What happened?

On July 1, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill No. 96 into law, enacting a new state “mini-WARN” Act that requires employers to provide advance notice of mass layoffs or plant closings.

Overview:

The law applies to employers with at least 100 employees working a combined 4,000 hours per week. These employers must give 60 days’ written notice before laying off 50 or more employees at a single site within a 30-day period.

• Employers planning workforce reductions should begin preparing now to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Ohio Mini-WARN Summary:

• Who must be notified: Affected employees (or their union representatives), the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, and the chief elected officials of the municipality and county where the layoff or closure will occur.

• What the notice must include:

• Reason for the layoff or closure
  • Whether it is permanent or temporary
  • Dates of the layoff or closure
  • Number and job titles of affected employees.
  • Information on unemployment benefits and support services
  • Contact details for an employer representative.
  • Any bumping or reemployment rights

Additional Information:

• Ohio WARN adopts federal WARN exceptions for unforeseeable business circumstances, faltering companies, natural disasters, and labor disputes.

• Unlike federal WARN, Ohio does not allow a short-form notice and may require detailed employee-level information in notices to government officials.

• The law contains some ambiguity regarding how certain federal WARN thresholds apply, and state guidance is expected to clarify these points.

Source References

• Ohio HB 96 – Make state operating appropriations for FY 2026-27

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