Labor & Employment (Unemployment)

To amend section 4141.29 of the Revised Code to waive the requirement that an unemployment claimant be actively seeking work under certain circumstances.

SB 128 creates Ohio's state-run ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account program, allowing individuals with disabilities to save for qualified disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested public benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The bill directs the state treasurer to establish the program, set contribution limits, and ensure funds are exempt from resource calculations for benefit eligibility under Section (H). It requires accounts to be managed separately per beneficiary, imposes administrative fees (paid by the state for account owners), and mandates quarterly statements. The program aligns with federal tax rules to maintain tax-advantaged status while protecting beneficiaries' access to public assistance.

To amend sections 4141.01, 4141.09, 4141.13, 4141.23, 4141.231, 4141.24, 4141.25, 4141.26, 4141.27, 4141.36, 4141.39, 5726.31, 5733.121, 5736.081, 5747.12, and 5751.081 and to enact section 4141.252 of the Revised Code to increase the taxable wage base under the Unemployment Compensation Law and require a contributory employer's employees to pay a contribution when the employer has a negative account balance in the Unemployment Compensation Fund.

To amend sections 4141.30, 4141.33, and 4141.53 of the Revised Code to reduce the maximum weeks an individual may receive unemployment benefits from 26 to 20 weeks.

To amend section 4141.34 of the Revised Code to require the Director of Job and Family Services to establish an online process for employers to report individuals who fail to appear for a scheduled job interview.