Bill > HB349

This bill enacts the Consumer Protection Call Center Act, which aims to discourage Ohio employers from relocating call centers to foreign countries by implementing several key provisions. The law requires employers with 50 or more full-time employees to provide 120 days' notice to the state's job and family services director before moving a call center or a significant portion of its operations overseas. Employers who fail to provide this notice can be subject to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day. The bill mandates that the state will compile and distribute a list of companies that have relocated call centers abroad, and these companies will be ineligible to receive state grants, loans, tax benefits, or other economic incentives for five years after relocation. Additionally, the law requires state agencies to ensure that all call center and customer service work is performed entirely within the state, with no contractors permitted to hire employees outside Ohio for such work. The bill includes some exceptions for waivers if the state determines that denying economic incentives would result in substantial job loss, environmental harm, or significant economic impact. Importantly, the law does not affect employees' rights to receive compensation or benefits under existing state laws, even if their employer relocates overseas.

Business and Industry

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb349