Sub. H.B. 205 - Protect Ohio Workers Act

• Enacts new Chapter 4145 requiring contractors and subcontractors performing construction services at high hazard stationary sources (including petroleum refineries) to use only Class A skilled journeypersons, Class B skilled journeypersons, or apprentices.

• Establishes implementation schedule requiring at least 65% of workforce to be Class A journeypersons or apprentices beginning January 1, 2024, increasing to 80% by January 1, 2025.

• Defines Class A skilled journeyperson as one who completes a registered apprenticeship program plus 30-hour OSHA safety training; Class B requires 6,000 hours of work experience plus 30-hour OSHA safety training.

• Requires contractors to submit quarterly compliance reports to the Ohio Department of Commerce and maintain payroll and apprenticeship records for five years; violations subject to civil penalties up to $10,000 per day.

• Provides exceptions for emergencies and petroleum refineries with less than 120,000 barrels per day capacity; applies to all contracts entered after the effective date of the law.