(November 26) The Ohio Chamber of Commerce provided testimony in support of SJR 4 and its companion bill HJR 8 this week. These bills would place before voters a constitutional amendment, in May 2025, that would allow voters to approve an additional $2.5 billion of general obligation bonds to extend the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) at the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC). OPWC would use the funding for roads, bridges, wastewater treatment systems and other critical infrastructure. HJR 8 had its first hearing in the House Finance Committee, and SJR 4 unanimously passed Senate Finance Committee and passed the Senate 31-1.

Infrastructure maintenance and improvements, like those supported by SJR 4 and HJR 8, are necessary for the operation of Ohio businesses and the continued growth of Ohio's economy. Using bonds to fund these projects has proven to be an optimal way to fund these large infrastructure projects because bond financing spreads the cost over the lifespan of these types of projects.  We support building the funds to retire the bonds into the state budget planning so that a tax increase is not needed.

(October 2) Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced yesterday the fifth round of the Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) Grant opportunity. The program funds partnerships that help prepare Ohioans for the workforce while meeting the needs of job creators and local economies.

A new application period opened with $5 million available for new and existing industry sector partnerships, as funded through the current state operating budget. ISPs can be located in any region of Ohio, as long as the focus is on an in-demand sector, such as manufacturing or technology.

“Industry Sector Partnerships bring together educators and businesses, helping address the local workforce needs across Ohio,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “These partnerships give everyone a seat at the table and require collaboration between the public and private sectors. We continue to see success in these investments, helping prepare more students and job seekers for in-demand careers across the state.”

Industry sector partnerships are designed to develop workforce strategies specific to a given region of the state or industry sector to drive collaboration between local businesses, education and training providers, and community stakeholders. ISPs create and implement workforce strategies that enhance economic growth in all corners of the state.

“Through the Industry Sector Partnership program, we’re building a dynamic, sustainable workforce,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “This latest investment will further benefit job creators and help ensure that Ohioans have the skills they need to work in the in-demand jobs and industries that make our state a fertile ground for businesses looking to expand or relocate here.”

The fourth round of the Industry Sector Partnership Grant program awarded 26 partnerships a total of $5 million. Since the start of the program, a total of $12.5 million has been awarded to 41 unique partnerships. These partnerships have supported industries including manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, construction, and more.

The application period for the fifth round opened October 1, 2024 and closes October 31, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

To apply and learn more about the Industry Sector Partnership Grant, visit Workforce.Ohio.gov/ISP.

(August 30) - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced the launch of the Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program. Led by the Governor’s RecoveryOhio initiative, the new program is designed to create job opportunities for people in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental health condition, combat stigma surrounding addiction and mental illness in the workplace, and provide a boost to Ohio businesses.

Companies that implement recovery-friendly practices as part of their everyday operations and core values will be able to earn the official designation as an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace.
“The new Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program has the power to transform lives by offering meaningful work for people looking to get back on their feet and by providing additional support systems for current employees,” said Governor DeWine. “I’m calling on all Ohio businesses to implement recovery-friendly practices and earn this designation today. Together, we can reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction, while making our people, our economy, and our communities all stronger.”

To qualify as an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace, businesses have many options for the types of practices they can implement. One example is creating policies that support hiring people in recovery and working with their local Mental Health and Recovery Board to share job opportunities.

“We know that, for people in recovery, having a stable job brings a sense of pride and responsibility that often helps them maintain their recovery,” said RecoveryOhio Director Aimee Shadwick. “But people currently in recovery are only the tip of the iceberg of who will benefit from this program. To achieve Governor DeWine’s vision for a brighter future for all Ohioans, it’s also important that we support the great number of current employees who are struggling with addiction or mental illness in silence.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the majority of adults with an addiction are employed. In Ohio, the most recent full year of data shows that 19.2% of Ohio adults – over 1.7 million people – reported having a substance use disorder. In the same timeframe, 9.2% of Ohio adults – over 469,000 people – said they had experienced serious thoughts of suicide.

The Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program also encourages businesses to provide support systems that help employees feel comfortable requesting help if they are dealing with addiction or mental health challenges. Some examples include:

• Training leaders to identify signs of substance use and encouraging them to help employees seek treatment.
• Offering access to life-saving naloxone and training staff on how to use it in an emergency.
• Providing mental health and wellness education programs for employees.
• Promoting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to employees.

“By supporting those who are struggling, we can create an Ohio where everyone feels comfortable asking for the help they need to reach their full potential,” said Governor DeWine. “At the same time, we also know that companies that invest in recovery-friendly practices see significant economic benefits as well.”

The cost of employees battling a substance use disorder can be high for business when factoring in increased healthcare costs, decreased productivity, and time lost to unexpected absences or retraining due to turnover. However, research from the National Safety Council shows that every employee who recovers from a substance use disorder saves their company an average of over $8,500.

Interested businesses can learn more about the program, its benefits, how to request the designation, and more ideas for recovery-friendly practices they can bring to their businesses by visiting: RecoveryFriendlyWorkplace.MHA.Ohio.gov.

Governor DeWine announced the new program Friday during a ceremony at the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library. The Governor was joined for the ceremony by Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus and Paula Brehm-Heeger, the Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director of the library. Hamilton County launched their own local recovery-friendly workplace program two years ago. The library is one of dozens of local businesses participating in the program. During Friday’s event, Brehm-Heeger announced that the library is in the process of being among the first participants of the statewide program.

Businesses across the state have already expressed interest in earning the new Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace designation. Tina Thornton, Associate Vice President of Wellbeing and Safety at Columbus-based Nationwide, also spoke Friday and announced that Nationwide is the first business in the state to earn the new Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace designation.

Additional support for the Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program will be provided by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, and the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

About RecoveryOhio
RecoveryOhio works to improve mental health and addiction services in Ohio by providing access to resources and support for individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders. Visit RecoveryOhio.gov for more information.

(July 24) Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the following bills into law:

