Swearingen, Ohio House Approve Business Fairness Act

Today, State Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) and the Ohio House approved House Bill 215. The legislation allows any business that complies with safety standards from government orders or regulations to stay open.

The measure, known as the Business Fairness Act, provides businesses with stability and ease of mind in the future by ensuring all businesses are deemed essential. It promotes competitive fairness among big and small businesses by giving any business the ability to maintain operations during a public health emergency.  

“Up in Erie and Ottawa Counties, and throughout the state, it was clear shutdowns chose winners and losers – especially for our local business owners,” said Swearingen. “This bill ensures that as long as businesses can meet safety standards that they should remain open and be able to earn a living.”

Swearingen notes that during the statewide shutdown, large retailers were allowed to have many people in their stores daily. However, locally owned businesses selling the same product were forced to close.

The bill was originally introduced last year as House Bill 621 and passed the Ohio House with bipartisan support. 

House Bill 215 now moves to the Senate for consideration.