Ohio House Passes Business Fairness Act

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jon Cross (R-Kenton) today announced House passage of House Bill 621, legislation that allows any business that can comply with safety standards from government orders or regulations to stay open.

“Keeping Ohio open for businesses and fighting for our financial health remains a top priority for me,” said Cross. “I am grateful the Ohio House passed this common sense legislation that supports businesses across our state.”

The bill, known as the Business Fairness Act, creates competitive fairness by giving small businesses the ability to maintain operations during a public health emergency.

“All businesses are essential and deserve a chance to fairly compete during the pandemic,” added Cross. “It is unfair large retail chains are able to keep their doors open while small businesses are getting crushed.”

H.B. 621 is supported by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, and Ohio Small Business Council. The measure is also joint-sponsored by State Rep. Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro).

The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.