• Senate Bill 28, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), enters into the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, revises the law governing the certification and practice of medication aides, and remove residency conditions related to limited licenses to practice veterinary medicine.
• Senate Bill 29, sponsored by State Senator Stephen Huffman (R-Tipp City), regarding educational records and student data privacy.
• Senate Bill 40, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), enters into the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact and to address limitations imposed by health insurers on dental care services.
• Senate Bill 94, sponsored by State Senators Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) and Al Landis (R-Dover), makes various changes regarding recorded instruments, powers of attorney, judgment liens, mortgage subrogation, law enforcement towing laws, state stock banks, liquor control laws, motor vehicle sales and leases, designation of public depositories, community reinvestment areas, motor vehicle certificates of title, and higher education cost and aid disclosure forms; to provide for the electronic filing of pleadings or documents in courts of common pleas except a probate or juvenile court; in municipal courts, and in county courts, to permit an elected clerk to disburse funds for the computerization of the clerk's office without the court's authorization; to permit municipal and county courts to increase the maximum amount of their additional fees from ten dollars to twenty dollars to cover the computerization of the clerk's office; to enact the "CAMPUS" Act regarding the prevention of harassment and intimidation at institutions of higher education; to establish campus safety and community programs; to provide additional funding to support responsibilities of the Chancellor of Higher Education related to educator preparation programs and the science of reading; and to make appropriations.
• Senate Bill 98, sponsored by former State Senator Michael Rulli (R-Salem), addresses fraudulent business filings, deceptive mailings, reinstatement of canceled business entities, and addresses of statutory agents, and to make changes regarding property taxation, fire investigator firearms, acting or assigned judge reimbursements, common pleas clerk of court duties, recreational vehicle park and camp operation licenses, and state ballot numbering.
• Senate Bill 112, sponsored by former State Senator Michael Rulli (R-Salem), requires school buildings to comply with national life safety standards and to name this act the Ohio Childhood Safety Act.
• Senate Bill 156, sponsored by State Senators Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) and Bob Hackett (R-London), revises the law governing the designation of wild, scenic, and recreational rivers and to revise boating law to encourage boating safety.
• Senate Bill 168, sponsored by State Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester), amends Section 265.270 of H.B. 33 of the 135th General Assembly regarding primary, secondary, and higher education reform and notice requirements for certain reemployed retirants, to transfer cash from the General Revenue Fund to the High School Financial Literacy Fund.
• Senate Bill 175, sponsored by State Senator George Lang (R-West Chester), amends sections of the Revised Code regarding insurance regulations and taxes.
• Senate Bill 214, sponsored by State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Dublin), allows a victim of human trafficking to expunge certain criminal records.
• Senate Bill 225, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), designates September 22 as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day.
• House Bill 56, sponsored by State Representatives Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Andrea White (R-Kettering), prohibits causing the death of or serious physical harm to another while operating a utility vehicle or mini-truck, to require law enforcement entities to train officers related to the pursuit of a motor vehicle, to increase penalties for fleeing from law enforcement and forms of stunt driving, and to make changes to the distribution of certain driving-related fees.
• House Bill 147, sponsored by State Representatives Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) and Adam Miller (D-Columbus), makes changes to the education law regarding teacher licensure, hiring, conduct, professional development stipends, interscholastic athletics, school-event ticket pricing, school funding calculations, special needs scholarship program service providers, background checks for private before and after school care program staff, and the High School Financial Literacy Fund.
• House Bill 158, sponsored by State Representatives Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), makes changes to the law governing the regulation of cosmetologists and barbers, to enter into the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, and to revise the law governing hospital police officer commissions.
• House Bill 179, sponsored by State Representatives Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), relative to vicarious liability in tort actions and to provide that the tolling of the limitations period during the defendant's absence or concealment does not apply to statutes of repose.
• House Bill 202, sponsored by State Representative Jim Thomas (R-Jackson Twp.), designates a portion of United States Route 62 in Canton as the "Specialist Dennis Alan Combs Memorial Highway."
• House Bill 226, sponsored by State Representatives Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana) and Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus), permits water-works companies to bear the costs for replacing certain customer-owned water service lines.
• House Bill 251, sponsored by State Representative Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County), designates a portion of State Route 88 in Portage County as the "Patrolman James R. Wert Memorial Highway" and to update the name of an organization receiving contributions for the "ALS Awareness" license plate.
• House Bill 301, sponsored by State Representative D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron), amends the Nonprofit Corporation Law, the law governing dissolving corporations, and the law governing the repair or replacement of a mausoleum or columbarium; to replace two part-time judgeships in the Ashtabula County County Court with one full-time judge, and to include the village of North Kingsville and Kingsville, Monroe, and Sheffield Townships within the territorial jurisdiction of the Conneaut Municipal Court; to expand the authority of a board of trustees of a political subdivision soldiers' memorial; to modify the law governing public depositories; to establish a standing juvenile committee within the state criminal sentencing commission; to allow an immediate appeal of a court order restricting enforcement of state law; to allow a court to order parents to undergo conciliation with a magistrate in a custody proceeding; and to reiterate the effective date of judicial release and transitional control provisions enacted in S.B. 288 of the 134th General Assembly.
• House Bill 466, sponsored by State Representatives Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) and Sean Brennan (D-Parma), requires a written agency agreement for a licensed broker to represent a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction.

(July 9) In a surprise to many observers, supporters of a proposed ballot initiative to eliminate tipped wage credits and raise the minimum wage to $15 an hours failed to submit the necessary number of signatures to qualify for this November’s ballot.

• On July 3, Raise the Wage Ohio – the group collecting signatures for the constitutional amendment – announced they were unable to meet a requirement in state law to submit sufficient signatures from 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties.
• In their statement, Raise the Wage Ohio cited the collection of signatures in rural counties prevented them from meeting the 44 county requirement.

In a win for the business community, the inaction on minimum wage during the 2024 election will help assure Ohio’s small businesses do not face significant labor cost increases at a time when inflation is already making it harder for family-owned businesses to make ends meet.

• Under the amendment, Ohio’s minimum wage would have jumped to $12.75 an hour on January 1, 2025 and $15 an hour on January 1, 2026.
• The constitutional amendment would have also required employers to pay tipped employees the full minimum wage without considering how tips impacted their hourly wage.

