Increase the state minimum wage

HB 34 proposes to increase Ohio's state minimum wage in phases, starting at $15.50 per hour in 2025 and rising to $16.50 per hour by 2027. It requires annual adjustments based on inflation after 2027 and mandates employers to post current wage rates in visible locations. The bill covers most Ohio workers, excluding specific categories like certain independent contractors in transportation (e.g., owner-operators of vehicles) and volunteers. It also clarifies definitions of "employee" and "employer" to align with federal standards under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The bill is currently pending committee review after its introduction on February 3, 2025.