S. Department of Defense from state licensure requirements. The bill's sponsor says it highlights the unique struggles that military families face in securing quality, affordable child care, especially as they relocate every 2-3 years on average.

Why it matters

The bill is part of a broader effort to address the child care access crisis impacting families across Ohio and the nation. Military families often face additional barriers in finding child care, with military spouses frequently relocating and struggling to maintain employment and child care arrangements. This legislation aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and improve child care options for those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The details

Senate Bill 218 would add family child care providers certified by any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard, to the list of providers exempt from Ohio's state child care licensing requirements. Currently, the Department of Defense certifies around 814 child care providers nationwide, with strict standards including background checks, liability insurance, and ongoing training. The state's own licensing rules for different types of child care facilities have similar requirements, which the bill's sponsor says creates duplicative red tape for military families.

  • The bill was introduced in the Ohio Senate in October 2025.
  • The most recent committee hearing on the bill was held last week, with no immediate action taken.

The players

Ohio Senate Bill 218

Legislation that aims to exempt child care facilities licensed through the U.S. Department of Defense from state licensure requirements in Ohio.

Kristina Roegner

Republican state senator from Hudson, Ohio, and the sponsor of Senate Bill 218.

U.S. Department of Defense

The federal agency that certifies and oversees around 814 child care providers nationwide, with strict standards for those facilities.

Shane Preston

Department of Defense liaison for the Great Lakes region, who has voiced support for the Ohio bill in committee hearings.

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What they’re saying

“Many of these hardships stem from the fact that, on average, military families usually move every two or three years, making it difficult for spouses to secure employment and for families to access quality child care.”

— Kristina Roegner, State Senator

“The department recognizes the importance of providing these families with access to quality, affordable child development programs, and pledges to meet increased demand.”

— Shane Preston, Department of Defense Liaison

What’s next

The Ohio Senate's Armed Services, Veterans Affairs, and Public Safety Committee will continue considering Senate Bill 218, with the potential for a vote in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This legislation is part of a broader effort to address the child care access crisis impacting families across Ohio and the nation, with military families facing unique challenges due to frequent relocations. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the bill aims to improve child care options for those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.