H.B. No. 216 Summary

• Regulates employment practices for formula retail establishments with 20+ employees in Ohio and all food services establishments with 500+ employees worldwide, including franchises.

• Requires employers to offer available employees additional work hours before hiring new employees, temporary workers, or independent contractors; employees must work fewer than 35 hours weekly to be eligible.

• Mandates written work schedules provided 14 calendar days in advance and requires compensation for schedule changes made with less than 24 hours notice (1-4 hours of pay depending on circumstances).

• Requires transferring employers to provide successor employers with a list of eligible employees and mandates successors retain listed employees for 90 days or three years (whichever is earlier) under same employment terms without discharge except for just cause.

• Establishes enforcement mechanisms through the Department of Commerce director, including investigations, administrative penalties up to $500 per offense, civil actions for lost wages and reinstatement, and retaliation protections for employees exercising rights under the law.