OH SB299

Expands the definition of "part-time township employee" to include employees hired with expectations of working up to 1,576 hours annually for non-applicable large employer townships or less than 1,560 hours annually for applicable large employer townships.

Allows township boards to provide health insurance coverage (hospitalization, surgical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, etc.) to part-time employees and their immediate dependents, though such coverage is optional rather than mandatory.

Maintains mandatory uniform health coverage for township officers and full-time employees while keeping coverage for part-time employees discretionary based on township board decisions.

Allows townships to provide coverage through insurance companies, health insuring corporations, self-insurance programs, or health and welfare trust funds without competitive bidding requirements.

Declares the act an emergency measure effective immediately to ensure townships can maintain adequate staffing with part-time employees.