***When the Opposition Hearing is announced we will add the information on how to submit your testimony here.***
If you are interested in having your testimony reviewed beforehand or have any further questions please email dara@transohio.org and use the subject “HB249 Testimony”.
HB249: Proposed Age Restriction on Drag Performance and Perceived Transgender Performance
Bill Summary:
Summary: Creates the crime, “unlawful adult cabaret performance,” defined as “recklessly” putting on any “performance” that is “harmful to juveniles or obscene” and that features “performers or entertainers who exhibit a gender identity that is different from the performer's or entertainer's gender assigned at birth using clothing, makeup, prosthetics or imitation genitals or breasts, or other physical markers” outside of an “adult cabaret” venue.
Brief History;
HB245 from last year, nearly identical and failed:
What has changed for this year’s version is it now defines a person’s private area instead of a person’s private parts as what shall not be exposed.
What’s the current status and timeline for HB249:
In the House Judicial Committee and preparing for the first opposition hearing, it must have multiple hearings, get passed out of committee, then passed by the House, then needs to be heard in the Senate committee, then passed out of the Senate, then signed by the Governor. It could also be added onto another bill like HB183 the bathroom ban did, but that is not the current outlined path.
Bill Summary Expanded:
Criminalization and Felony Charges: HB 249 makes it a crime and in some cases a felony, to perform while transgender or in drag outside of adults-only clubs. By limiting them only to “adult cabaret” venues, which is defined in the bill as a venue that regularly features nudity and sexual content. Performers that gender-bend or are perceived to gender bend in a location other than an adult club are guilty of unlawful adult cabaret performance, which is a felony in certain circumstances:
In the presence of someone under 18 years = 1st-degree misdemeanor
“Obscene” = 5th-degree felony
“Obscene” and if someone under 13 years is present = 4th-degree felony
Obscenity and Harmful Labeling: The bill equates living as or performing while transgender, and the art form of Drag, with being obscene and harmful to juveniles, perpetuating harmful stigmas and discrimination.
Chilling Effect on the Arts: By criminalizing Drag performances outside of "adult cabaret" venues and imposing felony charges if these performances occur in the presence of someone under 18, HB 249 will have a chilling effect on artistic expression and lead to self-censorship in spaces where gender-bending is part of the art form.
Conflict with First Amendment Rights: HB 249 poses a serious threat to First Amendment rights by restricting freedom of expression and artistic performance.
Montana, Tennessee and Florida have been blocked from implementing similar laws on the grounds that they were unconstitutionally vague and a violation of the First Amendment.
Testimony Perspective Examples:
First: grounding with the current moment and persuasion now is different than 5yrs ago.
Trans people who could be criminalized for how the perform gender by just existing
Drag performers who could have the first amendment rights restricted, livelihoods hurt
Drag highlighting drag that looks conservative, drag that is done by people playing with the gender they were assigned at birth, drag to help highlight the absurdity and hypocrisy
People who run theaters, chorus’, libraries to talk about the cultural and financial impact
Concerned ally community members
Arguments for Testimony:
We know that the community is being targeted, and you are rightfully furious. You can’t persuade someone to care about your rights when they don’t see you as a person. You can meet them where they are and show how their bill will hurt things they care about.
Weighing do you need to say it verse do you want to say it, what will be constructive vs cathartic.
Drag is a popular expressive art form that does not harm anyone. Focus on the fiscal impact of arts, the more details towards municipal revenue from drag the better.
Trans and gender nonconforming individuals can be harassed and targeted with the vague language in this bill. As can anyone perceived as performing gender in a way that someone doesn’t like or understand. Share your personal stories in a way a non-queer person can understand
Ohio’s children are already protected with current obscenity laws.
Bills like HB 249 have already been struck down as unconstitutional on first amendment freedom of speech grounds. Montana, Tennessee, Florida, Texas all have had similar laws deemed unconstitutional. Yet Ohio is still wasting taxpayer money on this.
Point out as much ridiculousness as possible, highlight all the things HB249 could restrict and the vast subjective gray area it creates that will harm many people in addition to those who are trans or perform drag.
