Warren-Clinton News

State Representative Bob Peterson, a Republican from Sabina and Chair of the Ohio House Public Insurance and Pensions Committee, announced that the biennial budgets for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and the Industrial Commission (IC) for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 have been reported out of committee.

House Bill 80 addresses the budget for the Ohio BWC, which is responsible for providing workers’ compensation insurance to 258,000 public and private employers in Ohio. A significant update in this bill allows the BWC to purchase, repair, and replace prosthetic devices required due to workplace injury or disease beyond the life of a claim. The current law limits repairs and replacements to a five-year timeframe. The bill also proposes changes to programs affecting incarcerated individuals injured during prison employment and simplifies processes for employers using Professional Employer Organizations. It renames the BWC’s ombudsperson system as the Workers' Compensation Customer Advocacy Office.

“The BWC most recently announced a 6 percent rate reduction for private employers, following a 7 percent rate cut for private employers last year,” said Rep. Peterson. “This Budget represents a continuation of the great work happening at the BWC to ensure workplace safety while helping private employers to save more of their earnings.”

The funding for BWC's budget comes from premium payments by employers with some support from federal grants rather than from the General Revenue Fund.

House Bill 81 pertains to Ohio’s IC budget. The IC is tasked with resolving disputes over compensation and medical benefits related to work-related injuries and occupational diseases. Testimony during committee discussions highlighted plans to prioritize technology improvements in electronic hearings, making them more user-friendly and exploring remote hearing options.

“The Industrial Commission plays an important role in facilitating an impartial and timely process for employers and injured workers who are going through the workers’ compensation claims process,” said Rep. Peterson. “I am pleased with the efficiency of the committee as they vetted the IC’s budget bill, which is an overall reduction from last year’s IC budget while still maintaining the same level of service for injured workers.”

The commission's funding comes from an Administrative Cost Fund surcharge on workers’ compensation insurance base premiums rather than general revenue funds.

Both House Bill 80 and House Bill 81 will proceed to further review by the House Finance Committee.