Rep. Sean Brennan

Maddy summaryHB 40 increases the homestead property tax exemption for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses in Ohio. It raises the exemption value from $25,000 to $100,000 for veterans with income under $125,000 (adjusted annually), and to $50,000 for those over $125,000. The bill also expands the exemption to surviving spouses of disabled veterans (and public service officers killed in duty) who meet income limits, with annual adjustments tied to the GDP deflator. This change replaces existing exemptions under related tax sections and applies to only one homestead per eligible person.

To enact section 3902.66 of the Revised Code to require health insurers to cover preventive screenings for certain men at high-risk for developing prostate cancer.

To enact section 5.295 of the Revised Code to designate February 4th as John Rankin Day, and to require a statue of John Rankin to be erected on the statehouse grounds.

Maddy summaryHB 39 would amend Ohio's tax code (section 5747.01) to allow taxpayers to deduct overtime wages from their state taxable income, similar to regular wages. This change would directly affect Ohio residents who earn overtime pay, such as hourly workers, by reducing their taxable income for state income tax purposes. The bill modifies existing tax provisions to explicitly include overtime wages under the deduction for "wages and salaries" previously only applied to base pay. It does not change tax rates or create new credits, but expands the scope of deductible income under current Ohio tax law. The bill is currently pending in committee after introduction on February 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 34 proposes to increase Ohio's state minimum wage in phases, starting at $15.50 per hour in 2025 and rising to $16.50 per hour by 2027. It requires annual adjustments based on inflation after 2027 and mandates employers to post current wage rates in visible locations. The bill covers most Ohio workers, excluding specific categories like certain independent contractors in transportation (e.g., owner-operators of vehicles) and volunteers. It also clarifies definitions of "employee" and "employer" to align with federal standards under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The bill is currently pending committee review after its introduction on February 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 60 amends Ohio campaign finance rules to allow candidates for office to use campaign funds for certain childcare costs directly related to their campaign activities. This change applies specifically to candidates running for statewide offices and their campaign committees. The bill modifies existing provisions in the Revised Code to explicitly permit these childcare expenses as allowable campaign costs, while maintaining other campaign finance reporting requirements. It does not alter the overall campaign spending limits or create new financial obligations for candidates.

To amend sections 109.57, 2923.125, 2923.128, 2923.1213, and 2923.13 and to enact sections 2923.26, 2923.27, 2923.28, 2923.29, 2923.30, and 2923.99 of the Revised Code to enact the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act to allow certain persons to obtain a court order that temporarily restricts a person's access to firearms under specified circumstances.

To amend section 4301.69 of the Revised Code to reduce the mental state, from knowingly to recklessly, that applies to the prohibition against allowing an underage person to possess or consume alcohol in a private or public place.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents homeowner associations and similar groups from banning political yard signs on private property. Associations may still set reasonable limits on sign size (minimum 12 inches tall by 18 inches wide), location, and timing, but cannot prohibit signs during the 30 days before elections or restrict them below the specified size. It directly affects property owners who display political signs and homeowner groups that previously enforced sign restrictions. The law makes any rule violating these provisions unenforceable in court.

To amend sections 3923.33, 3923.331, 3923.332, 3923.337, 3923.338, 3923.339, and 3923.42 and to enact section 3923.3310 of the Revised Code to provide Medigap policies for Medicare-eligible individuals under the age of 65.