Despite their unsuccessful efforts in 2024, Raise the Wage Ohio has publicly said they plan to carry forward and seek certification of their constitutional amendment in 2025, so the Ohio Chamber will continue to monitor the potential amendment and be ready to mount an opposition effort if necessary.

(July 9) On July 3, a federal judge in the Northern District of Texas issued a preliminary injunction to stop the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from moving forward with its rule banning non-compete agreements. Under the FTC’s final rule, non-compete clauses would become unenforceable for most workers by declaring them an unfair method of competition. However, the court found the FTC lacked this authority because Commission relied upon a statute that did not grant the executive agency substantive rulemaking authority. The Court also found the FTC ran afoul of the Administrative Procedure Act because the Commission’s attempt to apply a single nationwide standard to a particular contract will likely lead to arbitrary results in violation of the Act.

This federal trial court decision that favors the enforceability of non-compete agreements is a step in the right direction for the business community, but employers should still carefully consider their options before requiring employees to enter into non-compete agreements because the litigation remains ongoing.

The Ohio Chamber will continue to update its members as the litigation proceeds through the courts.

(June 27) The JobsOhio Board approved changes to the JobsOhio Small Business Grant guidelines last week. These changes were designed to help improve the process and are directly attributed to the feedback from the project teams around the state.

Summary of the changes: 

1. Special consideration for allowing “forklifts and similar equipment” to the list of eligible costs, as long as they remain in Ohio for the term of the agreement.
   1. Think materials handling equipment and similar, not delivery trucks or vehicles.
2. Removed the limit of only one reimbursement per company for recipients of a JobsOhio Small Business Grant
3. Allow special consideration for businesses that have multiple owners if the majority qualify by ownership, in addition to giving special consideration to businesses that have 50%-50% ownership if one of the two owners meets ownership requirements.
4. Add all zip codes within JO Vibrant Communities to the eligibility list for JOSB Grants.

1. 1. We added Vibrant Communities to the list of eligible zip codes because we also identify those communities as distressed. This will improve messaging between the two programs, and overall improve the program goals of providing assistance to companies in distressed areas of the state.
   2. Certain zip codes may not meet DCI’s thresholds for statistically viable scoring. For those zip codes, eligibility will be determined based on distress score of surrounding scored zip codes.
2. Formalized the program name change.

See the full new guidelines here.

(June 25) The Ohio Chamber presented proponent testimony on House Bill 435 last week, a Blueprint-originated bill and one of the Chamber’s top ten policy priorities for the 135th General Assembly.

• House Bill 435 creates the Manufacturing Technology Assistance Program (or MTAP), targeting small and medium-sized manufacturers otherwise lacking the capital and capability to modernize their machinery and facilities.
• Just as the Mega Projects Program from two budget cycles ago has lured significant large-scale manufacturing investments, the smaller grant program proposed under HB 435 would serve those at the other end of the spectrum.
• Many small and medium-sized Ohio manufacturers still use 20- to 50-year-old equipment and machinery.
• The one-time capital assistance provided by such a match would reward their ongoing state presence, stimulate modernization and private investment, and serve as a quality retention and growth tool.

This $12 million grant program is modeled after similar efforts in both Indiana and Iowa.

• Indiana’s Manufacturing Readiness Grant Program, launched in 2020, has yielded a total of 526 awards equating to $56.9 million to 465 unique companies in 79 counties, accelerating proposed projects with combined budgets of $812.7 million.
• Likewise, Iowa created its own Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Grant program in January 2021, with its first cycle providing over $7 million through 202 awards with project investments totaling over $31 million.

Ohio is entering into a manufacturing renaissance unlike anything witnessed by any other state in our country with our manufacturing sector GDP 4th in the nation, and Ohio also ranks 3rd in total manufacturing employees and total payroll.

• What may come as a surprise to many, however, is that most Ohio manufacturing firms (47%) employ fewer than ten people, according to the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). OMA data also reveals that in 2021, mid-sized manufacturing firms (100-499 employees) employed 40% of Ohio’s manufacturing employees while just 0.4% of firms employed 1,000 or more people. HB 435 targets assistance to these smaller employers, often family-owned and community-oriented, that contribute to the vibrancy and identity of Ohio’s rural, suburban, and urban areas.

