Rep. Juanita Brent

To amend sections 4112.01 and 4112.05 of the Revised Code to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, to add mediation as an informal method that the Ohio Civil Rights Commission may use, and to uphold existing religious exemptions under Ohio's Civil Rights Law.

To amend sections 323.152, 323.153, 4503.065, and 4503.066 of the Revised Code to authorize an enhanced property tax homestead exemption for certain long-term homeowners.

To amend sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 and to enact section 3313.8110 of the Revised Code to require public schools to provide meals and related services to students.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Ohio's homestead property tax exemption amount from $25,000 to $50,000 and raises the income limit for eligibility from $34,500 to $50,000 (adjusted annually for inflation). It directly affects seniors (65+), permanently disabled residents, and surviving spouses of disabled seniors, disabled veterans, or public safety officers killed in duty. The exemption reduces property tax bills for qualifying homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence, with the new amounts automatically adjusted each year based on economic data. This change modifies existing tax relief provisions under sections 323.152 and 4503.065 of the Revised Code.

Maddy summaryHB 63 requires the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to install and maintain security camera systems at all rest stops under its jurisdiction. The bill mandates ODOT to develop an installation schedule by consulting with the director of public safety and the attorney general. This directly affects ODOT's operations and rest stop users by adding security monitoring to existing facilities. The key provision is the mandatory camera system installation, with no specific deadline date provided in the text. The bill does not alter funding sources or create new penalties, focusing solely on the security camera requirement.

To amend section 151.40 and to enact sections 122.65, 122.651, 122.652, 122.653, 122.654, 122.655, 122.657, 122.658, and 122.659 of the Revised Code to restore the Clean Ohio Fund to be administered by the Department of Development and the Clean Ohio Council.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution honoring the memory of Marigene Valiquette, a long-serving Ohio legislator who was the state's longest-serving woman in the General Assembly. It formally expresses the House of Representatives' condolences and tribute to her legacy of public service, leadership, and integrity. The measure directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the resolution to her family as a gesture of respect.