Rep. Elliot Forhan

Maddy summaryHR 651 is a commemorative resolution honoring Senator J. Kirk Schuring following his death. The bill expresses the House of Representatives' sympathies to his family and acknowledges his thirty-one years of service in the Ohio legislature, including his roles as acting speaker and president pro tempore. It also highlights his community involvement and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to his family. This measure serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the memory of Dan Ramos, a late Ohio state representative and the first Latino to hold a legislative leadership position in either party. It formally recognizes his contributions to the community and his career, which included serving as a page, aide, and policy analyst before his election to the House. The resolution expresses the House's condolences to his family and directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to them. This measure is purely symbolic and does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes designating July as John Bingham Day to honor the Ohio congressman who was the principal framer of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The legislation would formally recognize his historical contribution to the amendment through a specific state designation. It does not alter any laws or policies but serves to commemorate a key figure in American constitutional history.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board to select a prominent location on Statehouse grounds for a permanent memorial honoring John Bingham, the principal framer of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Ohio Arts Council and the Board will collaborate to review design proposals and choose the memorial to be built using public funds. The legislation mandates that site preparation, utility installation, planning, and construction costs be covered by the state, ensuring the memorial is erected at the designated site.

Maddy summaryHB 709 amends existing laws to strengthen labeling requirements for boneless meat products sold in the state. The bill mandates that these products must be clearly labeled as "boneless" and prohibits selling meat that contains bones under that specific name. Additionally, the legislation updates general labeling rules to ensure accurate ingredient lists, proper quantity statements, and clear disclosure of artificial additives. By repealing an older section, this measure aims to prevent consumer deception and ensure that meat products meet established standards for identity and quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Attorney General's office to create a public database that tracks the billing hours for special counsel appointed to handle specific cases. Under the new rules, special counsel must record every hour worked as either billable or pro bono and submit detailed invoices through the office's existing system. The Attorney General will then enter this data into a publicly accessible online database that lists case names, attorney names, total hours worked, and the status of submitted invoices. Additionally, the bill establishes a role for problem resolution officers to review complaints regarding collections when taxpayers cannot get satisfactory answers from assigned staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New African Immigrants Grant and Gift Fund within the state treasury to manage financial contributions specifically designated for new African immigrants. The fund will be financed through grants, gifts, and legislative appropriations, with any investment earnings automatically added to the balance. The New African Immigrants Commission is authorized to use these resources to support its official duties and operations.

Maddy summaryHB 29 amends state laws to give municipal, mayor's, and county courts more flexibility in handling fines and costs for people found guilty of offenses. When a defendant cannot pay a fine immediately, the court can now order them to perform community service instead or set up a payment plan. The bill also updates the process for suspending vehicle registration if someone fails to pay fines or court costs, requiring courts to send specific forms to the motor vehicle registrar to trigger the suspension. Once the outstanding fines are paid in full, the court must notify the registrar to lift the suspension and allow vehicle registration or transfer applications to resume.

Maddy summaryHB 173 requires hospitals to publish detailed price information for all their items and services in a digital format that computers can easily read. This rule mandates that hospitals list specific costs, such as the highest and lowest negotiated rates with insurance companies, as well as the price for patients paying with cash. The bill also establishes "Ohio Black Media Week" and "Older Ohioans Month" to recognize contributions to the state. Additionally, the legislation includes definitions for terms related to hospital pricing and data privacy to support these transparency requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 452 updates Ohio laws regarding hospital security and concealed carry rights. The bill mandates that hospital security personnel have access to specific online training for handling violent situations and grants civil immunity to individuals acting in self-defense to protect hospital members or guests. It also clarifies where people with valid concealed handgun licenses are prohibited from carrying firearms, including schools, courthouses, and certain government buildings, while allowing institutions of higher education to set their own policies. Additionally, the legislation provides immunity to private employers from lawsuits if a licensee brings a gun onto their property, unless the employer acted with malicious intent.