The bill H. B. No. 2025-2026 aims to enact section 3501.281 of the Revised Code, which prohibits employers from taking adverse employment actions against employees who are absent from work due to serving as precinct election officials or attending required training programs for such roles. Specifically, the bill states that no employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, or impose any disciplinary action on a permanent employee for these reasons, provided the employee gives reasonable notice to their employer prior to their absence.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that employers cannot require employees to use their annual, vacation, or sick leave for the time spent serving as precinct election officials or attending training. However, it does not mandate that employers provide such leave, and employees who are entitled to leave under other laws or policies may still use it as applicable. This legislation seeks to protect the rights of employees participating in the electoral process while ensuring they are not penalized by their employers for fulfilling these civic duties.