Shared Use Bill To Become Law in Ohio

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Families and children in Ohio are one step closer to having increased access to school playgrounds during non-school hours, thanks to legislation recently passed by Ohio lawmakers.

According to a blog from the American Heart Association (AHA), legislators enacted this bill on December 17, 2014. The bill will become law 90 days after it’s signed by state Governor John R. Kasich.

The bill which was supported by State Rep. Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster) helps clarify concerns around liability. Often such issues can keep school districts from allowing facilities to be shared with the public during after school hours.

“The ability for schools to open up their doors to the community will help maximize community involvement and hopefully begin to support activities that lead to active living, reduce obesity, increase community safety and promote community support for public schools,” said  Rep. Stebelton in the AHA press release.

With more than 39% of Latino kids being classified as overweight or obese and few safe places for recreation in Latino neighborhoods, shared use agreements can be especially useful among Latinos and low-income communities.

Already 30 states (including Ohio) have passed similar legislation to encourage school districts to adopt shared-use agreements. Now the AHA will continue efforts to help pass shared use policies in states like Iowa, West Virginia, Montana and Washington, D.C.

Read the full press release about this bill here.