OH HB602

Exempts "home education learning pods" (voluntary associations of parents directing their children's education at home) from Ohio child care licensing and regulatory requirements under Chapter 5104 of the Revised Code.

Prohibits county and township zoning commissions and boards from restricting the location of home education learning pods in residential or other districts, though buildings must still comply with applicable zoning requirements.

Defines a home education learning pod as requiring at least one parent present while meeting, including only parents' children receiving home education (plus siblings or other children under parental care), and parents choose when to group children together.

Adds the exemption as item (11) to existing child care exemptions in Section 5104.02(B) of the Revised Code.

Makes the changes effective immediately upon passage, with additional conforming amendments to versions of the regulations scheduled to take effect January 1, 2025.