At Tuesday’s Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) board meeting, OMA general counsel Chris Slagle briefed members on major legislative, regulatory and legal developments shaping the state’s manufacturing climate. The update covered several active statewide ballot proposals targeting the 2026 ballot, including measures on property tax elimination, minimum wage increases and election law changes. Lawmakers also continue to advance bills on non-compete bans, prompt pay requirements and broader tort reform.

Energy policy remained a central topic. House Bill 15, the comprehensive energy overhaul enacted earlier this year, is now in effect and reshaping Ohio’s regulatory landscape by repealing electric security plans, requiring regular rate cases and expanding opportunities for behind-the-meter generation. Environmental updates included Ohio EPA’s effort to remove the Air Nuisance Rule from the federal SIP and new federal actions on fine particle pollution and PFAS. Slagle also reviewed ongoing litigation affecting liability limits, workplace intentional torts and PFAS exposure claims. 12/9/2025