Don’t give them anything they can use on their social media, do your best to make all the visuals from the hearing make them look as ridiculous and wasting tax payer time and money as possible.
Could broadly criminalize performing arts and protected speech. Drag is NOT a crime.
This “BAN” is vague and will also allow transgender individuals to be targeted.
Who Could this bill be applied to:
Trans people just living their lives? Yes
Cis people that don’t dress to perceived norms? Yes
Drag performers dressed modestly? Yes
People wearing cultural clothing( ie: Kilts or Thawbs)
Trans people performing in a theater or concert? Yes
Others? Yes, this is only a few examples
** While hateful rhetoric and violence have escalated, there have been no legal or policy changes either regarding trans people or organizations as “terrorists”.**
Read TransOhio’s Community Alert HERE
New language in the state budget bill would redefine legal sex as “biological sex” under state law and has added one of the most restrictive ID bills in the country. The Ohio legislature is preparing to vote on a budget bill that would redefine legal sex as “biological sex” under state law. This is not just semantics—it’s a direct attack on trans, nonbinary, and intersex Ohioans. If passed, this language would:
- require people to have their “biological sex” displayed on driver’s licenses and/or state IDs
- put those with updated birth certificates out of compliance with the federal Real ID law
This is a cruel, unnecessary move that erases our identities and puts our community at greater risk of discrimination, harassment, and violence.
We need your voice—RIGHT NOW.
***transohio.org/calls-to-action***
*** To clarify: The proposed Ohio budget HB96 as of 6/4/25 DOES NOT criminalize IDs for trans people, it DOES NOT make it a misdemeanor to update your ID. We apologize for the error, the confusion is part of the point of a budget that is over 5K pages, and we wanted to get the most correct information to everyone as soon as we realized. ***The Ohio legislature has proposed what would be one of the 5 most restrictive anti-trans ID laws in the country. It's okay to feel fire, fury, and fear—we all are.
Also know that there are thousands of trans people leading their lives where a similar law exists. If ever you wanted to fight, now is the time.
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TAKE ACTION TODAY
Right now, the Ohio legislature is preparing to vote on a budget bill that would redefine legal sex as “biological sex” under state law. This is not just semantics—it’s a direct attack on trans, nonbinary, and intersex Ohioans. If passed, this language would: require people have their “biological sex” displayed on driver’s licenses and/or state IDs and put those with updated birth certificates out of compliance with the federal Real ID law.
This is a cruel, unnecessary move that erases our identities and puts our community at greater risk of discrimination, harassment, and violence.
We need your voice—RIGHT NOW.
CALL your Ohio Senator and tell him or her to oppose any budget provisions that includes anti-trans language.
“Hi, my name is [Your Name] and I live in [Your County]. I’m calling to ask the Senator to oppose any budget language that redefines 'sex' as 'biological sex.' This harms trans and nonbinary Ohioans, and it does not belong in our state’s budget. Please reject this cruel and unnecessary provision.”
Submit public testimony: here. Look up your senator: here. Contact the Governor: here.Hearing notice: Friday, June 6 at 9:00AM
The Ohio Senate Finance Committee will have the 12th hearing on HB96, the state budget bill, on Friday, June 6th at 9:00AM in the Senate Hearing Room - or watch on the Ohio Channel.
Upload your testimony:
Write your concerns with the budget and save it as a PDF Select the budget bill on the webform, Legislation H.B.96Include your name (does not need to be legal name)Include your email Include your contact phone number and/or mailing address (optional)Upload your testimony as a PDF Indicate if you are testifying as an opponent, someone who has concerns about the bill Indicate whether you will be testifying in person at the Ohio Statehouse (verbal) or in writing only Complete the CAPTCHA to prove you're a real person Submit by 8:59AM on Thursday, June 5Call (614-644-7718) or e-mail Committee Chair, Sen. Cirino (R) and call (614-466-5204) or e-mail Ranking Member Sen. Hicks-Hudson (D).
Contact your Senator. Then contact Governor Mike DeWine: 614-466-3555.If passed, this would be one of the most restrictive ID laws in the country!
