Help Pass Ohio’s “Reasonable Childhood Independence” Bill (SB 277)

Hi friend of Let Grow and supporter of children's independence in Ohio,

We have good news to share with those who want to see Reasonable Childhood Independence legislation passed in Ohio. Twelve states have already passed these protections, and now Ohio has the opportunity to join them.

SB 277, sponsored by State Senate Majority Floor Leader Theresa Gavarone, will be heard in the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee on March 25, 2026 at 9:45 AM at the State Capitol in Columbus.

Momentum is building nationally. Indiana’s Governor signed a Reasonable Childhood Independence bill in February, and Kansas is preparing to vote on its version as well. Now Ohio has the opportunity to protect children’s rights to engage in reasonable independent activities and parents’ abilities to allow them to do so.

You can track the progress of the bill here.

Here’s How You Can Help

We are asking Ohio supporters to either testify in person or submit written testimony in support of SB 277.

Option 1: Testify in Person

If you are able to travel to Columbus and testify at the hearing, please email Diane Redleaf at LetGrow, who is coordinating the testimony with:

• A brief statement explaining why you support the legislation
• A few sentences about your background

Diane is happy to provide guidance if you have never testified before.

Please note that Ohio does not allow testimony by video/Zoom, so in-person participation is especially appreciated.

Option 2: Submit Written Testimony

If attending in person is not possible, you can still submit written testimony.

A short statement can be as simple as:

“Thank you for sponsoring SB 277. I support this legislation because children benefit from reasonable childhood independence, and families should not fear investigation for allowing these normal childhood activities.”

Longer testimony (1–3 pages) is also welcome, especially if you can share:

• Personal or professional experiences related to childhood independence
• Concerns about children being prevented from engaging in normal independent activities
• Observations from parenting, education, youth work, or community life

Please include:

• Your name
• Address and ZIP code
• Email and phone number

Written testimony must be submitted online through the Ohio Senate website at least 24 hours before the hearing.

The submission link will appear in the committee notice typically posted the Friday before the hearing (expected March 20) here. You click on the date of the hearing. Then click Upload Testimony.

If you submit longer testimony, please also send a copy to Margaret Patrick, Sen. Gavarone’s staff member, at: Margaret.Patrick@ohiosenate.gov and cc Diane at diane@letgrow.org.

Additional Way to Help

If you live in the district of a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, please consider emailing or calling your State Senator to express support for SB 277.

You can find the committee members, their districts, and contact information here.

The committee hearing will be live-streamed on The Ohio Channel

Thank you so much for helping Let Grow support Ohio children and families by showing support for SB 277.