The bill amends sections 4109.02 and 4123.35 of the Revised Code and enacts new sections 2152.30, 4113.90, and 4123.97, focusing on enhancing employment opportunities for juvenile offenders and establishing a framework for self-insuring employers. It allows children aged seventeen who have been adjudicated as delinquent to apply for a certificate of qualification for employment from the juvenile court, which provides employers immunity against negligence claims related to hiring these individuals. The bill also modifies the requirements for minors of compulsory school age, allowing them to present either an age and schooling certificate or the new employment qualification certificate as a condition of employment. Additionally, it prohibits discrimination against employees with this certificate, ensuring they receive equal pay and benefits, and establishes remedies for wage discrimination.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the requirements for public employers seeking self-insuring status for workers' compensation, including the submission of audited financial statements and the provision of a surety bond. It introduces a self-insurance assessment fund for administrative costs and details penalties for late payments. The legislation also allows self-insuring employers for construction projects exceeding fifty million dollars to apply for a certificate to self-insure, requiring them to submit project details and designate safety professionals. Notably, it includes provisions for claims related to employees aged seventeen with a certificate of qualification, ensuring that compensation costs are charged to a surplus fund rather than affecting the employer's experience rating. The bill aims to streamline the self-insurance process while maintaining employee safety and rights.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4109.02, 4123.35