Here’s a look at some of the important laws going into effect in Ohio in the new year.
As Ohio moves forward into 2025, it is getting ready for several important changes that will impact a variety of areas, including wages for workers and policies in schools.
Key legislation, including increases to the minimum wage, new rules for religious expression in schools and measures regarding bathroom usage, are set to take effect in the new year.
Here’s a look at some of the most important bills and laws coming into effect in Ohio in 2025
Minimum Wage Increase
Starting in 2025, Ohio’s minimum wage will increase from $10.45 to $10.70 per hour for non-tipped employees, with tipped workers receiving a raise from $5.25 to $5.35 per hour.
This adjustment aligns with a constitutional amendment tying wage increases to inflation, ensuring incremental changes annually.
House Bill 214 – Religious Expression Days in Schools
House Bill 214 requires public schools to accommodate religious beliefs through “Religious Expression Days,” allowing students to take up to three excused absences annually for faith-based activities or holidays. The legislation specifies that schools cannot question the sincerity of religious requests, but may verify them with a parent or guardian.
Known as the “Bathroom Bill,” House Bill 183 mandates that public and private schools, colleges, and universities designate bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations exclusively by gender assigned at birth.
This policy extends to facilities used for school-sponsored events, but it does not include an enforcement mechanism.
Under House Bill 250, school boards must establish comprehensive cell phone usage policies by mid-2025. These rules aim to minimize distractions by limiting in-class phone use, with certain exceptions allowed through individualized education plans.
Vacant Senate Seat Appointment
With Vice President-elect J.D. Vance vacating his Senate seat to assume national office, Governor Mike DeWine will appoint an interim replacement.
Under state law, whoever gets the appointment will serve from the date of Vance’s resignation, which he hasn’t announced, until Dec. 15, 2026. A special election for the last two years of his six-year term would be held in November 2026.
WTOL contributed to this story.
