NFIB’s Ohio Team has testified on 7 bills so far this year, including priority bills House Bill 376 and Senate Bill 9. Both legislative chambers are now in recess until May, except for one week when the Senate plans to be in session. Learn more about the legislation we’re tracking below.

REGISTER NOW: NFIB’s annual Small Business Day is approaching! The event will begin on May 12^th with our legislative reception, and the following day, May 13^th, will be our annual Small Business Day at the Capitol. Register for the legislative reception here and Small Business Day here. Have questions? Email Grassroots Manager Liz Roe.

Legislative update:

• Senate Bill 9 – Tax Conformity
  Ohio is now fully conformed with the updates in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including the critical 20% Small Business Deduction. View our testimony here.
• House Bill 229 – New PBM Licensure
  This legislation creates a new PBM licensure and establishes a stand-alone licensing process. It also adds new requirements for PBMs. NFIB supported this legislation. Governor DeWine signed HB 229 on April 1.
• House Bill 376 – Reduces Maximum Weeks for Unemployment Benefit
  Legislation to decrease the number of weeks someone can be on unemployment from 26 to 20 weeks. NFIB’s Michael Wing made his first appearance testifying in person – watch it here! NFIB was one of only two groups that testified in person on the legislation.
• House Bill 413 – Creates Local Government Expenditure Database
  If passed, this legislation would create a uniform way to track how local governments spend tax dollars and add an extra layer of transparency to local governments that the state already follows. NFIB continues to support any efforts to increase transparency. View our testimony here.
• Senate Bill 90/House Bill 176 – Establishes a Universal Regulatory Sandbox Program
  This program would allow small businesses to test innovative products and safely experiment under stringent oversight. The House version passed with a unanimous vote and now heads to the Senate. View our testimony here.
• House Bill 395 – Online Process to Report Job Interview No-Shows
  Legislation to create a system to report people who do not show up for interviews. A requirement to receive state unemployment benefits is to be actively seeking work, and if someone is setting up interviews with no intention of showing, there needs to be ways to track this. View our testimony here.
• House Bill 133 – Creates Tax Credit for Small Employers Offering ICHRAs
  Legislation to create a tax credit for small employers who offer Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) to their employees. The bill passed the House and is awaiting a second hearing in the Senate.
• House Bill 105 – Third Party Litigation Funding
  Legislation that would add needed transparency to the business of third party litigation funders. It was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee – take action now and tell your senator to pass this important legislation.
• Senate Bill 143 – Prohibits Employment Application Background Check Questions
  Legislation to eliminate the ability to ask about criminal background on an initial job application. NFIB opposes this bill and has testified against it.
• House Bill 447 – Increases Non-economic Damages Caps
  Legislation to increase Ohio’s non-economic damage caps. NFIB is opposed to this bill and continues to advocate against it.