The bill introduced by Representative Peterson amends several sections of the Revised Code concerning the Unemployment Compensation Law, primarily focusing on increasing the taxable wage base for unemployment contributions and requiring contributory employers to deduct employee contributions when their account balance in the Unemployment Compensation Fund is negative. A new section, 4141.252, is added to detail the increased taxable wage base and contribution requirements for employers with negative balances. The bill also updates definitions and clarifies employer responsibilities, aiming to enhance the financial stability of the unemployment compensation system in Ohio, particularly during economic downturns.

Key amendments include raising the wage threshold for contributions from $9,000 to $9,500 starting January 1, 2026, and introducing provisions for employee contributions to the unemployment compensation fund. The bill specifies that contributions must be paid to the director of job and family services and cannot be deducted from employee remuneration. It also outlines the process for employers to contest charges to their accounts and establishes penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "debt to this state" to include unpaid unemployment compensation contributions and outlines the process for applying refunds to offset these debts. Overall, the bill aims to improve the management and funding of the unemployment compensation system while ensuring compliance among employers.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4141.01, 4141.09, 4141.13, 4141.23, 4141.231, 4141.24, 4141.25, 4141.26, 4141.27, 4141.36, 4141.39, 5726.31, 5733.121, 5736.081, 5747.12, 5751.081