Rep. Eric Synenberg

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 5747.01, 5747.08, and 5747.98 and to enact section 5747.36 of the Revised Code to authorize the refundable thriving families tax credit for certain income taxpayers with dependents who are minor children.

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 101 establishes a pilot program to provide $4,000 annual scholarships to underrepresented Ohio undergraduate students planning to attend law school. The Ohio State Bar Association will manage the program, selecting 10-20 Ohio resident students from underrepresented groups for academic scholarships, free LSAT test preparation, mentoring, and law school career guidance. The program, funded by state appropriations, requires the Bar Association to report annually on outcomes, expenses, and use of funds to the Chancellor of Higher Education and legislative committees. This is a temporary initiative with no specified end date beyond the pilot phase.

To amend sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 and to enact sections 5.2322 and 3313.475 of the Revised Code to enact the Graduation Readiness and Development (GRAD) Act regarding exit orientation programs at public high schools and to designate September as "Workforce Development Month."

To amend section 4928.01 and to repeal section 4928.148 of the Revised Code to repeal the legacy generation resource provisions of H.B. 6 of the 133rd General Assembly and provide customers refunds.

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 sections 2903.13 and 2929.13 of the Revised Code to increase the penalties for assault if the victim is acting as a sports official or the assault is committed in retaliation for the victim's actions as a sports official.