Ohio’s Public Construction Laws Overhauled for Efficiency

Columbus, Ohio, September 19, 2025

News Summary

Ohio is set to implement major updates to its public construction laws, impacting projects especially within the library sector. Key changes include streamlined procurement for construction manager at risk and design-build projects under $4 million, alongside new requirements for construction retainage and payments. These changes aim to enhance the efficiency and accountability of public sector construction processes, effective September 30, 2025. Additional legislative updates will also take effect on the same date, covering various sectors from law enforcement to mental health services.

Columbus, Ohio – Major updates to public construction laws in Ohio will take effect on September 30, 2025, significantly impacting public construction projects across the state, particularly those involving libraries. The legislation is designed to enhance the efficiency and accountability of construction processes in the public sector.

The forthcoming changes include the establishment of streamlined procurement processes for construction manager at risk (CMR) and design-build projects valued under $4 million. This is expected to simplify project execution and reduce delays. Furthermore, new requirements regarding construction retainage and payments will be instituted, ensuring smoother financial transactions for contractors and project managers.

To assist stakeholders in navigating these changes, a webinar hosted by Laura Bowman will offer an overview of the key updates, covering both the new procedures and obligations that will become effective in 2025.

In addition to the changes to public construction laws, a series of other legislative updates will also take effect on the same date. Among these is Senate Bill 6, which mandates that appeals against building inspector decisions must be filed within one business day, with hearings required to occur within five business days. This aims to expedite the appeals process and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Another relevant update, Senate Bill 100, exempts nonprofit agricultural membership organizations from state insurance regulations, allowing those groups greater flexibility in operations. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 114 prohibits law enforcement agencies from establishing arrest or citation quotas, a measure designed to uphold fair policing standards.

Moreover, Senate Bill 138 modifies governance structures for local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) service boards to increase transparency and accountability in the management of these essential services. Senate Bill 147 will revise solid waste and construction debris management laws to grant counties enhanced control over local waste management practices.

Lastly, House Bill 64 will reduce the qualifying age for discounted hunting and fishing licenses from 66 to 65, while House Bill 96 introduces mandatory cybersecurity frameworks for public entities and alters age requirements for driver education programs.

These laws collectively aim to improve processes within multiple sectors while ensuring safety and accountability standards are upheld across Ohio.

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Key Features of Ohio’s New Legislation

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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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