Senator O'Brien introduces bill to create nonrefundable tax credit for donations to pregnancy resource centers

Senator O'Brien provided sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 40, a bill that would authorize a nonrefundable state tax credit for donations to pregnancy resource centers (PRCs). O'Brien said PRCs in Ohio number more than 175 and provide free medical care and material assistance to women and families, relying on charitable donations and volunteers.

Senator Liston pressed the sponsor on program accountability, asking what outcomes or effectiveness measures would accompany taxpayer-supported tax expenditures. Liston asked specifically whether the bill includes metrics tied to maternal or infant health, noting recent state spending in related areas and saying, "for a $10,000,000 investment, we really want to see outcomes in terms of improved maternal outcomes, improved infant mortality." O'Brien said she would try to provide additional information and emphasized that PRCs direct donations toward client services, adding that many workers are volunteers and that centers emphasize education and material support.

Committee members also raised a Franklin County study cited during questioning that found a previous distribution to PRCs resulted in only 3% of funds going directly to individuals; a senator said that finding supports caution and the need for guardrails if the state were to provide large tax expenditures to this broad category of organizations.

The committee did not take a vote on Senate Bill 40 at this hearing. Chair Blessing opened the floor for questions and said the roll on the prior bill (SB9) would remain open until 5 p.m. for any additional votes.

Sponsor testimony concluded with the senator inviting further questions at future hearings.