Rep. Dave Dobos

Maddy summaryHB 623 mandates that all Ohio high school districts offer at least one computer science course to students. The bill updates graduation requirements by increasing the number of required science units and allowing advanced computer science to count as one unit of mathematics, provided students sign a waiver acknowledging potential impacts on college admissions. Additionally, the legislation requires that elective courses include at least one unit from technology or computer science, while also introducing new financial literacy and world history requirements. These changes apply to students entering ninth grade on or after July 1, 2024, and affect both public and chartered nonpublic high schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Commission to develop legislative strategies for addressing childhood trauma. The commission will be composed of experts from various fields, including social work, law enforcement, medicine, and education, alongside individuals with personal experience of adverse childhood experiences. Appointed members will meet quarterly to review information and produce an annual report with recommendations for the General Assembly. The commission is authorized to operate for four years, after which it will be dissolved.

Maddy summaryHB 372 requires drivers of vehicles and trackless trolleys to stop within fifty feet of a railroad crossing under specific conditions, such as when warning signals are active, gates are lowered, or there is insufficient space or clearance to cross safely. The law mandates that operators of buses, school vehicles, and large trucks must stop, look, and listen before proceeding, while also prohibiting gear shifts while crossing the tracks. Violations of these rules are classified as misdemeanors, but courts may offer offenders the option to complete a rail safety training program instead of facing fines or jail time. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for the Public Utilities Commission to approve certain crossings as "exempt," allowing vehicles to cross without stopping if the commission determines it is safe after a public hearing.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 24 as "Ukraine Independence Day" in Ohio to formally recognize the date Ukraine declared itself an independent, sovereign, and democratic nation. The legislation requires the state to acknowledge this specific day in official records or ceremonies as a symbol of Ukrainian statehood. It does not alter existing laws or create new government programs, but rather establishes a commemorative observance within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2 delays the deadline for major political parties to submit their presidential and vice-presidential candidate certifications to the Secretary of State. The bill allows parties to use various delivery methods, such as mail, commercial carriers, or electronic transmission, to ensure the Secretary of State receives the documents by the new deadline. Additionally, the Secretary of State is permitted to certify official ballot forms later than the previous 60-day requirement before the election. This legislation directly affects political parties and election officials by adjusting the timeline for candidate certification and ballot preparation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly funding political campaigns, ballot issues, or election-related communications within the state. It also bars state political entities from accepting or using money from foreign nationals for these purposes and makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly help facilitate such transactions. Violations of these rules carry criminal penalties, including fines and potential jail time, with the attorney general responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends election laws to ensure that state ballot questions are numbered consecutively based on the sequence from the previous election, resetting to number one once the count reaches 500. It also establishes a specific order for grouping local issues on ballots, such as county and municipal questions, and requires that the percentage of votes needed to pass each measure be clearly printed. Additionally, the legislation mandates that full text for ballot proposals be posted at polling places if a condensed version appears on the ballot itself. These changes aim to standardize how voters see and number ballot measures while ensuring transparency about voting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 305 amends several Ohio Revised Code sections to update definitions and restrict how public funds can be used by local governments and legal aid organizations. The bill clarifies what constitutes a "political subdivision" and prohibits these entities from using taxpayer money to publish content that supports political candidates, promotes illegal activities, or engages in electioneering. Additionally, it limits legal aid funds to specific services for indigent clients and bars their use in criminal or fee-generating cases. The legislation also introduces new rules for public depositories, requiring them to notify governing boards if they are involved in federal regulatory corrective actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Interstate 77 in Noble County as the "Staff Sergeant George P. Mizik (USMC) Memorial Highway" to honor a Marine Corps staff sergeant. The law officially names the northbound and southbound lanes between mile markers 25 and 29 and authorizes transportation officials to install signs displaying the new name. This measure is a commemorative action that does not alter traffic rules or funding but serves to recognize the individual through official road signage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of State Route 170 in New Middletown as the "Police Chief Ronnie Ricketts, Sr. Memorial Highway" to honor a local law enforcement leader. The legislation authorizes the state transportation director to install signs along the road to display this new name. It does not change traffic laws or funding but simply updates the official title of the roadway within Mahoning County.