OH HB473

Requires school districts, community schools, STEM schools, and college-preparatory boarding schools to adopt a policy establishing a limited public forum for student speakers at school events within 180 days of the effective date.

Defines "religious expression" to include prayer, religious gatherings, distribution of religious materials, wearing symbolic clothing, and expression of religious viewpoints (provided they are not obscene, vulgar, offensively lewd, or indecent).

Mandates that schools use neutral criteria for selecting student speakers, establish reasonable time limits, prevent obscene speech, and provide written disclaimers that student messages do not reflect school endorsement or sponsorship.

Prohibits schools from excluding students from speaking on otherwise permissible subjects simply because the subject is expressed from a religious viewpoint.

Requires the Ohio Department of Education to develop a model limited public forum policy within 90 days of the effective date for voluntary use by school districts and schools.