Read about the legislative issues that impact your business.
December 16, 2019
TWO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BILLS SET TO BECOME LAW
House Bill 2 and House Bill 4 are both set to become law following actions taken by the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate this past week. The issue of workforce development remains one of the top concerns for Ohio businesses and, clearly, the legislature is attempting to address these concerns by passing HB 2 and HB 4.

THE HOUSE PASSES REFORM OF REAL PROPERTY TAX VALUATION APPEALS PROCESS
House Bill 75 was passed by the Ohio House with a vote of 54-39. HB 75 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration. HB 75 was reported out of the House Ways and Means Committee back in the spring and some of the bill’s language was added to the House version of the state budget. That language ultimately was removed from the budget. 

NO CLEAR PATH FORWARD YET ON SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLING
Last week, both the Senate and the House held more committee hearings on their respective bills to protect patients from the burden of costly, surprise medical bills. However, both bills have been met with significant opposition.

OHIO CHAMBER PRIORITY LEGISLATION DRAWS NO OPPOSITION IN COMMITTEE
On December 10, the Ohio House Civil Justice Committee held its third hearing on HB 352 – the Ohio Chamber’s Employment Law Uniformity Act. At the third hearing, opponents and interested parties of the legislation were invited to give testimony, but not a single association, individual, or law firm provided written or in-person testimony.

THE HOUSE APPROVES COMMERCE UNIFORMITY BILL
Last week, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 242, also known as the “Commerce Uniformity” bill, during full session. HB 242, sponsored by Rep. Don Jones and Rep. George Lang protects consumers and businesses by prohibiting local governments from imposing a tax, fee or ban on disposable plastic bags and other containers.

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Contact Ohio Chamber Lobbyists

Keith Lake, Vice President Government Affairs
Kevin Boehner, Director, Small Business & Workforce Policy
Kevin Shimp, Director, Labor & Legal Affairs
Tony Long, Director, Tax & Economic Policy
Stephanie Kromer, Director, Energy & Environmental Policy