Ohio Bills

passed · Ohio · House Dec 10, 2024

HR 562: Urge federal collaboration to protect innovation, product access

This bill is a non-binding resolution from the Ohio House of Representatives that urges federal agencies to implement policies in a way that supports innovation and product access. It highlights the importance of the Bayh-Dole Act, which allows private companies to license government-funded research for commercialization, and argues that this system should not be undermined by broad interpretations of "march-in rights." The text asserts that protecting intellectual property is essential for economic growth and that any government actions regarding product access must not discourage private investment in research. Ultimately, the resolution calls for collaboration between state and federal officials to ensure regulations foster a conducive environment for technological development without compromising the incentives for innovation.

passed · Ohio · Senate Dec 10, 2024

SR 495: In memory of Athanasios I. “Tommy” Pappas.

This bill is a Senate resolution honoring the life of Athanasios I. "Tommy" Pappas, a beloved restaurant owner and community figure in Columbus, Ohio. It formally recognizes his contributions as the founder of Tommy's Diner and his active involvement in the Franklinton neighborhood and Greek Orthodox community. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to them.

passed · Ohio · House Dec 10, 2024

HR 658: Honoring Laura Battocletti on her retirement from the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board.

This bill is a commemorative resolution that honors Laura Battocletti on her retirement from her role as executive director of the Ohio Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board. It recognizes her distinguished career in public service, which includes previous leadership positions with the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The text formally commends her dedication and instructs the House Clerk to send an official copy of the resolution to her as a gesture of appreciation.

passed · Ohio · Senate Dec 10, 2024

SR 494: Honoring Jade Fink as a 2024 FCCLA National Champion.

This bill is a Senate resolution that formally honors Jade Fink for winning the baking and pastry championship at the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America national competition. The measure recognizes her specific achievements in state and national contests and praises her leadership and dedication as a young student. It directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of the resolution to Jade Fink as a gesture of commendation.

in committee · Ohio · House Dec 9, 2024

HB 698: Create Dolly Parton's Imagination Library license plate

HB 698 amends the law to allow Ohio drivers to purchase a specialty license plate featuring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library logo. Revenue generated from these plates will be directed to the Imagination Library program, which provides free books to children, as well as to a variety of other charitable organizations and educational institutions. The bill specifies that funds collected for these causes must be used strictly for their intended purposes, such as supporting cancer research, funding scholarships, or aiding specific community groups. This legislation affects vehicle registrants who choose to buy the plate and the numerous nonprofits that will receive the resulting contributions.

in committee · Ohio · House Dec 9, 2024

HB 696: Modify trust and probate laws

HB 696 modifies Ohio's trust and probate laws to clarify when financial transfers or debts are considered fraudulent and to strengthen the duties of agents managing powers of attorney. The bill updates rules for identifying fraudulent transfers by creditors, specifying that such actions can be challenged within four years if the debtor intended to hide assets or incurred debts they could not repay. It also establishes a mandatory list of duties for agents, such as acting in good faith, keeping accurate records, and attempting to preserve the principal's estate plan while minimizing taxes. Additionally, the legislation sets specific time limits for filing lawsuits related to these fraudulent transfers and defines the conditions under which an agent may be held liable for their actions.

passed · Ohio · Senate Dec 9, 2024

SB 270: Designate Ameloblastoma Awareness Day

This bill designates March 21 as Ameloblastoma Awareness Day to raise public recognition of this rare jaw tumor. The primary mechanism is the official proclamation of a specific date, which aims to focus attention on the condition without altering laws or funding. It directly affects individuals and organizations interested in ameloblastoma by providing a designated day for awareness campaigns. The legislation does not change medical treatment protocols or allocate resources, serving instead as a symbolic gesture to highlight the disease.

passed · Ohio · Senate Dec 9, 2024

SB 125: Create St. Vincent-St. Mary High School license plate

SB 125 creates a specialty license plate for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, allowing vehicle owners in Ohio to purchase plates that display the school's name. The money collected from these plates goes into a state fund and is distributed to various organizations, including the high school itself, which will use the funds for scholarships and educational programs. The bill also maintains funding for numerous other causes such as cancer research, special needs support, and agricultural education through existing specialty plate programs. By adding this new plate option, the legislation provides a way for drivers to support the specific high school while continuing to contribute to a wide range of charitable and educational initiatives.

in committee · Ohio · House Dec 9, 2024

HB 697: Revise the Ohio Uniform Commercial Code

HB 697 amends the Ohio Uniform Commercial Code to update and clarify the legal rules governing commercial transactions in the state. The bill primarily affects businesses, financial institutions, and individuals engaged in buying, selling, or financing goods and services by modernizing definitions and procedures. Key provisions include revising specific sections to align with national uniform standards, expanding definitions for terms like "bank" and "buyer in ordinary course of business," and clarifying how contracts and electronic documents are interpreted. Additionally, the legislation establishes guidelines for how courts should apply these laws to ensure consistency and simplify commercial practices.

passed · Ohio · Senate Dec 9, 2024

SB 178: Prohibit certain actions around a distressed vehicle

SB 178 requires drivers to take specific actions when passing a stationary vehicle in distress or an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights. On highways with at least two lanes in the same direction, drivers must change lanes to avoid the stationary vehicle if it is safe and possible. If lane changes are not feasible or the road does not have multiple lanes, drivers must proceed with caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance. Violating these rules is classified as a minor misdemeanor, but penalties increase to higher-degree misdemeanors for repeat offenders and include additional fines if the violation occurs while the driver is distracted.

in committee · Ohio · House Dec 9, 2024

HB 695: Regards electrical charges for certain structures

HB 695 allows electric utilities to charge the same residential rates for separately metered structures on a property, such as guest houses or workshops, as long as they are not used for commercial purposes. The bill applies only to retail electric customers and explicitly excludes any structures dedicated to business activities. To enforce this, the state must create rules that include inspections to verify that these secondary structures remain non-commercial.

passed · Ohio · House Dec 9, 2024

HR 654: Honoring Cara Sanders as the 2024 OSCA Middle School Counselor of the Year.

This bill formally recognizes Cara Sanders as the 2024 Ohio School Counselor of the Year for her work with Massillon City Schools. It honors her professional achievements and dedication to student support by passing a resolution of congratulations. The House Clerk will send an official copy of this resolution to Sanders to acknowledge the award.

Bill results