Overview

• The budget formally enshrines state recognition of only two sexes—male and female—excluding non-binary and intersex identities
• It prohibits Medicaid reimbursement for mental health services that promote or affirm a social gender transition
• Unlike earlier laws aimed at minors, the new restrictions extend for the first time to transgender adults
• Governor DeWine vetoed provisions that would have defunded transgender-affirming homeless youth shelters, limited LGBTQ materials in libraries and banned pride flags on government buildings
• The two-sex policy and Medicaid funding ban will become effective 90 days after enactment, reshaping transgender rights in Ohio this fall