By 1808Delaware
Ohio begins the new year with a slate of laws that touch everyday life in schools, workplaces, and public safety settings. Several measures take effect on January 1, while others roll out later in the month. Together they reflect an ongoing push by state leaders to address classroom distractions, workforce shortages, and long-term wage concerns.
Minimum Wage Increase
Ohio workers will see a bump in pay when the minimum wage rises to $11 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.50 per hour for tipped workers beginning January 1.
This annual adjustment is tied to a 2006 constitutional amendment that links wage increases to inflation. The 2026 rate represents a 2.8 percent lift over the previous year.
The federal minimum wage has not changed since 2009, which means Ohio’s rate continues to outpace the national standard. Employers that rely heavily on entry-level staff will want to review payroll ahead of the new year to stay compliant.
Cell Phone Restrictions in Schools
A statewide policy limiting student cell phone use in public schools takes effect January 1 under Senate Bill 158.
Many districts already enforce their own rules, but the new law requires every public school to adopt a formal plan restricting phone use during the school day. Students may use devices only in emergencies or when they have a documented medical need.
Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill on June 30, 2025 after months of debate about classroom distractions, cyberbullying, and the broader question of how much technology should shape the school environment.
House Bill 57
House Bill 57, known as Keith’s Law, takes effect January 19 and brings two significant changes for schools and first responders.
Schools that choose to keep overdose reversal medication such as Narcan on hand must now develop a response plan and train staff to use it. Supporters argue that clear procedures reduce hesitation in emergencies and strengthen an already common practice in many districts.
The law also expands Ohio’s voluntary Communication Disability Database. This system gives 911 dispatchers and first responders advance notice when they may be interacting with someone who has a disability that affects communication. Agencies hope broader participation will improve safety during traffic stops, wellness checks, and emergency calls.
House Bill 248
Changes to the path for becoming a Certified Public Accountant begin January 1 under House Bill 248.
The law updates testing and licensure requirements in an effort to ease Ohio’s CPA shortage. The Ohio Accountancy Board has published the new standards for candidates planning to sit for exams in 2026. Accounting firms and universities have pushed for these revisions for several years, noting that the state’s talent pipeline has grown tight as more seasoned professionals retire.
Additional January 1 Provisions
A handful of other updates begin the first day of the new year.
• The ongoing phase-out of Ohio’s graduated income tax continues, with the state moving toward a flat 2.75 percent rate in 2026.
• Schools must honor the R.E.D. Act, which allows students up to three excused absences each year for religious observances.
• Agencies begin implementing new credential and character-education requirements tied to recent state budget provisions.
Another large administrative measure, House Bill 96, continues its phased rollout through 2026. Starting January 1, most state employees will be expected to report to an agency worksite rather than teleworking unless they qualify for a specific exception.
Looking Ahead
Most of these changes will settle in with relatively little disruption, although districts and employers will likely spend early January adjusting their procedures. The cell phone rules may be the most noticeable shift for families, while the wage increase will be felt broadly in retail, food service, and entry-level positions.
Ohio will see additional effective dates throughout 2026, but the first wave arrives on January 1 with laws aimed at safety, clarity, and the daily routines of students and workers alike.
Image by Giovanna Cornelio from Pixabay
