CreativeOhio has released a new issue brief from Executive Director & CEO Sarah Sisser outlining Ohio House Bill 249, its current status in the Ohio Senate, and potential implications for artistic expression and Ohio’s arts and culture sector.
The legislation has passed the Ohio House and now moves to the Ohio Senate.
CreativeOhio has released a new issue brief to help arts organizations, cultural leaders, and community members better understand Ohio House Bill 249, the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act, and the questions it raises for artistic expression and cultural programming in Ohio.
HB 249 recently passed the Ohio House and now advances to the Ohio Senate. Since the bill’s introduction in Spring 2025, CreativeOhio has been actively monitoring the legislation and engaging with legal and legislative counsel to better understand its potential implications for Ohio’s creative sector.
CreativeOhio’s issue brief outlines several key concerns for the arts and culture sector, including:
- Uncertainty surrounding interpretation and enforcement
- Potential impacts on artistic programming and cultural events
- Concerns about a chilling effect on artists, presenters, and touring productions
- The broader implications for Ohio’s creative economy and cultural climate
The brief also provides an overview of what the legislation does (and does not) do under current Ohio law.
For organizations and individuals with ongoing concerns about HB 249, now is an important time to engage with members of the Ohio Senate. CreativeOhio encourages members to share thoughtful, real-world examples of how the legislation could impact artistic expression, local arts economies, tourism, and community programming.