We know the real goal of this is to do harm through stress and fear – we don't know if it will pass, and we don't know how it would be implemented or enforced if it does pass. Frankly, neither do our elected officials.
We are currently discussing how best to push back against this newest attempt to restrict our rights. We know from previous legislation in Ohio and similar in other states that pushing back with messaging on how local businesses will be impacted; how people won't come to Ohio for concerts or sporting events; how people won't want to come to school here, vacation here or even drive through. Financial impact is a language that these legislators all speak. We will follow up with additional details as we have them.
TransOhio is not going anywhere! We will continue to provide support, aid and resources, always. No law, no matter how cruel and vile, will make trans people not be a part of this state. Ohio is our home, too.
Key Issues with the proposed State Budget
Redefinition of "Sex"
The bill proposes to legally define sex strictly as male or female. This change would exclude recognition of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals, potentially requiring them to carry identification documents that do not align with their gender identity. Such a definition could also impact access to gender-affirming care and other services.
Restrictions on LGBTQ+ Support
The bill includes provisions to stop funding youth homeless shelters that specifically assist LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as language that decreases funding for harm reduction efforts. The bill also mandates that all materials with LGBTQ+ content be made inaccessible to minors in public libraries. Lastly, the bill seeks to prohibit the display of Pride flags on government buildings, limiting visible support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Changes to Education
The bill proposes restructuring the State Board of Education by eliminating 11 elected positions and reducing the number of appointed members to 5. This shift could centralize control and diminish public representation in educational policymaking.Reallocation of Cannabis Tax Revenue
The bill alters the distribution of marijuana tax revenues, diverting promised funds away from previously designated social justice and community programs. The people already voted on this.Anti-Life Provisions
The bill permits higher levels of lead in our drinking water. The bill restricts Medicaid reimbursement for doula services to only 6counties with the highest infant mortality rates, potentially limiting access to these services in other regions. The bill also significantly decreases funding for mental health care programs and harm reduction efforts.
Labor Concerns
The bill undermines collective bargaining rights for workers, prohibits faculty and staff at public universities from striking, and restricts the number of hours state employees are allowed to work from home.Income Tax Favoring High Earners
The budget introduces a 2.75% flat income tax, reducing rates for individuals earning over $102,400. This change disproportionately benefits higher-income individuals while offering minimal relief to lower-income residents. The shift may also reduce state revenue, potentially impacting funding for essential public servicesCuts to Public Services
The bill arbitrarily reduces funding for essential services, including public education, childcare, healthcare, and food assistance programs. Simultaneously, it allocates substantial funds—reportedly a $600 million handout—to billionaire interests.
Lack of Coordination in Public Benefit Programs
HB96 maintains provisions that will likely impede the coordination and efficiency of public benefit systems, including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and WIC. The bill's language could lead to fragmented services, making it even more challenging for individuals to access comprehensive support.Senate Finance Committee Members:
Senator Jerry Cirino (R), Chair
Senator Brian Chavez (R), Vice Chair
Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D), Ranking Member
Senator Louis Blessing, III (R)
Senator Andrew Brenner (R)
Senator Hearcel Craig (D)
Senator Catherine Ingram (D)
Senator George Lang (R)
Senator Susan Manchester (R)
Senator Nathan Manning (R)
Senator Sandra O'Brien (R)
Senator Thomas Patton (R)
Senator Mark Romanchuk (R)
Senator Shane Wilkin (R)
***UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUDGET ACTION TO TAKE***
MEDICAID IS IN DANGER
If HR1 passes Congress, it will CUT ALL Medicaid funds for medical trans healthcare (for ALL ages), and it may limit coverage by ACA marketplace plans, in addition to other significate healthcare cuts and harms!
