A State Steps Up
Ohio is charting a path forward, proving that practical governance can cut through bureaucratic fog. Governor Mike DeWine, with a stroke of his pen, signed Senate Bill 33 and House Bill 43 into law on April 21, 2025, tackling two pressing issues: labor law compliance and educational disruptions. These measures aren't just paperwork; they're a lifeline for businesses and students caught in the churn of modern challenges. In a world where red tape often strangles progress, Ohio's decisive action offers a model for others.
Senate Bill 33, championed by State Senators Steve Wilson and George Lang, lets employers post labor law notices online instead of pinning them to a breakroom wall. It's a common-sense update for a digital age, where remote work is no longer a perk but a staple. Meanwhile, House Bill 43, pushed by Representatives Sarah Fowler Arthur and David Thomas, waives instructional hour requirements for Ashtabula Lakeside High School, sidelined by an unusable building. This isn't about lowering standards; it's about refusing to let circumstances punish students.
These laws land at a critical moment. Businesses face relentless regulatory demands, while schools grapple with crumbling infrastructure. Ohio's response sidesteps the hand-wringing and delivers results. It's the kind of leadership that trusts local communities to solve their problems without federal overreach.
Yet, not everyone sees it this way. Some argue that digitizing labor notices risks leaving workers in the dark, and waiving school hours could erode educational rigor. These concerns, while worth a glance, miss the bigger picture. Ohio's laws aren't reckless; they're calculated steps to keep the state moving forward.
Digital Labor Laws: A Win for the Modern Workforce
Senate Bill 33 is a game-changer for Ohio's employers. By allowing labor law notices to be posted online, it cuts costs and simplifies compliance for businesses navigating a hybrid workforce. In 2025, with 35% of organizations prioritizing digital upgrades, this move aligns Ohio with a broader trend. AI-driven tools like eComply360 already automate compliance, slashing errors and saving time. Construction firms, for instance, have seen 20% efficiency gains by adopting digital solutions. Ohio's law ensures businesses can keep pace without drowning in paperwork.
The opposition, often tied to labor unions, claims digital postings could exclude workers without reliable internet. But this argument feels like a reach. Most employees, even in remote areas, access work systems online daily. The U.S. Department of Justice's 2025 ADA toolkit mandates accessible digital content, ensuring no one is left behind. Ohio's law doesn't abandon workers; it trusts them to engage with information the way they already do: through their screens.
Historically, labor compliance has evolved from paper records to cloud-based systems. Since the 1990s, the internet has reshaped how businesses operate, and the COVID-19 pandemic cemented remote work as a norm. Ohio's law builds on this legacy, rejecting outdated mandates for physical posters. In 2024, construction companies paid $32 million in back wages for compliance failures. Digital tools could have prevented much of that. Ohio's employers deserve this flexibility to focus on growth, not penalties.
Saving Schools From Crisis
House Bill 43 addresses a different but equally urgent problem: a high school in Ashtabula rendered unusable. By waiving minimum instructional hours, Ohio ensures students aren't penalized for a facility failure beyond their control. This isn't a one-off. Across the U.S., schools face a $98.6 billion infrastructure funding gap, with buildings averaging 57 years old. Lead contamination, HVAC failures, and poor air quality disrupt learning and drive absenteeism. Ohio's swift action keeps education on track.
Some worry that waiving instructional hours risks academic quality. Yet, the real risk is forcing students into makeshift setups or closing schools altogether. Virginia's recent waiver for Tazewell County after Hurricane Helene showed how flexibility preserves learning. Ohio's own history, from COVID-era waivers to emergency medical exemptions, proves that targeted relief works. Ashtabula's students need solutions, not rigid rules.
Nationwide, modernized schools report higher test scores and lower absenteeism. But with federal funding covering less than 1% of facility costs, local districts are often left scrambling. Ohio's law empowers communities to prioritize student welfare over arbitrary benchmarks. It's a reminder that education policy should serve people, not bureaucrats.
The Bigger Picture: Local Control, Real Results
Ohio's new laws underscore a vital principle: local leaders know their communities best. Senate Bill 33 frees businesses to operate efficiently, while House Bill 43 shields students from infrastructure failures. Both reject one-size-fits-all mandates, favoring tailored solutions. This approach contrasts sharply with federal overreach, where agencies often impose rules without grasping local realities.
The broader context reinforces Ohio's wisdom. Digital compliance tools are transforming industries, and educational waivers have proven effective from Virginia to Washington State. Ohio's laws aren't experimental; they're grounded in trends that prioritize resilience and adaptability. By trusting employers and educators to make smart choices, the state fosters innovation and stability.
Forward, Not Backward
Ohio's latest moves are a beacon for states grappling with similar challenges. Senate Bill 33 and House Bill 43 tackle real-world problems with precision, from streamlining business compliance to protecting students caught in a facility crisis. They reflect a commitment to progress, rooted in the belief that communities thrive when trusted to solve their own problems.
As the nation navigates a complex landscape of remote work and aging schools, Ohio stands out. Its laws aren't just fixes; they're a blueprint for governance that values efficiency, local control, and student success. Other states would do well to take note and follow suit.