Rep. Mike Skindell

Maddy summaryHB 30 requires county, municipal, and state correctional facilities to provide female inmates with free feminine hygiene products, including tampons and sanitary napkins in various sizes, based on their individual needs. The law mandates that these facilities create written policies to prevent discrimination in product distribution and establish safe procedures for storage, disposal, and hygiene. Additionally, the bill ensures that female inmates receive at least one daily shower with hot water unless the facility is facing a specific emergency, such as a riot or staff shortage. This legislation applies to all female inmates regardless of their charge, disability status, or disciplinary separation.

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 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 summaryHB 524, known as the Ohio Fairness Act, aims to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill expands the definition of "person" and "employer" to include a wide range of entities and individuals, ensuring broader coverage under state civil rights laws. It also adds mediation as an informal dispute resolution method available to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Additionally, the legislation explicitly preserves existing religious exemptions within Ohio's Civil Rights Law, maintaining protections for religious organizations and individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the state's criminal justice procedures to allow individuals to request a new trial or postconviction relief if they present new evidence that would likely change the original verdict. It specifically mandates that courts hold resentencing hearings for offenders whose death sentences are overturned due to specific legal errors, intellectual disability findings, or changes in the law. Under the new rules, if a death penalty is vacated, the court must resentence the individual to life imprisonment or a term of at least thirty years, unless the person previously waived the right to parole. Additionally, the legislation requires the State Criminal Sentencing Commission to monitor the impact of these changes on local government costs and the state correctional system.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in the state to cover prostate cancer screenings for men who are at least forty years old and considered high-risk. Eligibility for this coverage is based on having a family history of prostate cancer or a personal diagnosis of a genetic alteration linked to increased risk. The law mandates that these screenings, which include tests like prostate-specific antigen checks and digital rectal examinations, be provided without any cost-sharing requirements such as copayments or deductibles. Additionally, the state insurance superintendent must create specific rules to define the types of tests covered and ensure screenings occur at least once every year.