H.B. 672 - Worker Protection Act Summary

• Establishes "just cause" for quitting work related to COVID-19, including diagnosis, symptoms, caring for infected family members, self-isolation per physician's order, and lack of safety equipment/distancing by employer.

• Requires Director of Job and Family Services to consider COVID-19 factors when determining if worker had good cause to refuse suitable work, including employer safety provisions, childcare closure impacts, and vulnerability status (age 65+, immunocompromised).

• Mandates Director report employer failures to provide proper COVID-19 safety facilities, equipment, training, supplies, or physical distancing to local health departments within seven days of determining disqualification determination.

• Defines "physician," "director of health's order" (referencing April 30, 2020 order), and "school" for purposes of COVID-19 unemployment benefit eligibility determinations.

• Declares act an emergency measure effective immediately to protect Ohio citizens from COVID-19 outbreak impacts.