Representative Dontavious Jarrells and Representative Thomas Young have both stepped up to champion a critical piece of legislation that targets phasing out the usage of 14(c) certificates in Ohio. They recognize the profound impact 14C certificates has on wages on employees with disabilities in Ohio.​​​​

The bill enacts the Ohio Employment First and Greater Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act. It phases out an employer’s ability to pay an employees with disabilities whose earning capacity is impaired by a physical or mental disability or injury at a wage lower than Ohio’s minimum wage (a subminimum wage). Ultimately, beginning five years after the bill’s effective date, no employer may pay a subminimum wage. The Minimum Wage Amendment to the Ohio Constitution and Ohio’s Minimum Fair Wage Standards (MFWS) Law prescribe the minimum wages an employer must pay its employees, including employees with disabilities. The Ohio Constitution authorizes the issuance of licenses to employers permitting them to pay less than Ohio’s minimum wage to employees with disabilities (a state license). Pursuant to Ohio’s MFWS Law, the Director of Commerce has adopted rules regarding the issuance of these state licenses. Although the Ohio Constitution authorizes the issuance of these licenses, it allows the General Assembly to pass laws setting a higher minimum wage rate. Click on the links below to follow the bill in the Commerce and Labor committee; track House Bill 225;  or read the full bill  and its analysis.