Ohio Senate Passes Legislation to Protect Businesses

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Senate on Wednesday passed Senate Bill 98, which aims to protect business owners in the state.

The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Michael Rulli of Salem, R-33rd, would update Ohio’s business filing law to strengthen consumer protections and shield business owners from fraud. It would empower the secretary of state and local prosecutors to investigate claims instead of requiring business owners to spend time and money in the courts.

“As scammers and thieves become more sophisticated in their schemes, it is important that there are safeguards in place to protect Ohio’s hardworking business owners,” Rulli said. “As a small business owner myself, I know firsthand how these bad actors can make a negative impact on their business and, ultimately, their livelihood.” 

Senate Bill 98 would:

• Streamline the complaint process against scammers.
• Restrict the reinstatement period for canceled business registrations to two years to reduce fraud.
• Eliminate agents’ ability to hide their identity behind a fraudulent address.
• Crack down on deceptive or misleading mailers.
• Improve the process for businesses victimized by scammers to seek a remedial solution.

Senate Bill 98 now heads to the Ohio House.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.