Senate Unanimously Passes Cirino Computer Science Bill

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 326, sponsored by Senator Jerry C. Cirino (R-Kirtland), which requires all high school students to complete one semester of computer science before graduating.

Cosponsored by Senator Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati), the bill gives Ohio schools a 7-year runway to prepare for every student taking the course and a 3-year runway before schools need to have this subject area up and running. 

"I'm grateful for the bipartisan support from my colleagues on this important bill," Sen. Cirino said. "It's our responsibility to make sure Ohio students are prepared to live, work, and thrive in a world increasingly integrated with new technology and AI."

The legislation specifies that one-half credit can be taken at any point between 8th and 12th grades, and it can also be offered as a college credit plus. There's also a virtual option for schools that may need it. 

The bill comes on the heels of the General Assembly's investment in credentialing 800 educators to teach computer science with the Teach CS program.

"We don't always agree here in the statehouse," Sen. Cirino said. "But equipping the next generation of Ohioans to live in a world transformed by AI and technology is something we're all united on."

The Ohio Senate sent the bill to the Ohio House for consideration.

 
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