Ohio House Passes Bill to Encourage 4-H, FFA Participation

(COLUMBUS, OHIO)-State Representatives Thomas Hall (R-Madison Twp.) and Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria) are pleased to announce that the Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 125, legislation to support Ohio students who participate in 4-H and FFA programs, equipping the future leaders of Ohio's agriculture industry.

The measure, championed by Hall and Creech, will require schools to excuse students in kindergarten through twelfth grade for an absence that comes as a result of their participation in 4-H and FFA.

To qualify for an excused absence, students will be required to provide documentation proving their participation in the activity. The school district will also be required to give the student the opportunity to make up any work missed due to the program. A school administrator will be permitted to deny a request under certain circumstances, such as conflicts with state assessments.

"The goal of our education system is to equip students with lifelong skills that help them achieve success in the future, and 4-H and FFA strive to achieve that same goal," said Hall. "This is commonsense legislation that supports students who participate in these programs without interfering with their education."

"Enriching the lives of our students outside the classroom is just as important as the curriculum that we prioritize inside the classroom," said Creech. "This bill will help students participate in activities that provide them hands-on experience, preparing them for future success in Ohio's top industry!"

The Ohio FFA Association has more than 30,720 members participating in FFA programming statewide, and more than 156,760 youth participate in Ohio 4-H clubs, camps, school programs, and afterschool activities.

House Bill 125 now awaits further consideration from the Ohio Senate.