In his final State of the State address before the Ohio General Assembly, Mike DeWine focused primarily on policies related to children, education, technology safety, and public safety while reflecting on accomplishments from his two terms in office.
A significant portion of the address centered on protecting children from harmful uses of technology. DeWine urged lawmakers to adopt safeguards related to artificial intelligence, including banning AI-generated child pornography and allowing prosecutors to take action against technology companies whose platforms enable AI systems that encourage self-harm or violence. He also called for requiring technology companies to automatically implement parental control features.
Education initiatives were another major focus. DeWine highlighted Ohio’s transition to the “science of reading” instructional approach and announced additional steps to support implementation, including regional literacy support teams and expanded coaching resources for schools. He also encouraged lawmakers to support legislation increasing recess time for K-8 students and renewed his call to make failure to wear a seat belt a primary traffic offense.
Notably, the speech did not address issues affecting older Ohioans, aging services, or long-term care. While the governor outlined several policy initiatives focused on children and youth, topics related to Ohio’s aging population were not discussed.
DeWine, who is completing his second and final term, closed the speech by urging lawmakers to continue “planting trees” — a metaphor he has used throughout his administration to describe policymaking intended to benefit future generations.