The Chamber is working in tandem with the OMA to gain more hearings and movement on HB 435, and we stand ready to enact this grant program and ensure our small and medium-sized manufacturers can retool for the demands of the modern economy. If you have any questions about HB 435, please contact the Chamber’s SVP of Government Affairs, Rick Carfagna, at rcarfagna@ohiochamber.com.

(June 17) Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks today announced new recommendations to improve safety and traffic flow on a heavily traveled section of U.S. 23 between Columbus and Toledo.

Daily travel on the 23-mile stretch of U.S. 23 from Worthington to Waldo currently exceeds the road's capacity by 30 percent, causing regular traffic crashes and significant traffic congestion. Between 2020 and 2024, nine people were killed and 72 people were seriously injured in crashes within these 23 miles alone. The average rush-hour commute is currently 40 minutes, and by 2050, ODOT estimates the commute will increase to 75 minutes.

"This small stretch of U.S. 23 is a vital corridor for freight, and those living and working in this area depend on it - but this road is not on par with the other routes that connect our major cities and even some of our mid-sized communities," said Governor DeWine.

ODOT's U.S. 23 Connect road construction recommendations, which are divided into seven sections, would eliminate nearly all of the 39 traffic lights along the corridor, bringing the total number of signals to seven or fewer. The proposal would also widen lanes, add several interchanges, and construct overpasses to cut future rush hour travel time to less than 30 minutes. ODOT also estimates that the recommended upgrades would reduce traffic crashes by 50 percent, equating to the prevention of around 250 crashes.

Governor DeWine asked ODOT to evaluate U.S. 23 road construction options in tandem with its ongoing statewide Strategic Transportation and Development Analysis that is assessing the needs of Ohio's entire transportation network with respect to the state's growing population and increasing economic development success. The statewide study, which is expected to be complete by the end of the year, will include the consideration of more direct freeway connections between Columbus and Toledo.

"These recommendations along U.S. 23 from Worthington to Waldo will improve safety and congestion for residents in these communities as well as those who commute through this area," said Governor DeWine. "No matter what strategy the statewide study recommends on how to build a freeway between Toledo and Columbus, these U.S. 23 improvements must happen regardless.”

To fund the proposed U.S. 23 roadwork, ODOT estimates a cost of approximately $1.4 to $1.9 billion. Projects would be completed on a rolling basis.  

“ODOT is no stranger to tackling major projects by taking small bites over several years rather than waiting decades for all the funding to be available at once. From the Downtown Ramp Up in Columbus to the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project in Cincinnati, we know how to get things done,” said Director Marchbanks. 

Governor DeWine has already committed $17 million for the initial design of U.S. 23 north of the city of Delaware, laying the groundwork for future investments. This includes the removal of seven signals from Delaware at Pennsylvania Avenue to State Route 229. 

ODOT developed the recommendations for U.S. 23 after a series of public meetings between ODOT and local stakeholders, including the public, local government, school districts, businesses, and first responders. Since then, engineers have analyzed data and more than 600 public comments to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing congestion, improving safety, and enhancing overall travel experience.  

“Northwest Ohio has spoken with one voice on the need for an efficient connection to Columbus for people and freight. With improvements to the existing Route 23, Governor DeWine is taking a positive first step toward a comprehensive plan that will support Ohio’s future economic vitality,” said Sandy Spang, executive director of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments.  

ODOT's recommendations for U.S. 23 are not final plans. ODOT will present more details on the options during five public meetings in coming months. The meetings will allow attendees to review the recommendations and provide feedback to inform any modifications to the plan. 

The first public meeting will take place on August 6 at a time and place to be announced by ODOT. The agency will advertise the public meetings several weeks in advance through multiple channels, including Facebook and X. Interested parties can also sign up to receive direct emails about the meetings at publicinput.com/23connect. Those without internet access can call ODOT at 740-833-8268 for more information.

(May 30) - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks today announced more than a dozen new transportation projects that aim to support job growth and retention.

Nearly $5 million will be invested in 14 projects as part of the Ohio Department of Transportation's Transportation Improvement District  program.
“As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, our transportation system must keep pace. These projects will help create and retain jobs by ensuring that businesses can safely and efficiently carry out their work and transport products,” said Governor DeWine.

