NW Ohio Times

State Representative Jim Hoops from Napoleon has expressed his support for the biennial budgets of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and the Industrial Commission (IC) for the fiscal years of 2026 and 2027. These budgets have been approved by the Ohio House of Representatives and will now be considered by the Ohio Senate.

“These budgets play a significant role in ensuring a safe and fair workplace and an efficient claim process for Ohio employees and employers alike,” Hoops stated.

House Bill 80 outlines the budget for Ohio’s Industrial Commission, which handles disputes regarding compensation and medical benefits for workers injured on the job. As part of the upcoming funding cycle, the commission plans to continue leveraging technology to enhance the hearing process for injured workers. The focus will be on making the electronic hearing process more user-friendly and expanding remote hearing options, aiming to save both time and money. The IC is primarily funded by an Administrative Cost Fund surcharge on workers’ compensation insurance premiums and does not receive general revenue funding.

House Bill 81 pertains to the Ohio BWC, the state’s exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance, serving 258,000 employers. Notably, the bill includes a provision that allows for the repair and replacement of prosthetic devices necessitated by workplace injuries, even after the related claim has expired. The bill also proposes updates to the Prison Industries Enhancement Certification Program and makes the state's insurance fund more accessible for employers using Professional Employer Organizations. The BWC’s ombudsperson system will be renamed the Workers' Compensation Customer Advocacy Office. Similar to the IC, the BWC’s budget is funded through employer premium payments and receives a portion of its funds from federal grants.

These legislative measures, House Bill 80 and House Bill 81, will now move forward for consideration in the Ohio Senate.