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New Ohio Reporting Requirements for Non-Residential Contractors

Client Alert

Effective March 19, 2026, nonresidential construction companies must verify the employment eligibility of each employee hired to perform work on a project throughout the State of Ohio. Ohio’s E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act (the “Act”) requires E-Verify participation for nonresidential construction companies, subcontractors, and labor brokers for nonresidential construction.

E-Verify is a records maintenance portal that allows confirmation of employment eligibility by comparing information entered by the employer to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. E-Verify will not replace current reporting databases that companies already utilize; it will be an additional, required submission by the employer.

The Act mandates participation by companies that complete nonresidential projects in the State of Ohio regardless of their employee count. The Act defines a nonresidential construction project as “the construction or renovation of any building, highway, bridge, utility, or related infrastructure.” Importantly, contractors constructing industrialized units, manufactured homes, residential buildings or mobile homes will not fall within the purview of the Act.

The Ohio Attorney General is entrusted with the enforcement of the Act. Penalties for violations range between $250 and $25,000, with such monetary penalty possibly accompanied by an order rendering the contractor ineligible to bid or participate in any future state contract for a period of two (2) years.

There are competing interpretations of the Act surrounding whether a contractor must create E-Verify cases for existing employees whose work authorization is subject to reverification under federal law. Definitive guidance has not been provided as of the date of this Client Alert, but construction companies are encouraged to seek formal guidance on how to ensure compliance with Act.

For questions regarding Ohio’s E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act and how your business should prepare for these new requirements, please do not hesitate to contact BMD Member Bob Hager at rahager@bmdllc.com or Attorney Jacob Davis at jrdavis@bmdllc.com.


HHS Revokes Public Comment Requirement on Certain Policy Changes

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has revoked the Richardson Waiver, eliminating the requirement for public notice and comment on certain policy changes. This decision allows HHS to implement new policies more quickly, potentially affecting healthcare funding rules like Medicaid work requirements. While it speeds up policymaking, it also reduces opportunities for stakeholder input, raising concerns over transparency and unintended consequences for healthcare providers, states, and patients.

Don't Get Caught Dazed and Confused: Another Florida Court Weighs in on Employer Obligations to Accommodate Medical Marijuana Use

A Florida trial court ruled in Giambrone v. Hillsborough County that employers may need to accommodate off-duty medical marijuana use under the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). This contrasts with prior rulings and raises new compliance challenges for employers. With the case on appeal, now is the time to review workplace drug policies.

Corporate Transparency Act to be Re-evaluated

Recent federal rulings have impacted the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. While reporting requirements were briefly reinstated, FinCEN has now paused enforcement and is reevaluating the CTA. Businesses are no longer required to submit reports until further guidance is issued. For updates and legal counsel, contact BMD Member Blake Gerney.

Ohio Recovery Housing Operators Beware: House Bill 58 Seeks to Make Major Changes

Ohio House Bill 58 proposes significant changes to recovery housing oversight, granting ADAMH Boards authority to inspect and investigate recovery residences. The bill also introduces a Certificate of Need (CON) program, requiring state approval for major facility changes. OMHAS will assess applications based on cost, quality, accessibility, and financial feasibility. The bill also establishes a recovery housing residence fund to support inspections. For more information, contact BMD attorneys Daphne Kackloudis or Jordan Burdick.

January 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Brings Notable Changes to HIPAA Security Rule

In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed amendments to the HIPAA Security Rule, aiming to enhance cybersecurity for covered entities (CEs) and business associates (BAs). Key changes include mandatory compliance audits, workforce training, vulnerability scans, and risk assessments. Comments on the proposed rule are due by March 7, 2025.