New Ohio Laws Going Into Effect Jan. 1, 2022

OHIO — Dozens of new laws are scheduled to take effect next month in Ohio. Here's a list of what to expect come Jan. 1, 2022. You can also click on the link in each bill to read more about it.

SB258: This piece of legislation updates the state's Congressional districts. The SB 258 map keeps Lucas and Stark counties, as well as the Mahoning Valley, whole within single congressional districts for the first time in decades, and also keeps the cities of Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, and Toledo all whole within the same congressional map for the first time since the 1840s.

HB215: Called "The Business Fairness Act," HB215 reinforces safety standards developed in coordination with numerous business and industry leaders and ensures businesses and employers that follow safety protocols may remain in operation during health emergencies.

HB177: This piece of legislation allows government to use distributed ledger technology and blockchain. This technology can be used for record keeping among other uses and is meant to both increase privacy and security and save taxpayer dollars.

SB36: This soon-to-be law revises eligibility for crime victim reparations. It includes two additional types of victims who may receive an award of reparations, and it modifies the information that the Attorney General must include in the finding of fact and decision when making an award of reparations to increase transparency.

SB54: This upcoming law strengthens telecommunications fraud laws. It provides the Attorney General the authority to pursue robocallers in state court, as well as in federal court. It also establishes a safe harbor with the major telecommunications providers to protect good actors and encourage best practices recommended by the FCC. It also criminalizes “spoofing” and increases penalties in cases where it can be shown that the spoofer or robocaller intentionally targets certain vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, disabled, or a veteran or their spouse.

SB115: The upcoming law gives county treasurers and the public depository a grace period – two business days – to pledge additional collateral. These additional two business days are to ensure the collateral levels at the public depository are in accordance with the required amount as set by the Treasurer of State’s Office.

HB169: This legislation was amended by the Senate Finance Committee to include numerous provisions of funding through federal money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The money, which if not appropriated by year's end would have gone to other states, such as New York and California, will be used for JFS programs and childcare. Additionally, the governor and the General Assembly allocated $250 million for law enforcement initiatives, including first responder wellness and violence prevention.

HB29: This upcoming law will permit sports wagering in Ohio, under the regulatory authority of the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Ohio Lottery.

SB58: This piece of legislation permits a nursing home resident to install a camera in his or her room.

HB122: This piece of legislation permits doctors to conduct appointments via telehealth.

SB59: This upcoming law creates a prohibition on transferring or selling certain war relics to non-specified groups or entities.

SB157: The legislation creates protections for children who are born alive after a failed abortion attempt. It expands abortion manslaughter to include failing to take measures to preserve the health of a child born alive after an abortion, and creates a right of action for the affected mother to sue a person guilty of abortion manslaughter. It also creates new rules around ambulatory surgical facilities where abortions are attempting to be performed, in order to ensure the health and safety of a child when born alive after an abortion.

SB162: This legislation will give the BMV additional authority to pursue persons who evade tolls on the Ohio Turnpike; also provides the Ohio Turnpike Commission the ability to upgrade their toll collecting systems.

SB166: This legislation will create the Career Success Grant Program. The program will provide financial incentives to participating employers for providing work-based learning experiences for students enrolled in career-technical programs.

SB102: This upcoming law addresses work shortages in Ohio’s bar and restaurant industry through updates and revisions in Ohio liquor laws. Additionally, the legislation provides clarity for homebrewers and homebrewing conventions.