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s Office of Jobs and Commerce awards the funding to applications that support job creation and retention, economic development, intergovernmental cooperation, and private capital investment across Ohio.

The projects receiving funding include the construction of roundabouts and turn lanes as well as improvements to pavement, intersections, and drainage. The projects will support 22,735 jobs and over $3 billion in private sector capital investments.

Of the funding, $4.1 million will fund construction projects and the remaining will be used to obtain right-of-way and for preliminary engineering and design projects. Nearly all the projects provide funding for roadways maintained by local governments, such as municipalities, township trustees, or county engineers. The funding provided for each project is limited to $500,000 per fiscal year.
“Ohio is within a day’s drive of 60 percent of the U.S. and Canadian population. When it comes to logistics, we’re the heart of it all. These projects will ensure that we maintain that status,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.

There are currently 56 Transportation Improvement Districts in Ohio. They are made up of public and private entities to pursue transportation resources and investments that directly benefit economic development.

DETAILS: Transportation Improvement District Projects

(May 28) Legislative committees in both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate last week considered proponent testimony on two pro-business measures backed Legislative committees in both the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate last week considered proponent testimony on two pro-business measures backed by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce:

Senate Bill 98

SB 98, which previously passed the Ohio Senate unanimously, addresses fraudulent business filings, business identity theft anddeceptive mailings. The bill received a second hearing in the House State and Local Government Committee, where Ohio Chamber SVP Rick Carfagna provided supportive testimony. SB 98 creates a host of new protections across four main areas:

1. Fraudulent Filings – Under SB 98, Ohio businesses and individuals will have a process in place to report if a bad actor has formed a new business fraudulently using someone else's address or personal info or has taken over a legitimate business filing to leverage it for fraud.
2. Deceptive Mailings – SB 98 goes after the practice of misleading mailers that imitate official governmental entities and charge exorbitant amounts of money for public services that are typically free or available at a very low cost.
3. Limiting Reinstatements – Some bad actors fraudulently reinstate a dormant business without having any connection to the business, and then use that business’ history and/or good credit to obtain a business loan or to apply for unclaimed funds. SB 98 limits reinstatements to two years from the date of cancellation, unless an affidavit demonstrating the accuracy of the entity is provided.
4. Inaccurate Agent Addresses – Fraudulent businesses frequently use false address information, a PO Box address or a commercial mailbox address to hide their identities. SB 98 requires an agent’s address to be a residential or business address and forbids the use of a PO Box or other commercial mailbox such as a UPS store.

The U.S. Department of Justice reports that one out of every ten people is a victim of identity theft, with thieves increasingly targeting businesses with potentially disastrous outcomes.

• A Dun & Bradstreet study reinforces this, reporting a 106% increase in business identity theft in 2018 and a 254% increase in 2020.
• In March 2023, Ohio Chamber President and CEO Steve Stivers participated in a Statehouse press conference unveiling this legislation with both bill sponsor Senator Michael Rulli and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
• As Stivers aptly summarized at that event, “The issue of business identity theft is a rising issue for our members, andthat makes it an issue for the Ohio Chamber. Business identity theft harms business owners, employees, investors, shareholders and even customers with staggering consequences. If you are a small business and your identity is compromised, no one presently is empowered to help you, and that’s what Senate Bill 98 will tackle.”

The Ohio Chamber issued a key vote for SB 98 when it came up for a vote in the Ohio Senate, and the legislation remains one of the Chamber’s Top Ten Policy Priorities for the remainder of the 135th Ohio General Assembly.

Senate Bill 223

SB 223, also known as the Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement (FORCE) Act, establishes a statewide organized retail crime task force and updates the Ohio Revised Code to better protect retailers and consumers.

• The bill received its second hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Ohio Chamber SVP Rick Carfagna offered supportive testimony.
• According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a total of 3.59% of all U.S. retail crime in 2021 took place in Ohio, costing businesses in the state approximately $3,944,650,700.
• As has been reported by the Columbus Dispatch, retail theft consistently translates into annual losses of $2 billion to $3 billion, and a 2022 report by the National Retail Federation states that 88% of retailers acknowledge that shoplifters have become more aggressive and violent compared with the past year.

