On April 9, 2025, Ohio enacted six major laws affecting education, healthcare, and public safety.
Regular updates to state laws are critical for meeting changing societal needs. Laws must evolve to reflect changes in technology, culture, and public safety.
Outdated regulations can impede progress and fail to protect citizens if they are not updated on a regular basis. In today’s fast-paced world, laws must be revised on a regular basis to ensure their relevance and effectiveness.
1. Enhanced DUI Penalties: “Liv’s Law” increases fines for driving under the influence, with first-time offenses rising from $375 to $565, and second offenses from $525 to $715. Aggravated vehicular homicide fines now reach up to $25,000, up from $15,000. The law also empowers police to conduct oral fluid tests to detect alcohol and drugs. The US Sun+1recordherald.com+1 The US Sun+2Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima+2Hartwig Law, LLC+2
2. Education Policy Changes: Several bills influence Ohio schools: WCPO 9 Cincinnati
- Parental Rights: School districts must inform parents of significant changes to a student’s health and well-being, including gender identity requests.
- Religious Instruction: Schools are required to allow students to leave during the day for private religious education.
- Cell Phone Usage: Districts must establish policies governing cell phone use during school hours by July 2025.
3. Health Care Price Transparency: Hospitals are now mandated to publicly disclose the real costs of their services, enabling patients to make informed decisions based on price.
4. Pay Stub Disclosure: Employers must provide detailed wage statements, including gross wages, net pay, and itemized deductions, effective April 9, 2025. Non-compliance could lead to employee complaints to the Ohio Director of Commerce.
5. Infrastructure Funding Approval: Voters approved State Issue 2, authorizing $2.5 billion in bonds over ten years for public infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges. The program is financed through state bonds, ensuring no change to property tax bills.
6. OVI Law Reforms: House Bill 37 introduces significant changes to Ohio’s Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) laws, including authorization for oral fluid testing by police to detect alcohol and drugs.
