Ohio Senate Bill 33: New Law Allows Digital Posting of Labor Law Notices
Introduction
Ohio is taking a major step toward modernizing workplace compliance with the introduction of Senate Bill 33 (SB 33). This bill, passed by the Ohio Senate on March 5, 2025, allows employers to post certain state-mandated labor law notices online rather than solely relying on physical bulletin boards. This update reflects the increasing shift toward digital accessibility in the workplace, making compliance easier for employers and employees alike.
What Does SB 33 Change?
Under existing Ohio labor law, employers must display workplace notices “conspicuously” in a physical location, such as a breakroom bulletin board. SB 33 does not eliminate this requirement but instead gives employers the option to fulfill notice obligations through an electronic format that employees can access, such as an internal company website or HR portal.
This shift aligns with how businesses and employees interact with information today. With remote work on the rise and most employees having access to digital communication tools, SB 33 provides an alternative that better meets the needs of modern workplaces.
Labor Law Notices Covered Under SB 33
SB 33 allows six specific Ohio labor law notices to be posted electronically:
Ohio Minor Labor Law Notice – A summary of regulations related to the employment of minors (excluding the required physical posting of the list of minor employees).
Ohio Minimum Fair Wage Standards Law Notice – Covers minimum wage and overtime pay.
Ohio Civil Rights Law Notice – Ensures employees are informed about their rights regarding workplace discrimination and equal employment.
Ohio Prevailing Wage Law Notice – Required for public works projects to inform workers of wage standards.
Ohio Workers’ Compensation Notice – Provides employees with information on their rights under Ohio’s workers' compensation system.
Ohio Public Employment Risk Reduction Program (PERRP) Notice – Equivalent to OSHA safety postings but for public-sector employees.
Employers who choose to post these notices online must ensure digital accessibility, meaning all employees can reasonably access them. For example, a secure company intranet, HR portal, or designated compliance section on a workplace app would satisfy this requirement.
Federal Posting Requirements Remain Unchanged
It is important to note that SB 33 only applies to Ohio-specific labor law notices. Employers must still comply with federal labor law posting requirements, which generally mandate physical postings at workplaces. This includes notices such as:
OSHA Workplace Safety Poster
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Minimum Wage Poster
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Poster
While federal guidance does allow digital posting in certain circumstances, it does not replace the need for physical postings if employees primarily work at a designated workplace.
4 Benefits of SB 33 for Employers and Employees
SB 33 offers several advantages that streamline compliance and workplace communication:
1. Increased Efficiency for Employers
Managing workplace postings can be time-consuming, especially for businesses with multiple locations. By moving notices online, employers can update labor law postings in one central location, ensuring consistency and compliance without the hassle of printing and replacing physical posters.
2. Cost Savings on Labor Law Posters
Many businesses purchase laminated labor law posters from third-party vendors every year to stay compliant. SB 33 allows employers to reduce or eliminate these costs by switching to a digital format where updates can be applied instantly.
3. Improved Accessibility for Employees
Not all employees work in traditional office settings where they frequently see physical bulletin boards. SB 33 ensures that remote employees, field workers, and multi-location staff have equal access to labor law information via online platforms they already use.
4. Greater Compliance and Transparency
By maintaining digital records of labor law notices, employers can demonstrate compliance more easily during audits or inspections. Employees also benefit from on-demand access to their workplace rights, reducing misunderstandings and potential disputes.
Who Supports SB 33?
SB 33 has received broad bipartisan support in the Ohio Senate, passing by a vote of 29-3. Lawmakers on both sides recognize the benefits of adapting workplace regulations to modern technology.
Senator George F. Lang (R-West Chester) described the bill as “a common sense measure that allows Ohio employers the flexibility of posting notices online instead of at the physical workplace.” Similarly, Senator Steve Wilson (R-Maineville) emphasized that the bill aligns with today’s digital workplace, noting that “most employees have instant access to the internet in their pocket.”
Additionally, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce has endorsed SB 33, stating that digital postings “will be easier to update on a yearly basis or if there is a change in the law.” This further underscores the bill’s potential to simplify compliance for businesses of all sizes.
What This Means for Ohio Employers
If SB 33 is signed into law, Ohio employers will have the choice to post certain labor law notices electronically. This flexibility is especially beneficial for companies with distributed workforces, remote employees, or multiple locations.
To prepare for this transition, employers should:
Evaluate their internal digital platforms – Ensure that online postings are accessible to all employees.
Establish clear policies – Communicate how employees can access labor law notices.
Continue complying with federal posting requirements – Maintain physical posters where required by federal law.
Monitor updates on SB 33 – Stay informed about the bill’s final passage and implementation timeline.
Conclusion
Ohio’s Senate Bill 33 represents a significant step toward modernizing labor law compliance by allowing digital posting of certain notices. While it does not replace physical postings entirely, it gives employers the flexibility to adapt to the digital age, improving efficiency, cost savings, and accessibility.
For employers navigating compliance in an evolving workplace, SB 33 provides a streamlined, legally compliant way to inform employees about their rights while embracing modern technology.