Chief among the legislative concepts outlined under SB 223 is the creation of an Organized Retail Theft Task Force, housed under the existing Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OCIC) within the State Attorney General’s Office.

• The Task Force will have investigative authority based on any complaint filed or information received when organized retail theft has reasonably occurred and continues to occur in one or more counties.
• The bill also creates the Organized Retail Theft Advisory Council within the office of the Attorney General, which will advise the OCIC on organized retail theft and recommend actions for the Commission to detect, deter, prevent and prosecute organized retail theft.

The Chamber was also pleased to see the creation of an organized retail theft statute under SB 223 that bridges the gap between shoplifting and RICO (engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity), as well as modified definitions under Ohio Revised Code relating to both “Organized Retail Theft” and “Retail Property Fence.” These and other important new tools and updates in state law under SB 223 will allow law enforcement to hold criminals accountable while helping to increase the growth and security of Ohio businesses.

(May 28) The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paints a concerning picture: young adults aged 18 to 25 in the U.S. experience the highest rates of mental health concerns, with 33.7% reporting any mental health issues and 11.4% facing serious mental illness. Solving these crises presents a significant challenge, particularly in engaging those affected. Individuals grappling with mental health disorders often shy away from seeking care, and those with severe conditions are even less likely to engage. Effective engagement necessitates early intervention, meeting individuals where they are, and establishing trust by offering valuable support from the outset, rather than just a diagnosis.

Digital mental health innovations have been instrumental in addressing these challenges, democratizing care, and providing timely support, sometimes within hours rather than weeks. One such groundbreaking initiative, MyOhioWellness, has just completed its successful first phase and is poised to expand its impact across Ohio.

Funded by Miami University and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services in collaboration with CampusWell, MyOhioWellness targets the critical need for health and wellness support among disengaged youth. This initiative aims to improve outcomes for young adults facing various challenges, including difficulties returning to school, financial strain, social isolation, and limited access to mental health services.

In its initial phase, MyOhioWellness laid a strong foundation with the launch of a streaming site offering research-backed video content tailored to the diverse needs of Ohio's young adults. Through strategic promotion on social platforms, the initiative engaged over 103,000 individuals aged 18 to 24, achieving a remarkable 60% engagement rate. The content not only promoted healthier behaviors but also raised awareness about vital resources such as the state's Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Now entering its second phase, MyOhioWellness aims to amplify its reach tenfold, ensuring broader access to mental health and community care resources across the state. In addition to video content, the initiative will introduce an AI wellness coach, equipped with over 15 years' worth of research-backed content developed by CampusWell. This virtual coach will provide daily wellness tips and address queries on all 8 dimensions of wellness (emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial), fostering holistic well-being among Ohio's youth.

We invite you to learn more about MyOhioWellness at myohiowellness.com. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of young adults struggling with mental health issues.

(May 15) - Before the House Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday, the Ohio Chamber gave proponent testimony on House Bill 460. This legislation seeks to address Ohio’s current workforce shortages by giving over 1 million Ohioans a clean slate and a second chance for gainful employment, free from the stigma of a criminal conviction on their record.

Ohio’s existing record sealing law requires an individual to apply to their sentencing court to have their record sealed, a courtroom hearing to evaluate statutory factors for record sealing, and an order from a judge to seal the record. This time-consuming and costly process often prevents Ohioans from pursuing record sealing despite their eligibility.

House Bill 460 streamlines this process to allow for the automatic sealing of criminal records.

• Under the legislation, the Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) will identify criminal records eligible for sealing.
• After BCII identifies a record, it submits the record to the appropriate county prosecutor, who then has 45 days to object to the record sealing.
• If there is no objection, then the bill directs a court to order the record sealed.

Notably, the legislation does not expand the types of offenses eligible for sealing, nor does it speed up the timeline when a record is eligible for sealing. Instead, it implements an automated procedure that will enable more Ohioans to avail themselves to our state’s existing record sealing law.

