Several new laws set to take effect in 2025 will significantly impact Ohio’s public schools, introducing changes in areas such as religious accommodations, facility usage, and technology policies.

Starting Jan. 1, the R.E.D Act also known as religious expression days will allow K-12 students in Ohio to use up to three days, which will be excused, for religious purposes. 

According to the Ohio Department of Education the law states schools must adopt a plan “that reasonably accommodates the sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of individual students with regard to all examinations or other academic requirements and absences for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief system.”

The decree also prohibits school leaders from penalizing those students or questioning their requests.

Another law that will take effect on Feb. 25 focuses on transgender youths and adults using bathrooms . Senate Bill 104 requires transgender people in K-12 schools and universities to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender assigned at birth rather than what they identify as.

LGBTQ advocates are concerned about the potential consequences of this law.

"Some of the research that's coming out nationally is in states that have anti trans youth bills. Trans youth experience higher rates of bullying and higher rates of self harm," Ken Schneck, editor of The Buckeye Flame said. 

By July 1 of next year, K-12 schools in the state must also establish a new policy to govern the use of cell phones during school hours. 

Not all schools will have the same policy, but the Ohio Department of Education must create a model policy for school districts to follow when making their own rules.

According to Governor Mike DeWine, the goal is to eliminate distractions and challenges while learning.