Business groups tell committee that online posting option would modernize employment‑law notices

Representatives of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) urged the Senate Workforce Development Committee to approve Senate Bill 33, which would allow employers to post certain statutorily required employment notices on the Internet in a manner accessible to employees.

Kevin Shimp, testifying for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, said the bill updates posting rules that were written for a workforce that worked primarily on-site. He cited survey data on remote and hybrid work patterns and told the committee the measure provides employers an additional, modern compliance option. "By allowing employers the option to put certain employment notices and these posters online, Senate Bill 33 makes it easier for employees to work remotely and for those employees to have access to the same information as their colleagues or other Ohioans who work in the office every day," Shimp said.

Chris Verusso, state director for NFIB in Ohio, said the bill is permissive and would not prevent employers from continuing to post printed notices. "Senate Bill 33 simply adds a second option that says, quote, on the internet in a manner that is accessible," he told the committee, adding that many small businesses have hybrid or remote employees who would benefit from online access.

Shimp noted a 2024 Gallup survey finding that a substantial share of adults work remotely or on hybrid schedules and said online posting can improve access for those workers. Committee members pressed witnesses on how employers would notify employees that notices are available online and suggested options such as QR codes or other on-site signposting to ensure workers without easy Internet access can find the materials. Shimp said the bill's online postings must be publicly accessible rather than limited to an employer's internal login system; he said that change is intended to increase transparency and allow the public to verify a company's posting.

Supporters said the bill removes a compliance burden and can improve the accuracy and timeliness of posted notices by making electronic updates easier. No committee amendments or votes were recorded at this session; the bill's prior version had passed the Senate unanimously in the previous general assembly, witnesses noted.