A key component of the Ohio Chamber’s support for House Bill 460 is the qualified immunity it grants employers who hire individuals with a sealed record. This immunity provision is important because it enables employers to hire individuals without having to consider their criminal history, since the law will protect them from civil liability if an employee with a criminal history ultimately engages in unlawful activities in the workplace.

The Ohio Chamber also supports House Bill 460 because in our Blueprint for Ohio’s Economic Future, we encourage the state and employers to adopt second chance hiring practices to help expand our state’s workforce.

As House Bill 460 moves its way through the legislative process, the Ohio Chamber will continue its advocacy and share why this second chance hiring bill will bolster our economy and help address workforce challenges many employers are facing.

(April 30) The U.S. Department of Labor last Wednesday issued its final rule-making to increase the salary threshold before an employee becomes ineligible for overtime pay.

• Under the final rule, effective July 1, 2024, employees must earn a minimum of $43,888 before being exempt from overtime pay requirements.
• That salary threshold then increases to $58,656 on July 1, 2025, and subsequently increases with the rate of inflation every 3 years moving forward.

Currently, an employer does not have to pay overtime wages in accordance with the federal Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) if the employee earns more than $35,568 and has job duties that qualify as either executive, administrative or professional. The new overtime rule does not make any changes to the job duty requirements, but instead seeks to make more employees eligible for overtime pay by increasing the salary threshold by nearly $20,000 over a two-year period.

If an employee does not meet the new salary threshold requirements, employers must pay that person 150% of their hourly wage for every hour the employee works over 40 hours in a work week.

A higher salary threshold is problematic for employers because it creates additional bookkeeping and administrative challenges, since employers must track the exact time an employee works when that employee was previously paid a salary.

• These timekeeping challenges open employers up to an increased risk of costly wage and hour lawsuits because now, more employees may allege the employer participated in “wage theft.”
• It also hinders the ability of employees to work in a manner they may find more suitable, since hourly workers often have restrictions on accessing work materials from their phone or after hours.

The Ohio Chamber will continue to update its members on the filing of any litigation to stop the rule from going into effect or if any other actions are taken as July 1 approaches.

The City of Bowling Green administers several housing programs. The Direct Homeownership Assistance, Rental Rehabilitation, Mobile Home Repair and Elderly Emergency Home Repair programs are funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement dollars. Learn about income-based eligibility at this link.

For more information on the Elderly Home Repair Program, Home Repair Program, Mobile Home Repair Program, Direct Homeownership Assistance Program, or Rental Rehabilitation Program, please visit the City of Bowling Green's Community Development webpage here.

Apply for City Housing Programs at this link.

These programs assist very low-, low- and moderate-income households, and are available to City of Bowling Green residents only. Residents of Wood County who do not reside in Bowling Green may find similar program assistance through the Wood County Planning Office, 419-354-9128.

The City of Bowling Green also links to other organizations that provide housing programs; check out their recommendations at this link.

Changes to the Smoking law, Revised Code 3794.01 and 3794.03, were enacted by the Ohio legislature on September 30th, 2021. The definition of smoking was updated to include electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes) and vapor products. This means that individuals using e-cigarettes and vaping products can no longer use them inside. Restrictions on outside use are the same as other tobacco products, such as cigarettes.

Major points of the law include:

• No Smoking signs that include e-cigarettes/vaping products must be posted at all entrances/exits.
• No smoking inside, which means no e-cigarette, vape, cigarette, cigar, hookah, or other smoking allowed.
• Remove all ashtrays from no smoking areas.
• Like the exemption for a retail tobacco store, a new exemption for retail vapor stores may be requested. Additional information on eligibility and the process to apply for an exemption will be available on the Ohio Department of Health's website.

Signs for posting near entrances and exits can be downloaded or ordered from the Ohio Department of Health's website at: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/smoke-free-workplace-program/resources/Smoke-Free-Worplace-Signs or can be customized to include a local health department or management phone number in addition to the toll-free hotline number.

Report smoking law violations using smartphone or tablet at http://smokecomplaint.ohio.gov, by email at nosmoke@odh.ohio.gov, or phone at 1(866) 559-OHIO (6446).

To read the text of the smoking law, visit: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-3974.