CALL THE SENATE! PARTICULARLY THE HEALTH COMMITTEE
Ohio Senators: https://www.senate.gov/states/OH/intro.htm
Senate Health Committee: https://www.help.senate.gov/about/members
Comment portal from Advocates for Trans Equality to email Senators: https://action.transequality.org/a/stopmedicaidcuts
Information from Equitas Health: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7aPsaMs-H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Information from the ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-responds-to-house-passage-of-reconciliation-bill-that-cuts-medicaid-harming-millions-of-people-with-disabilities
Information from Aids United: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7MZBxJibW/
*** OHIO STATE BUDGET ACTION TO TAKE (HB96) ***
Make sure senators emails and voicemails are full of how important this is, particularly how much Ohioans don't want costly lawsuits, how much the proposed budget will hurt your businesses and jobs:
Encourage State Senators to remove anti-LGBTQIA+ provisions:
Governor DeWine should also be pressured to line item veto it if it gets to his desk:
📱 Call: (614) 644-4357 & (614) 466-3555
📠 Fax (614) 466-9354
Encourage those around him to press for veto:
https://bit.ly/dewinecontacts
PLEASE also feel free to continue submitting testimony through this link if you want to remain anonymous:
https://bit.ly/transohio-budget
*** Call to Action and Action to Take on the Proposed State Budget (HB96) ***
BIG NEWS The #Ohio Senate Finance Committee will hold four public hearings on the budget next week:
Tuesday 5/27 at 9:00 AM
Wednesday 5/28 at 9:00 AM
Thursday 5/29 at 9:00 AM
Friday 5/30 at 1:30 PM
YOU can testify on ANY of those days on ANY piece of the budget you choose!
All hearings will be held in the Ohio Statehouse — Finance Hearing Room.
You can pick which day you’d like to testify, but ALL in-person testimony must be uploaded to the committee website by this Friday 5/23 at 5:00 pm: https://ohiosenate.gov/committees/finance/meetings
(Click the date you plan to testify and upload your testimony to that page)
Senate testimony template: https://bit.ly/OhioSenateTestimony
Make sure senators emails and voicemails are full of how important this is, particularly how much Ohioans don't want costly lawsuits: https://www.ohiosenate.gov/members/directory
Governor DeWine should also be pressured to line item veto it if it gets to his desk:
📱 Call: (614) 644-4357 & (614) 466-3555
📠 Fax (614) 466-9354
Encourage those around him to press for veto:
https://bit.ly/dewinecontacts
PLEASE also feel free to continue submitting testimony through this link if you want to remain anonymous in committee hearings and with the Governor:
https://bit.ly/transohio-budget
***HISTORICAL***
Wednesday 5/14 will be a big day for public testimony against portions of the proposed budget: HB96
There are 4 different committees to testify in:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE NOTICE
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 9:00 AM South Hearing Room
Upload Testimony HERE (Testimony Due Tuesday 5/13 before 9am)
AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE NOTICE
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 2:30 PM (Or after session) North Hearing Room
Upload Testimony HERE (Testimony Due Tuesday 5/13 before 2:30pm)
HEALTH COMMITTEE NOTICE
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 2:30 PM (Or after session) Finance Hearing Room
Upload Testimony HERE (Testimony Due Tuesday 5/13 before 2:30pm)
GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT AND REFORM COMMITTEE NOTICE
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 6:00 PM South Hearing Room
*Note that this hearing starts after the building is locked, please arrive prior to 5pm if you plan to testify in person.
Upload Testimony HERE (Testimony Due Tuesday 5/13 before 6pm)
We understand how constrained our power is and the exhaustion and damage this causes. Tap in and tap out as you need. Make space for friends, for food and laughter and crying, for grief and joy. But please—do not give up, your existence is resistance!
If you have the bandwidth, this is important and moving quickly; call and email our senator, senators in other states and urge the Senate to not move forward with H.R. 28.
Please note that the companion bill, S. 9, is the same as H.R. 28, but it originated in the U.S. Senate
The Case AGAINST H.R. 28 / S.9
(Trans Sports Ban)
Important HB68 Update:
Call to Action!
HB245 Seeks to Ban Drag and
“Performance” While Trans or GNC
Keep the pressure on:
call & email
House Criminal Justice Committee Chair, Rep. Cindy Abrams
614-466-9091, rep29@ohiohouse.gov
Drag is Not a Crime!
Protect the First Amendment!
We Will Not Be Erased!
Call to Action Week of 4/21/24 ANTI Trans Bills Moving!
