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Bill

SB 117

Regulate the provision of earned wage access services

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by George Lang

Ohio bill establishes licensing, fee, and disclosure regulations for earned wage access services to protect worker consumers from predatory lending practices.

Referred to committee
#commerce #occupationallicensingandregulation
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Bill Summary · SB 117

Legislative bill overview

SB 117 establishes regulatory requirements for earned wage access (EWA) services in Ohio—financial products that allow employees to access portions of their earned but unpaid wages before regular paydays. The bill creates licensing, disclosure, fee limitation, and consumer protection standards for companies offering these services.

Why is this important

EWA services have grown rapidly as an alternative to payday loans, affecting hundreds of thousands of workers who face cash flow gaps. This bill directly impacts workers' access to emergency funds, employer payroll systems, and the competitive landscape of short-term lending alternatives. The regulatory framework will also influence how much workers pay in fees and what protections they receive.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee caps vs. market access: Strict fee limitations could reduce provider offerings or incentivize companies to exit the market, limiting worker access to the service
  • Employer involvement requirements: Mandating employer participation or data sharing may create operational burden and compliance costs for businesses
  • Consumer protection vs. innovation: Prescriptive regulations may slow development of EWA products while proponents argue workers need flexibility in accessing their own earnings

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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