Rep. Elliot Forhan

Maddy summaryHB 378 expands the definition of a qualifying homestead to include surviving spouses of service members who were killed in the line of duty, allowing them to receive a full property tax exemption. The bill specifically defines "killed in the line of duty" to cover deaths from injuries sustained during service, including heart attacks or illnesses caused by service-related stress. To be eligible, the surviving spouse must occupy the home and acquire ownership after the service member's death, provided the deceased was not discharged under dishonorable conditions. This legislation aims to provide financial relief to families of fallen service members by reducing their real estate tax burdens.

Maddy summaryHB 164 establishes a Foster-to-College Scholarship Program in Ohio to provide financial aid to students who entered foster care or noncertified kinship care after their thirteenth birthday. The bill also requires the Department of Education to hire a full-time school foster care liaison to help keep these students in their original schools or ensure a smooth transition to a new school when necessary. The scholarship covers the remaining cost of attendance at a college or university after subtracting all other federal, state, and private financial aid the student receives. Private colleges may choose not to participate in the program, and the funds are paid directly to the educational institution where the student is enrolled.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring Jacob J. Derbin, a veteran and Euclid Police Department officer who passed away. It formally expresses the Ohio House of Representatives' condolences to his family and acknowledges his service and character. The resolution directs the House Clerk to send an official copy of the document to Derbin's family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summarySB 106 amends state laws to establish specific prison sentence ranges for individuals convicted of various felony offenses. The bill requires courts to impose definite minimum prison terms for first, second, and third-degree felonies, while also setting specific sentence lengths for fourth and fifth-degree crimes. Additionally, it mandates longer prison terms when a felony is committed with a firearm, particularly if the weapon is automatic or if the offender has a prior criminal record involving guns. This legislation directly affects judges, prosecutors, and defendants by standardizing sentencing guidelines to ensure more consistent punishment for violent and weapon-related crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and public service of Ronald Mottl, Sr., who recently passed away. It formally expresses the House of Representatives' condolences to his family and acknowledges his significant contributions as a politician, educator, and community leader in Ohio. The measure directs the Clerk of the House to send an official copy of the resolution to Mottl's family as a tribute to his legacy.

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 requires state employees, including legislators, judges, and agency staff, to complete annual training on how to interact with neurodivergent individuals. The Ohioans with Disabilities Agency is tasked with creating this training program, which must cover topics related to autism spectrum disorder and be offered multiple times throughout the year. Appointing authorities will set specific deadlines for each employee to finish the required training, and the program may be delivered electronically.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the House of Representatives to hire an independent third party every six months to review its human resources practices. The audit firm must be a member of the Association of Workplace Investigators and certified by the Society for Human Resource Management. The results of these audits will be shared with all members and employees of the House.

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.