News Summary
Ohio is set to enforce significant changes to public construction laws, impacting libraries and public entities statewide. The new regulations, effective September 2025, aim to streamline procurement processes and clarify construction retainage requirements. With the introduction of new measures, stakeholders are expected to experience improved efficiency and financial transparency in public projects. A webinar will be conducted to inform stakeholders about these changes and their implications for public institutions. This legislation forms part of a broader package aimed at enhancing operational efficiency across various sectors in Ohio.
Columbus, Ohio – Major updates to public construction laws in Ohio are set to take effect on September 30, 2025, significantly impacting various sectors, particularly libraries throughout the state. The new legislation promises to enhance efficiency and accountability in public construction processes, leading to an improved environment for both construction managers and public entities.
One of the core updates includes the establishment of streamlined procurement processes for construction manager at risk (CMR) and design-build projects valued at under $4 million. This change aims to simplify the contracting process, making it easier for public agencies, including libraries, to undertake necessary construction projects. The new regulations are designed to mitigate delays and inefficiencies currently faced in the procurement stage.
Additionally, the upcoming laws will introduce new requirements concerning construction retainage and payments. These updates are intended to provide greater clarity on how funds are managed during construction projects, thereby enhancing the financial operations within the public construction sector. With these measures in place, stakeholders are expected to benefit from improved cash flow and funding transparency.
In an effort to familiarize stakeholders with these upcoming changes, a webinar hosted by Laura Bowman will be made available to provide an overview of the key aspects of the new laws. This session will offer insight and guidance on how these changes will specifically affect libraries and other public institutions, helping them to adjust their practices accordingly.
Ohio’s new construction laws are part of a broader legislative package that includes multiple bills signed by Governor Mike DeWine, all set to take effect on the same date. Among these, SB 6 will require that appeals against building inspector decisions be filed within one business day, and court hearings on such appeals must occur within five business days. This swift process aims to reduce delays associated with construction disputes.
Another key piece of legislation, SB 100, exempts nonprofit agricultural membership organizations from state insurance regulations, thereby decreasing bureaucratic hurdles within that sector. Meanwhile, SB 114 introduces restrictions against law enforcement agencies instituting arrest or citation quotas, promoting more judicious exercise of police discretion.
Moreover, SB 138 revises the governance structures for local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) service boards, implementing stronger accountability measures. SB 147 alters existing solid waste and construction debris management laws, granting counties more control over waste management decisions, thus adapting local governance to better meet regional needs.
The package of changes also includes HB 64, which lowers the qualifying age for discounted hunting and fishing licenses from 66 to 65, and HB 96, which mandates the establishment of cybersecurity frameworks for public entities while altering age requirements for driver education programs. Each of these measures is aimed at improving operational efficiency across different sectors while ensuring safety and accountability standards are upheld.
As the September 2025 deadline approaches, public entities and construction managers will need to prepare for the transition to the new regulatory environment. The updates signify a critical step toward modernizing Ohio’s public construction landscape, promising enhanced procedures that will ultimately support better community development and infrastructure improvements.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
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