Rep. McNally Introduces Legislation Applying Employment Portions of Ohio Civil Rights Law to Unpaid Interns

COLUMBUS – State Rep Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today introduced House Bill (HB) 422, legislation adding unpaid interns to the employment portions of the Ohio Civil Rights Law, thereby giving them the same legal protections against discrimination in employment and the workplace as paid employees.

“Many unpaid internships exist in a variety of employment fields in Ohio and are often required for career advancement. Yet as a state, we are not currently doing anything to make sure those internships are offered to the most deserving applicant,” said Rep. McNally. “HB 422 corrects this flaw in Ohio’s law and will help us attract and retain the best and brightest workers this state has to offer.”

Under current Ohio law, employment discrimination, which is unlawful, occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant for employment differently based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, ancestry and/or military status, encouraging employment based on performance and qualifications as opposed to prejudice or bias and benefiting employers and employees. HB 422 adds to the definition of employee “an individual who performs unpaid work for an employer for the primary purpose of acquiring knowledge or experience relevant to the individual’s career aspirations,” allowing unpaid interns employment protection under Ohio Civil Rights Law.

“Someone seeking an internship should never wonder if anything other than the skills they bring to the table is what’s keeping them from getting a foot in the door, and by extension into the workforce. HB 422 signals to them that we are a welcoming state, determined to strengthen our economy,” said Rep. McNally.