Rep. Darnell Brewer

Maddy summaryHB 899 requires foster caregivers to securely store firearms to protect children in their care. The bill amends existing state laws to mandate this safety measure for anyone providing foster care services. By updating the Revised Code, the legislation aims to reduce the risk of accidental gun access within foster homes. This policy change directly impacts foster parents and agencies responsible for the welfare of placed children.

To amend sections 2151.011, 2151.411, 2151.412, 2151.416, 2151.417, 2151.4122, 2151.424, and 5103.161; to enact new sections 2151.4115, 2151.4116, 2151.4117, 2151.4118, 2151.4119, and 2151.4120 and section 2151.317; and to repeal sections 2151.4115, 2151.4116, 2151.4117, 2151.4118, 2151.4119, 2151.4120, and 2151.4121 of the Revised Code to enact the "Fostering Sibling Success Act" regarding the rights of sibling youths in foster care and to provide for continuation of a child's placement and limit kinship preference in foster care.

To enact section 5164.97 of the Revised Code regarding Medicaid coverage for treatment in place services provided by EMS organizations, and to make an appropriation.

To enact sections 3701.147 and 3701.148 of the Revised Code to create the Office of Violence Prevention within the Department of Health and to make an appropriation.

Maddy summaryHB 871 proposes adding a new section to the state's Revised Code to officially designate the month of June as "Gun Violence Awareness Month." This legislative action directly affects state statutes by formally recognizing the month with a specific title. The bill does not alter existing laws regarding gun ownership, sales, or penalties, nor does it allocate funding or create new programs. Its primary function is symbolic, aiming to increase public awareness about gun violence during the designated period.

To establish the Ohio Economic Task Force on Gun Violence and Violent Crimes to study the impact of gun violence and other violent crimes on Ohio businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Ohio Mental Health Systems Coordination and Crisis Prevention Commission to study gaps in mental health care and service coordination across the state. The commission will investigate issues such as fragmented services, failures in information sharing between agencies, and missed opportunities for early intervention in mental health crises. It will also review workforce needs, analyze past cases where vulnerable individuals were unprotected, and develop recommendations for improved crisis prevention protocols and real-time data sharing systems. The commission consists of twenty members appointed by legislative leaders and various stakeholders, including representatives from law enforcement, family advocacy groups, and behavioral health providers. Once established, the commission is required to hold multiple meetings before submitting a report with its findings and policy recommendations to the state.

To amend sections 4509.06, 4509.11, 4509.12, 4509.13, 4509.14, 4509.15, 4509.17, 4509.19, 4509.37, 4509.40, 4509.42, and 4509.45 of the Revised Code to make changes to the laws governing proof of financial responsibility and the associated debt-related driver's license suspensions.

Maddy summaryHB 903 proposes to make Ohio's earned income tax credit partially refundable, meaning eligible low-income individuals could receive cash payments even if they owe no state taxes. The bill creates a new refundable credit equal to 10% of the federal earned income credit amount, while also increasing the existing nonrefundable portion to 30% of that same federal figure. This change would directly affect taxpayers who currently cannot benefit from the credit because their tax liability is zero or low. The legislation also updates the order in which various tax credits are applied to ensure the new refundable credit is processed correctly within the state tax system.

To amend sections 319.302, 323.152, 323.153, 323.156, 323.158, 5747.85, and 5747.98 and to enact section 5747.25 of the Revised Code to modify property tax reductions for nonbusiness and owner-occupied property, to authorize a refundable income tax credit for renters, and to name this act the Ohio Homeowner Relief Act