Pay Stub Protection Act

On January 8, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the Pay Stub Protection Act (House Bill 106) into law, marking a significant advancement in workers' rights within the state. Effective April 8, 2025, this bipartisan legislation mandates that all Ohio employers provide detailed pay statements to their employees, promoting transparency and accountability in wage practices.

Prior to this legislation, Ohio was among the few states that did not mandate employers to provide pay stubs, leaving workers without a straightforward method to verify their earnings and deductions. The Pay Stub Protection Act addresses this gap, ensuring that employees have access to essential wage information, thereby enhancing transparency and trust in the employer-employee relationship.

Key Requirements of the Pay Stub Protection Act

The Pay Stub Protection Act, codified as Ohio Revised Code Section 4113.14, requires employers to provide each employee with a written or electronic pay statement on every regular payday. These statements must include the following information:

• Employee's name and address
• Employer's name
• Total gross wages earned during the pay period
• Total net wages paid for the pay period
• Itemized list of additions to or deductions from wages, with explanations
• Date of payment and the pay period covered

For hourly employees, additional details are required:

• Total hours worked during the pay period
• Hourly wage rate
• Overtime hours worked (beyond 40 hours in a workweek)

Employers have the flexibility to deliver these pay statements either in paper form or electronically.

Enforcement & Compliance

The Act establishes a clear procedure for addressing violations:

• Employee Request: If an employee does not receive a compliant pay stub, they must submit a written request to their employer.
• Employer Response: The employer has ten days to provide the requested pay statement.
• Reporting Violations: Failure to comply allows the employee to report the violation to the Ohio Department of Commerce.
• Notice of Violation: If the Department determines a violation occurred, it will issue a written notice that the employer must post conspicuously at the workplace for ten days.

Implications For Employers

The Pay Stub Protection Act brings Ohio in line with the majority of states that require employers to provide detailed pay statements. Employers should take proactive steps to ensure compliance:

• Review and Update Payroll Systems: Ensure that payroll software can generate pay stubs containing all required information.
• Train HR and Payroll Staff: Educate relevant personnel about the new requirements to prevent inadvertent non-compliance.
• Communicate with Employees: Inform employees about the new pay stub details they can expect to receive.

For more information, employees can visit the Ohio Department of Commerce's Wage and Hour Division

Need Help Navigating Compliance?

Ohio’s new Pay Stub Protection Act is a big step forward for transparency, but it also means added responsibility for employers. If you're unsure whether your current payroll process meets the new requirements, or if you simply want to make sure you’re on the right track, our team can help.

We stay up to date on the latest state and federal payroll regulations so you don’t have to. We’ll work with you to review your payroll system, update your pay stub formats, and ensure you're meeting all compliance deadlines without the guesswork.

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Send us a message or give us a call.

This content does not constitute legal advice and does not address federal, state or local law.