Ohio, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Major updates to Ohio’s public construction laws are set to take effect, significantly impacting libraries with streamlined procurement processes for smaller projects. Along with these changes, legislation from the state will enhance efficiency and accountability across various sectors, including simplified appeals for building inspector decisions and new regulations in waste management and law enforcement. A webinar will be held to inform stakeholders about these updates, which promise to shape the state’s construction landscape.
Columbus
Major updates to public construction laws in Ohio will take effect on September 30, 2025. These changes are set to significantly impact Ohio libraries, among other public entities, by implementing new procurement processes and regulations aimed at improving efficiency and accountability within the public construction sector.
The most notable changes include streamlined procurement processes for construction management at risk (CMR) and design-build projects valued at under $4 million. These new processes aim to facilitate quicker project initiation and execution while ensuring that contractors meet performance expectations. Additionally, new requirements regarding construction retainage and payment procedures will be instituted, promoting more timely financial transactions between public entities and contractors.
To inform stakeholders about these important changes, a webinar will be hosted by Laura Bowman. This event will provide an overview of the key updates, assisting libraries and other government entities in navigating the new legislative landscape.
Besides the public construction updates, Ohio’s legislation enacted by Governor Mike DeWine will also introduce various changes across multiple sectors, all taking effect on the same date. For example, Senate Bill 6 mandates that appeals against building inspector decisions must be filed within one business day, with hearings required to take place within five business days. Such measures are designed to expedite the appeal process and ensure timely resolutions.
Moreover, Senate Bill 100 will exempt nonprofit agricultural membership organizations from state insurance regulations, thus easing their operational burdens. Senate Bill 114 will prohibit law enforcement agencies from imposing arrest or citation quotas, thereby enhancing police accountability. Furthermore, Senate Bill 138 will implement governance revisions for local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) service boards, increasing oversight and accountability measures.
In terms of waste management, Senate Bill 147 alters regulations concerning solid waste and construction debris management, granting counties greater control over managing their waste. In a more community-oriented update, House Bill 64 lowers the qualifying age for discounted hunting and fishing licenses from 66 to 65, making outdoor activities more accessible to Ohio residents. Lastly, House Bill 96 mandates cybersecurity frameworks for public entities and changes age requirements for driver education programs.
All of these legislative updates are positioned to enhance the efficiency and accountability of various sectors operating within Ohio, ensuring that public processes maintain necessary safety and performance standards. The coherent implementation of these laws will have lasting implications for public construction and beyond as the state positions itself for future growth and efficiency.
FAQ
When do the new Ohio public construction laws go into effect?
The new laws will take effect on September 30, 2025.
What is the purpose of the new construction laws?
The laws aim to enhance efficiency and accountability in the public construction sector, particularly for projects valued under $4 million.
How will the changes affect Ohio libraries?
The changes will streamline procurement processes, impacting how libraries manage their public construction projects.
What are some other legislative changes occurring on the same date?
Other changes include updates to building inspector appeal processes, exemptions for nonprofit organizations from insurance regulations, and revisions in governance for mental health service boards.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | September 30, 2025 |
| Procurement Process Changes | Streamlined processes for CMR and design-build projects under $4 million |
| Payment Regulations | New rules for construction retainage and payments |
| Building Inspector Appeals | Must be filed within one business day; hearings within five days |
| Nonprofit Exemptions | Exemption from state insurance regulations for nonprofit agricultural organizations |
| Law Enforcement Quotas | Bans on citation or arrest quotas for law enforcement agencies |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- JD Supra: Webinar on New Ohio Construction Laws
- Peak of Ohio: New Certification Rules for Building Standards
- WTOL: New Laws in Ohio Effective September 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ohio Construction Laws
- Google Search: Ohio New Construction Laws 2025
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
