Ohio 2025-2026 Regular Session

Ohio House Bill HB59

Introduced
2/4/25  
Report Pass
11/18/25  
Engrossed
11/19/25  

Caption

To amend sections 101.63, 103.27, 1531.40, 1533.631, 1533.72, 1561.11, 1561.13, 1561.15, 1561.23, 1561.26, 1563.24, 1565.04, 1565.05, 1565.06, 3319.2213, 3319.51, 3701.83, 3704.14, 3748.01, 3748.04, 3748.11, 3748.13, 3748.16, 3773.31, 3773.33, 3773.34, 3773.35, 3773.36, 3773.37, 3773.38, 3773.39, 3773.40, 3773.41, 3773.42, 3773.421, 3773.43, 3773.45, 3773.51, 3773.52, 3773.53, 3773.54, 3773.55, 3773.56, 3773.57, 3773.59, 3776.05, 4730.10, 4730.14, 4731.294, 4759.08, 4764.05, 4764.08, 4771.02, 4771.05, 4771.07, 4771.08, 4771.09, 4771.10, 4771.11, 4771.12, 4771.13, 4771.14, 4771.16, 4771.18, 4771.21, 4771.22, 4771.23, 4774.03, 4774.06, and 4774.11; to enact sections 3748.131 and 3773.341; and to repeal sections 1561.17, 3748.12, and 3748.121 of the Revised Code to revise and streamline the state's occupational regulations.

Summary

HB59 is a broad occupational licensing and regulatory reform bill. As introduced, it states an intent to revise and streamline Ohio’s occupational regulations to better accommodate the state’s workforce, and the bill caption shows that it would amend a large number of Revised Code sections across multiple professions and regulatory programs. The measure also enacts new sections and repeals selected existing provisions, indicating a substantial cleanup and restructuring of occupational rules rather than a narrow policy change. Based on the caption, the bill appears to affect a wide range of licensed or regulated occupations and activities, including education-related credentials, health and environmental regulation, mining and natural resources, and several professional licensing frameworks. Because the bill amends many sections in Title 37 and other chapters, its practical effect would be to update, consolidate, or remove various licensing requirements, procedures, and regulatory provisions that govern workers and regulated businesses in Ohio. The available voting history shows strong support for the bill. It received unanimous favorable passage in the House committee and then passed the House 91-0, suggesting broad bipartisan agreement or at least no recorded opposition at that stage. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no direct record here of detailed debate or amendments. The main point of contention, based on the bill’s structure, would likely be the scope of the regulatory changes rather than a single policy issue. Because HB59 touches many occupations and repeals some existing code sections, stakeholders such as licensed professionals, regulators, and workforce advocates may differ on whether the bill meaningfully reduces burdens or risks weakening consumer, public safety, or professional standards. However, the recorded votes indicate that any such concerns did not produce visible opposition in the House process provided here.

Impact

HB59 would amend, add, and repeal numerous sections of the Ohio Revised Code to streamline occupational regulation across multiple fields. Its legal effect would be to revise licensing, credentialing, and regulatory requirements for affected occupations and agencies, while also removing certain obsolete or duplicative provisions. The bill would therefore change the statutory framework governing a broad set of regulated professions and activities in Ohio.

Sentiment

The sentiment reflected in the available legislative history is strongly favorable. The bill advanced unanimously out of House committee and passed the House 91-0, indicating broad support and little to no recorded opposition at those stages. No transcript was provided, so there is no detailed discussion to suggest significant controversy in committee.

Contention

The likely area of contention is the breadth of the regulatory overhaul. Because HB59 amends many code sections and repeals some existing provisions, critics could worry about reduced oversight, changes to professional standards, or unintended consequences for public safety and consumer protection, while supporters would emphasize reduced red tape and a more workforce-friendly licensing system. No specific objections are documented in the provided materials, and the recorded votes show no formal opposition in the House.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OH HB1

To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.

OH HB2

To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.

OH SB280

To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.

OH SB279

To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.

OH HB271

Number state ballot issues consecutively based on prior election

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.