H.B. 536 Summary

• Requires employers with 50+ full-time employees in customer service or back-office operations to notify the Director of Job and Family Services at least 120 days before relocating a call center or 30%+ of its operations to a foreign country.

• Imposes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for failure to provide required notice; courts may reduce penalties if employer demonstrates just cause.

• Makes employers appearing on the relocation list ineligible to receive state grants, guaranteed loans, tax benefits, or other economic incentives for five years after the relocation date; requires repayment of unamortized value of previously received benefits.

• Permits the development services agency to waive ineligibility and repayment requirements if the employer demonstrates that substantial job loss, environmental harm, or significant economic impact would occur without the requested loan or grant.

• Requires all state agencies to ensure call center and customer service work performed for the state is done entirely within Ohio; contractors cannot hire individuals outside the state for such work beginning two years after enactment.