News Summary
Ohio is introducing significant updates to its public construction laws, effective September 30, impacting project management across the state. The changes include streamlined procurement processes for smaller construction projects, new regulations on retainage and payments, and tighter timelines for building inspector appeal resolutions. These updates aim to enhance efficiency, accountability, and financial fairness for contractors and project owners involved in public works, particularly in library construction. A webinar will be held to inform stakeholders about these changes and their implications.
Columbus, Ohio – Major updates to Ohio’s public construction laws are set to take effect on September 30, 2025, impacting how public construction projects, including those involving libraries, are managed across the state. The new regulations aim to enhance efficiency and accountability in the public construction sector.
One of the most significant changes will be the establishment of streamlined procurement processes for construction manager at risk (CMR) and design-build projects valued at under $4 million. This change is anticipated to reduce delays and bureaucratic red tape that have historically slowed project initiation and completion.
In addition to procurement process updates, new requirements for construction retainage and payments will be instituted. These adjustments are designed to provide more clarity and fairness in financial transactions among contractors, subcontractors, and project owners. The goal is to ensure that payments are processed timely and that contractors are not unnecessarily hindered by cash flow issues during a project.
To prepare stakeholders for these changes, a webinar hosted by a construction and procurement expert will be held, offering an overview of the key updates. This session is expected to be informative for all those involved in public construction work, including library officials, city planners, and construction professionals, helping them to understand the implications of the new laws.
The public construction law changes are part of a broader legislative effort, with multiple bills signed by Governor Mike DeWine taking effect on the same date. Among these, Senate Bill (SB) 6 establishes tighter timelines for appeals against building inspector decisions, requiring that such appeals be filed within one business day and that hearings are conducted within five business days. This change is enacted to expedite the resolution of disputes and ensure that construction projects can progress without unnecessary interruptions.
Additionally, Senate Bill 100 offers exemptions for nonprofit agricultural membership organizations from state insurance regulations, while Senate Bill 114 prohibits law enforcement agencies from implementing arrest or citation quotas. These legislative measures are aimed at broadening regulatory flexibility for various sectors across Ohio.
Further updates include SB 138, which revises governance for local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) service boards, introducing new accountability measures to improve service delivery. Moreover, SB 147 relates to waste management and changes existing laws governing solid waste and construction debris management, granting counties more authority and control.
Additional bills, such as House Bill (HB) 64, lower the qualifying age for discounted hunting and fishing licenses from 66 to 65. HB 96 mandates that public entities implement cybersecurity frameworks and makes alterations to age requirements for driver education programs, emphasizing the state’s commitment to safety and modernization.
These comprehensive updates represent a significant overhaul of Ohio’s regulatory landscape, aiming to improve operational processes across multiple sectors while upholding safety and accountability standards. Stakeholders in the public construction domain, especially those involved with library construction projects, should prepare for the implementation of these laws and stay informed through educational opportunities such as the upcoming webinar.
These changes highlight Ohio’s commitment to improving the efficiency of public services and will likely shape the future of construction and regulatory practices across the state.
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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
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
