Governor Mike DeWine has signed a piece of legislation, sponsored in part by Republican State Representative Shane Wilken of Hillsboro.
On Wednesday, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 215, known better as the Business Fairness Act, into law, allowing any business than can comply with safety standards from government orders or regulations to stay open.
The Bill was brought forward by Rep. Wilkin and Republican State Rep. Jon Cross of Kenton, following early pandemic public health orders that required small businesses to close, while still allowing their larger competitors to remain open.
“The Business Fairness Act allows Ohio businesses to stay open during a pandemic,” said Cross. “All Ohioans should be able to keep their jobs because all jobs are essential. I am proud to have championed this piece of legislation with Representative Shane Wilkin.”
The Bill was originally introduced last year as House Bill 621 and passed the Ohio House with bipartisan support.
“During the statewide shutdown, large retailers were allowed to have hundreds, if not thousands, of people in their stores daily, but I couldn’t shop at a locally owned business selling the same product,” said Wilkin. “This legislation levels the playing field.”