Ohio Modifies Employment Discrimination Laws
Written by Jay M. Kelley III in In the news, Workplace Injuries and Claims on January 21, 2021
On January 12, 2021, Governor Mike DeWine signed into law House Bill (H.B.) 352, which makes significant changes to how employment discrimination claims will be managed in Ohio. The new statute:

H.B. 352 changes Ohio employment discrimination laws.
- Reduces the state’s previous six-year statute of limitations to two years
- Eliminates individual liability in discrimination cases
- Requires employees to file potential discrimination charges with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission for mediation before going to court
- Incorporates age discrimination claims with all other protected classes
- Establishes an affirmative defense if employers prevent or promptly correct unlawful discriminatory practices and/or employees fail to take advantage of corrective opportunities provided by employers
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Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice attorney in Ohio with over 25 years of experience and $200 million in verdicts and settlements. He leads Elk + Elk’s litigation strategy in state and federal courts and has a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay specializes in complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.