News Summary
Ohio is set to implement significant updates to its public construction laws, effective September 30, 2025. The reforms aim to streamline processes and enhance accountability for projects valued under $4 million. Key changes include new procurement processes and revised payment requirements that promise greater fairness for contractors. A webinar is scheduled to aid stakeholders in understanding these updates. This legislative overhaul is part of broader changes initiated by Governor Mike DeWine to improve various public sector operations, ensuring efficiency and community service.
Columbus, Ohio – Major updates to public construction laws in Ohio are set to take effect on September 30, 2025, marking a significant overhaul that will notably impact libraries and other public sector projects across the state. The new laws aim to streamline processes, enhance accountability, and improve efficiency in public construction, particularly for smaller projects.
Among the most pivotal changes is the establishment of new streamlined procurement processes for construction manager at risk (CMR) and design-build projects that are valued at under $4 million. This initiative is expected to ease the bidding and contracting process for local governments and public entities, facilitating quicker project initiation and completion.
Furthermore, the legislation will introduce new requirements for construction retainage and payments. These requirements are expected to bring greater clarity and fairness to payment processes, benefiting contractors and subcontractors involved in public construction.
To help stakeholders navigate these changes, a webinar hosted by Laura Bowman will provide an overview of the key alterations in the law, ensuring that relevant parties are informed and able to adapt to the new regulations in a timely manner.
Broader Legislative Changes
The reform in construction laws is part of a larger suite of legislative changes in Ohio, with multiple bills signed by Governor Mike DeWine coming into effect on the same date. Among these bills, SB 6 aims to expedite the process of appeal against building inspector decisions by mandating that they be filed within one business day, with mandated hearings occurring within five business days.
Additionally, SB 100 introduces an exemption from state insurance regulations for nonprofit agricultural membership organizations, streamlining their operations. SB 114 addresses law enforcement practices by prohibiting agencies from implementing arrest or citation quotas, a move intended to promote ethical policing.
Other notable adjustments include SB 138, which revises the governance for local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) service boards, instituting further accountability measures. SB 147 alters existing laws surrounding solid waste and construction debris management, granting counties more authority and control over waste management practices within their jurisdictions.
Further amendments include HB 64, which lowers the qualifying age for discounted hunting and fishing licenses from 66 to 65, and HB 96, which requires public entities to adopt specific cybersecurity frameworks and updates age criteria for driver education programs.
A Call for Improved Processes
All these changes, including the significant updates to construction laws, are aimed at improving processes across various sectors while maintaining essential safety and accountability standards throughout Ohio. As stakeholders prepare for these updates, the focus remains on ensuring that public construction projects are completed efficiently and effectively, in a manner that serves the communities best.
Stakeholders, including library officials and public agencies involved in construction, are encouraged to stay informed about these upcoming changes to ensure compliance and to maximize the benefits of the new regulations.
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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
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