Two New Ohio Laws Reshape Workplace Rules and School Responses

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently signed two bills that address pressing modern challenges. Senate Bill 33 lets employers post labor law notices online, a move that aligns with the rise of remote work. House Bill 43 grants Ashtabula Lakeside High School a waiver from required instructional hours after its building became unusable, ensuring students aren’t penalized for the disruption. These laws, effective as of April 2025, reflect a broader push to adapt to digital trends and respond to educational emergencies.

The changes come at a time when workplaces and schools face evolving demands. Businesses are navigating hybrid work models, while school districts grapple with aging infrastructure. By tackling these issues, Ohio’s lawmakers aim to balance compliance with practicality and support communities hit by unexpected crises. Yet, the measures also spark questions about accessibility, equity, and long-term solutions.

Senate Bill 33, backed by State Senators Steve Wilson and George Lang, updates Ohio’s labor laws by allowing employers to share certain notices digitally. Previously, businesses had to display physical posters in workplaces, a requirement that felt outdated as remote work grew. The bill, which passed with strong support in both the Senate and House, covers notices related to employment, workers’ compensation, and public safety. For companies with distributed teams, this shift simplifies compliance and ensures employees can access information easily.

The move aligns with a national trend toward digital labor compliance. Businesses across industries, from construction to tech, are adopting tools like eComply360 and Rhumbix to automate tasks like timekeeping and regulatory updates. These platforms have cut administrative costs and boosted efficiency by up to 20% for some firms. However, advocates for workers’ rights point out potential gaps. Not all employees have reliable internet access, and digital notices must meet strict accessibility standards to comply with federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Nationwide, regulatory agencies are cracking down on labor violations. In 2024, construction firms paid over $32 million in back wages for issues like wage theft and worker misclassification. Ohio’s new law aims to make compliance smoother, but employers must ensure digital systems are inclusive and transparent to avoid leaving vulnerable workers in the dark.

House Bill 43, introduced by State Representatives Sarah Fowler Arthur and David Thomas, responds to a crisis at Ashtabula Lakeside High School. The school’s building was deemed unusable, forcing a disruption in classes. The law waives the state’s minimum instructional hour requirements and declares an emergency, allowing the district to focus on recovery without risking penalties or delaying student progress. This targeted measure underscores the real-world impact of infrastructure failures on education.

School facility issues are a growing concern across the U.S. Many buildings, some dating back to the early 1900s, struggle with poor air quality, outdated HVAC systems, or lead contamination. In Ohio alone, districts face mounting pressure to maintain safe learning environments. Studies show that substandard facilities lead to higher absenteeism, lower test scores, and even health risks for students and staff. Ashtabula’s situation highlights the urgency of addressing these challenges.

Waivers like House Bill 43 are not new. States like Virginia and Washington have used similar measures to support schools hit by hurricanes or pandemics. These policies offer flexibility but also expose deeper issues. Temporary fixes can’t replace the need for sustained investment in school infrastructure, especially in underfunded districts where inequities persist.

Both laws reflect broader trends in policy. Senate Bill 33 taps into the digital transformation sweeping workplaces, driven by AI and automation. Companies adopting these tools report fewer compliance errors, but the shift isn’t seamless. Accessibility remains a hurdle, with only 23% of public internet pages fully meeting federal standards in 2024. Ohio’s employers will need to navigate these challenges to ensure all workers benefit from the change.

House Bill 43, meanwhile, fits into a pattern of emergency educational measures. From COVID-19 waivers to disaster relief, states are increasingly flexible when crises hit. Yet, reliance on waivers can mask systemic problems. The U.S. faces a $98.6 billion annual shortfall in school facility funding, leaving districts like Ashtabula vulnerable. Lawmakers and educators agree that long-term solutions, like federal or state funding reforms, are critical to prevent recurring disruptions.

Voices from affected communities highlight the stakes. Business owners welcome the flexibility of digital notices but stress the need for clear guidelines. Parents and teachers in Ashtabula, while grateful for the waiver, worry about the lack of a permanent fix for their school. These perspectives show the delicate balance between immediate relief and sustainable change.

Ohio’s new laws address urgent needs but also raise bigger questions. Senate Bill 33 and House Bill 43 offer practical solutions for today’s challenges, from remote work to crumbling school buildings. They reflect a willingness to adapt, whether by embracing digital tools or supporting students caught in a crisis. Still, their success depends on execution and follow-through, particularly in ensuring equity and accessibility.

As Ohio moves forward, the focus will likely shift to long-term strategies. For workplaces, that means building inclusive digital systems. For schools, it’s about closing the infrastructure gap. These laws are a step, but the road ahead demands broader investment and collaboration to turn temporary fixes into lasting progress.