A bill moving through the Ohio Senate would allow certain public employees in the hospitality industry to accept tips for the first time.
Under current Ohio ethics law, public workers are prohibited from accepting “anything of value” from anyone other than their employer. That restriction means a gratuity left for a worker at a state park restaurant, publicly owned golf course or similar facility could technically violate the law.
Ohio Senate Bill 331 would change that by allowing hospitality workers at public facilities to accept tips on top of their regular pay.
The proposal would apply to employees working at publicly owned golf courses, lodges, pools, theaters and marinas, as well as on-site food service and retail operations.
However, the bill would be limited to traditional hospitality roles. It would not apply to elected officials, workers in leadership positions or employees of private companies contracted to operate public facilities.
Supporters say the change would help public facilities compete with private businesses for workers. Lawmakers backing the measure argue many hospitality employees in the private sector earn a significant portion of their income through tips, putting public workers at a disadvantage.
The legislation is sponsored by Steve Wilson, a Republican from Warren County, and Willis Blackshear, a Democrat from Dayton, and continues to move through the Senate for consideration.
