Last week, the Ohio House Commerce and Labor Committee saw substantial debate surrounding House Bill 225, which would phase out Ohio’s subminimum wage, a policy that allows certain employers to legally pay workers with disabilities less than the standard minimum wage under federal 14(c) certificates.

The bill aims to ensure all workers, regardless of disability, receive equal pay for equal work over a five-year transition period. For businesses currently using subminimum wage programs, the bill could mean higher payroll expenses and a need for additional state-supported accommodations or operational adjustments. 5/20/2025