HB 37 Summary

• Creates the "SharedWork Ohio" program allowing employers to reduce employee work hours (10-50%) instead of layoffs, with participating employees receiving pro-rata unemployment compensation benefits for up to 52 weeks.

• Establishes a mandatory 25% penalty on fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits for findings made on or after October 21, 2013, with 60% deposited to the unemployment compensation fund and 40% to the special administrative fund.

• Charges employers' accounts for improper benefit payments when the employer or its agents fail to respond timely or adequately to benefit determination requests, after establishing a pattern of three such failures within a calendar year.

• Requires participating employers to submit written plans certifying employee participation, benefit continuation, advance notice procedures, and compliance with federal and state law before approval.

• Declares the act an emergency measure to take effect immediately to preserve employment and prevent job displacement in Ohio.