OH SB349

Enacts the "Fair and Acceptable Income Required (FAIR) Act" to address wage discrimination and equal pay protections in Ohio.

Relocates wage discrimination enforcement from the Director of Commerce to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission under renamed section 4112.16 (formerly 4111.17).

Adds sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in wage discrimination cases, prohibiting employers from paying different wages based on these characteristics.

Establishes stricter standards for wage differentials by requiring employers to demonstrate that differences are based on bona fide factors substantially related to job performance and are necessary for business purposes, with provisions allowing employees to rebut the defense.

Enhances remedies by allowing employees to recover double damages plus attorney fees, permitting punitive damages, protecting wage disclosure discussions, and prohibiting retaliation against employees who file complaints or participate in investigations.