Ohio Bill Aims to Expand Student Assessment Options

Proposed legislation would allow schools to accept multiple nationally standardized tests for college admissions.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ohio lawmakers have introduced House Bill 326, which would allow public and private schools to use any valid, nationally standardized exam for college admission, including the ACT, SAT, Classic Learning Test, and others. The bill's sponsors say this would provide students more flexibility in demonstrating college readiness based on their individual learning backgrounds.

Why it matters

Currently, Ohio requires students to take specific state-approved assessments for college admission, which can create barriers for some students. The proposed legislation aims to give students and schools more options and remove obstacles to post-secondary education.

The details

House Bill 326 was introduced by Ohio Representatives Kevin Ritter and Johnathan Newman. If passed, the bill would require state colleges and universities to accept any valid, nationally norm-referenced exam approved under the state's College and Work Ready Assessment System for admission. Supporters say this would allow students to choose the test that best reflects their individual learning and preparation.

  • House Bill 326 was introduced in the Ohio legislature in February 2026.

The players

Kevin Ritter

Ohio state representative and co-sponsor of House Bill 326.

Johnathan Newman

Ohio state representative and co-sponsor of House Bill 326.

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What they’re saying

“This legislation is about giving students, families, and schools more options and fewer barriers. Ohio students come from diverse educational backgrounds, and they deserve the flexibility to demonstrate college readiness using the assessment that best reflects their learning.”

— Kevin Ritter, Ohio state representative (Tribune Chronicle)

What’s next

The Ohio Senate is currently reviewing House Bill 326 and will decide whether to pass the legislation.

The takeaway

The proposed changes to Ohio's college admission assessment requirements aim to provide students more options and flexibility in demonstrating their readiness for post-secondary education, removing potential barriers for students from diverse educational backgrounds.