WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 152

Regulate the provision of earned wage access services

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Brennan and 4 co-sponsors

Ohio bill HB 152 imposes licensing, disclosure, and fee regulations on earned wage access services to protect workers from predatory lending practices.

Referred to committee
#commerce #occupationallicensingandregulation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 152

Legislative bill overview

HB 152 establishes regulatory requirements for earned wage access (EWA) services in Ohio, which are financial services that allow employees to access portions of their earned wages before the standard payday. The bill creates licensing, disclosure, fee, and operational standards for companies providing these services to protect workers from predatory practices.

Why is this important

Earned wage access services have grown rapidly as alternatives to payday loans, but operate in a largely unregulated space. Workers using EWA services—often lower-income employees living paycheck-to-paycheck—are vulnerable to high fees, misleading terms, and debt cycles. Regulatory oversight could protect consumers while clarifying the legal landscape for legitimate service providers.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee caps vs. market innovation: Restrictions on what EWA providers can charge may limit service availability or force providers to exit the market, potentially leaving workers with fewer borrowing options
  • Employer involvement: The bill likely addresses employer relationships with EWA providers; employers may resist regulatory requirements that complicate payroll integration
  • Definition and scope: Determining which services qualify as "earned wage access" versus other financial products could create regulatory gaps or unintended consequences for related services

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

Sign in to ask a question.