Ohio’s minimum wage increases.

Beginning Jan. 1st, Ohio’s minimum wage will increase to $11 an hour for most workers. For tipped employees, the minimum wage will rise to $5.50 an hour. The increase is automatic and tied to inflation under a constitutional amendment approved by Ohio voters in 2006. By contrast, the federal minimum wage standard remains just $7.25 an hour. In addition, a new state law now requires every public school district in Ohio to have a clear policy limiting student cellphone use during the school day. Many districts already had rules in place, but the new law makes those policies mandatory statewide. Exceptions are allowed for medical needs and emergencies. Another law signed by Gov. Mike DeWine addresses the use of overdose-reversing drugs such as naloxone – commonly known as Narcan – in schools. The law does not require schools to carry Narcan. However, districts that choose to keep the medication on campus must now follow standardized rules for storage, staff training, and emergency response.