Ohio HB 588 extends civil rights protections against workplace discrimination to unpaid interns

Original title: Apply employment portions of Civil Rights Law to unpaid interns

Last action · November 19, 2025: Referred to Commerce and LaborSponsors: Lauren McNally and 5 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Ohio House Bill 588 updates state law to include unpaid interns within the definition of "employee" under the , extending anti-discrimination protections to individuals performing unpaid work for career experience. The legislation amends sections 3701.249 and 4112.01 of the Revised Code.

Why it matters

Unpaid interns gain legal recourse against workplace discrimination, while employers face new compliance obligations regarding intern treatment.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

unpaid interns

Individuals performing unpaid work for career experience are newly included in the definition of employee, bringing them under the coverage of the Ohio Civil Rights Law.

Directly affected

employers in Ohio

Employers must adhere to civil rights and anti-discrimination standards regarding unpaid interns in the same manner as paid staff.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill change employer liability regarding HIV transmission in the workplace?

The bill maintains existing immunities for employers from civil liability regarding HIV transmission between employees or stress-related claims from working with an HIV-positive individual, unless the employer engaged in reckless conduct.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

2 actions

Nov 19, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to Commerce and Labor
Nov 12, 2025HouseIntroduced
Introduced

Version history

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