OH HB698

Requires state universities to annually certify compliance with multiple existing laws (including DEI restrictions, free speech protections, and other regulations) to the Chancellor of Higher Education, with noncompliance resulting in withholding of state share of instruction funds that cannot be recovered even after achieving compliance

Prohibits universities from reassigning or disguising positions to continue diversity, equity, and inclusion functions, requiring detailed inventories and justification reports for any DEI employees reassigned after January 1, 2025, with attestation from HR officers, general counsel, presidents, and board chairs

Mandates each university board of trustees adopt retrenchment policies within 90 days allowing program and faculty reductions for reasons including enrollment decline, program discontinuation, or financial emergency, with seniority and tenure not conferring retention rights except for faculty with 30-35 years of service credit

Requires elimination of undergraduate degree programs that average fewer than five graduates annually over any three-year period, though the Chancellor may grant waivers with conditions

Adds state institution of higher education employee salary and employment information to the Ohio state and local government expenditure database, requiring universities to provide this data for public searchability