Rep. Jarrells announces House Commerce & Labor Committee passage of HB 106 to require employers to provide their employees access to their pay statements

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) yesterday announced the House Commerce & Labor Committee passage of House Bill (HB) 106, also known as the “Pay Stub Protection Act”, which requires employers to provide their employees access to their pay statements. After introduction in the 133rd General Assembly, this legislation passed the House by a vote of 94-2 and with 48 bipartisan co-sponsors.

Ohio is currently one of only nine states where an employer can legally choose to not provide their employees with a statement detailing their pay information. H.B. 106 would make Ohio an access state – meaning employers can comply with the pay statement requirement by providing either a written, printed, or electronic pay stub (or access to the electronic pay stub).

“The Pay Stub Protection Act is rooted in our collective efforts to promote workers’ rights, dignity, and respect,” said Rep. Jarrells. “Passage of this legislation out of the House Commerce & Labor Committee is the first step of many on our shared journey to create an Ohio that treats everyone fairly.”

A constituent initially brought this issue to the attention of former Representative Brigid Kelly’s office in the 132nd General Assembly after the constituent’s employer went through a change in ownership. Employees stopped receiving their regular pay statements and were additionally denied access to viewing them. Upon receiving their W-2’s at the beginning of the year, they noticed that their total earnings of the previous year were significantly lower than they have been in the past and that their hourly wages had been altered in the change. While the employees were able to recover lost wages through a legal process, their employer was still not required to provide them with pay statements. 

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to my joint sponsor, Representative Scott Lipps, and Former Representative and current Hamilton County Auditor Brigid Kelly for their work on this bill in previous General Assemblies,” said Rep. Jarrells. “Together, I believe we can pass this legislation, thus ensuring equality is a reality for all Ohioans.”

The bill now moves to the Ohio House Chamber for a floor vote.