Ohio Lawmakers Push Back on Voucher Expansion Amid New Limits Bill

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers have introduced House Bill 643 to restrict eligibility for the state's universal EdChoice Expansion vouchers, just months after Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 33 in July 2025, transforming the program into near-universal access for all K-12 students regardless of income or district.[1][3] Rep. Justin Pizzulli, R-Scioto County, and Rep. Anita Somani, D-Dublin, filed the bipartisan measure earlier this month, proposing an income cap at 500% of the federal poverty level — adjusted annually for inflation — to curb costs that hit $1.1 billion for fiscal year 2025, with $492.8 million from expansions alone.[1] The 2025 budget boosted scholarships to $6,166 for K-8 students and $8,408 for high schoolers from families at or below 450% of federal poverty levels, tapering for higher earners.[1][3] Critics, including public school advocates, point to a June 2024 Franklin County ruling that declared the program unconstitutional for diverting over $700 million from public schools, which receive less per-pupil funding while private schools can reject students.[2] That decision, from a 2022 lawsuit by districts and families, argued it violates the state constitution's mandate for a 'thorough and efficient' common school system.[2] Amid backlash, separate bills reflect voucher tensions: Rep. Josh Callender, R-Powell, withdrew HB 671 in March 2026 after outcry over penalizing suing districts, while HB 715 by Reps. Roy Klopfenstein, R-Haviland, and Mike Odioso, R-Green Twp., seeks report cards for voucher-accepting private schools to match public accountability.[4][5][6] Policy Matters Ohio supports the transparency push, noting the lack of standardized data for the $1.1 billion investment.[5] With Ohio's 1.7 million public school students at stake, the voucher debate intensifies ahead of the 2026 legislative session.