H.B. No. 304 - Ohio Equal Pay Act

• Requires state contractors, grant recipients, and economic incentive recipients with 4+ full-time employees to obtain an equal pay certificate demonstrating compliance with federal and state equal pay laws.

• Mandates all public employers establish job evaluation systems to identify sex-based wage disparities and submit implementation reports every three years to the director of budget and management.

• Prohibits employers from requesting prospective employees' wage or salary history, except when the applicant voluntarily discloses it or after a job offer with compensation has been made.

• Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who discuss their salary or wage rates with other employees.

• Creates the equal pay certificate fund from $25 filing fees and establishes enforcement mechanisms including fines, audits, and potential contract/grant revocation for non-compliance.