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Business Groups Back House Bill 160 Changes to Employer Protections and Private‑Property Rules After Issue 2
Summary
The Ohio Chamber and business groups testified in support of House Bill 160's changes that extend employer workplace protections and clarify private‑property rights after Issue 2; supporters said the bill aligns with Senate language and aims to let property owners and employers set rules about marijuana use.
Representatives of Ohio business groups told the House Judiciary Committee they support House Bill 160 revisions to employer protections and private‑property rights after the passage of Issue 2 legalizing adult‑use cannabis.
Rick Carfagna, senior vice president for government affairs at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber's priorities are strengthening employer workplace protections that mirror existing medical‑marijuana language and clarifying private property owners' rights to prohibit use, possession or transfer on their property. "This provision ... specifies that employers do not violate any anti‑discrimination laws when they're enforcing drug free workplace policies," Carfagna said, urging the committee to retain employer protections and the ability of property owners to limit use on their premises.
David Mahan of the Center for Christian Virtue testified in support of HB 160, emphasizing regulation of high‑potency intoxicating hemp products and suggesting additional monitoring and potency caps, citing public‑health concerns seen in other states.
Witnesses and committee members discussed balancing voter intent from Issue 2 with public‑safety and workplace concerns. The committee completed a second hearing with proponent testimony and questions; the transcript records no committee vote on HB 160.
