The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) organized a coalition of statewide employer groups urging lawmakers to restore tax conformity after Senate Bill 9 initially advanced without an emergency clause. The joint letter warned that even a temporary decoupling from federal tax law would impose avoidable compliance costs, administrative complexity and uncertainty during filing season.

The Ohio House on Wednesday reconsidered its prior action on the emergency clause and approved both the clause and the bill without debate, preserving alignment with federal tax policy. Employer groups emphasized that conformity has long been a bipartisan priority because it provides predictability and simplifies planning, filing and investment decisions.

“OMA brought employers together to make clear that temporary nonconformity would create real costs and confusion,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “The House’s decision to reconsider and pass the emergency clause shows policymakers heard that message and acted to preserve tax certainty for Ohio employers.” 2/25/26