June 26, 2025: Late yesterday afternoon, the Ohio House and Senate voted to approve the report of the Conference Committee for the State Budget. The Fiscal Year 26-27 state operating budget bill (HB 96) has now been sent to Governor DeWine for signature by Monday, June 30.

The two-year state budget includes a $25 million reduction in funding to the Public Library Fund (PLF), dropping total state support from $504.6 million in FY25 to $479.7 million in FY26 and $489.7 million in FY27. This decrease is the result of a shift from a percentage of the General Revenue Fund (GRF) to a fixed line-item appropriation and the addition of $10.3 million in annual transfers to support state agencies including the State Library of Ohio, the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN), the Library for the Blind, Regional Library Systems, and the Ohioana Library Association.

Other provisions that have been included in HB 96 that will directly affect public libraries:

• Requiring public libraries to segregate materials related to sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, guaranteeing they are not visible to anyone under 18.
• Allowing a County Budget Commission to reduce the millage on any voter-approved tax levy except for debt levies.
• Reducing the terms of office for board of trustee members appointed after the bill's effective date from 7 years to 4 years.

Before signing, the governor will have the opportunity for line-item vetoes. For those interested in reaching out to the governor, please feel free to call or email before Monday, June 30.

Governor Mike DeWine Contact Info

Phone: 614-466-3555  
Email: governor.ohio.gov/contact 

Other Resources:

• Ohio Library Council Budget Update
• Ohio Library Council's Press Release (6.25.25)
• Ohio House Bill 96