Tuesday 4/23 - HB8 - Forced outing and ban on trans and LGBTQIA+ content (Senate Committee Hearing for all, possible vote)
Email your testimony here: brenner@ohiosenate.gov with witness slip by 2:30pm TODAY! (4/22)
Witness slip: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aHifmsRPxYQddvS8_kCSIz2FqiH13eHv/view
Full education committee contact info: https://www.honestyforohioeducation.org/uploads/1/3/8/2/138230989/senate_ed_mar_2024.pdf
More resources and testimony writing materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1-OjoOTJaeXM1sxjf7jITTwolmem0uHHh
Wednesday 4/24 - HB394 - Extreme "Divisive" content ban (Committee hearing for opponents)
Witness slip: https://www.lwvohio.org/_files/ugd/82d68a_6aae368081784959ab1550a7f08d25e7.pdf
Full education committee contact info:
https://www.honestyforohioeducation.org/uploads/1/3/8/2/138230989/house_he_mar_2024.pdf
HB183 - K-College trans bathroom ban (Possible floor vote),
Call Speaker Stephens to ask him not to move it forward, at (614) 466-1366
More resources: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1tq9Bna9gt6BfcTlVpBmJPa3l91fw6OJa
Proposed ODH Rules affecting surgical and referral access for minors can still be stopped:
Call and Email the Governor by May 1, 2024: 614-466-3555, governor@governor.ohio.gov
Call to Action Against Fascist Anti-Trans Bills in Ohio
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Call To Action:
OMHAS and ODH are holding public hearings regarding the revised “gender transition care” rules. TransOhio is asking our community & allies to submit written testimony. We continue to stand by our trans youth and oppose data collection on trans healthcare.
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Ohio Department of Health
Thursday, March 21
11:30am - 1:00pm, via Teams
Meeting ID: 249 987 672 891 Passcode: CodQw9
Email intent to testify
(virtually or written-only)
Alicyn.Carrel@odh.ohio.gov
subject line: TESTIFYING IN PUBLIC HEARING MARCH 21
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Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Monday, March 18, 10:00am
Lobby Hearing Room at
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH
Email written testimony by
March 18 at 5:00pm
MH-SOT-GTC2-rules@mha.ohio.gov subject line: TESTIMONY FOR PUBLIC HEARING MARCH 18
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Talking Points:
- These rules are unwanted, unnecessary, and unconstitutional!
- These rules are extreme government overreach into the private, personal medical decisions of individuals and families & their health care providers.
- These rules are contradictory to ethical principles, standards of care, current medical practices, and best practices.
2/5 TODAY: Call to Action Against Proposed
Ohio Department of Health Rules
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Action for 2/5 by 5pm
TransOhio has submitted public comment to Ohio Department of Health regarding the new proposed "Gender Transition Rules."
You can send your public comments directly to ODHrules@odh.ohio.gov but be sure to get them submitted before 5:00PM today, February 5, 2024!
Click Here to Email Your Comment
Click Here to Read TransOhio’s Comment and Supplemental Materials
Your comment can be as detailed as you want (please do not include personally-identifiable information for your own safety) or as simple as: don’t adopt the proposed rules, because these rules aren’t necessary!
1/19 TODAY: Call to Action Against Proposed
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS) Rules
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Action for 1/19 by 5pm
TransOhio has submitted public comment to Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services regarding the new proposed "Gender Transition Rules."
You can send your comments directly to mh-sot-rules@mha.ohio.gov but be sure to get them submitted before 5:00PM today, January 19, 2024.
Click Here to Email Your Comment
Click Here to Read TransOhio’s Comment and Supplemental Materials
Click Here for Additional Advice on Submitting Your Own Comment
Your comment can be as detailed as you want (please do not include personally-identifiable information for your own safety) or as simple as: don’t adopt the proposed rules, because these rules aren’t necessary!
Call to Action Against Fascist Anti-Trans Bills in Ohio
Call to Action Against Fascist Anti-Trans Bills in Ohio
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Action for 11/14-11/15
Click Here to Download contact information as CSV
How to Submit Testimony for HB 183 and SB 83: Click Here
All other bills are Sponsor Testimony only next week, so please contact legislators, but testimony can’t be submitted at this time.
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