Here is a compendium of current issues that affect Ohio’s public entities, plus McGown & Markling news of note.
On December 16, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidance regarding whether employers can require employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Though it did not address the question directly, the guidance provided for possible exceptions to an employer mandate and outline concerns employers should address. Notably, the EEOC addressed the impact such a policy […]
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has confirmed that employers may require their employees receive and provide proof of vaccination, absent limited exceptions. Such exceptions include employees with disabilities and those with sincerely held religious beliefs preventing them from receiving the vaccine. When employees meet an exception employers may be required to provide them reasonable accommodations. […]
The Ohio Ethics Commission just published its newest newsletter, “The Voice of Ethics,” which can be viewed here. Past newsletters from the Ohio Ethics Commission can be viewed here. McGown & Markling is often asked to opine on various ethics issues, but the best ethics advice comes straight from the Ohio Ethics Commission itself. To request an […]
The Ohio Ethics Commission just published its newest newsletter, “The Voice of Ethics,” which can be viewed here. Past newsletters from the Ohio Ethics Commission can be viewed here. McGown & Markling is often asked to opine on various ethics issues, but the best ethics advice comes straight from the Ohio Ethics Commission itself. To request an […]
Governor DeWine has signed Ohio House Bill 606 into law. HB 606 ensures civil immunity to individuals, schools, health care providers, businesses, and other entities from lawsuits arising from exposure, transmission, or contraction of COVID-19, as long as they were not showing reckless, intentional, or willful misconduct. HB 606 also shields health care providers from […]
In the opinion, the Attorney General opined on the authority of a political subdivision to contract for construction services through joint purchasing programs under R.C. 9.48. He found that R.C. 9.48(B) does not authorize a political subdivision to acquire construction services through participation in a contract entered into by another political subdivision. This opinion has […]
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio S.B. 319 makes changes to education law for the 2020-2021 school year. The legislation requires the Department of Education to make an additional payment in fiscal year 2020 or 2021 to certain school districts that experience a decrease in the taxable value of the district’s utility tangible […]
On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) released its Final Rule, which amends existing Title IX. The Final Rule, which encompasses both the amended regulations and accompanying commentary, exceed 2,000 pages, and are scheduled to take effect on August 14, 2020. The regulations bring sweeping changes to how […]