Rep. Cecil Thomas

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes Mike Loychik for his distinguished service as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. It honors his background as a U.S. Air Force veteran, business owner, and community leader who served constituents in Trumbull, Ashtabula, and Knox counties. The resolution commends his work on various committees and his leadership roles, including co-chairing the Sportsmen's Caucus for Ohio. Finally, it directs the House Clerk to send an official copy of this commendation to Loychik.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes the St. Ursula Academy girls volleyball team as the 2024 Division II State Champions of Ohio. It commends the players and coaches for their athletic success, sportsmanship, and leadership during the season. The legislation directs the House Clerk to send an official copy of the resolution to the team as a gesture of honor.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally honors the Seton High School girls volleyball team for winning the 2024 Division I State Championship. It commends the team's athletic performance and dedication, noting their victory over St. Joseph Academy and their seventh state title in program history. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to send an official copy of the tribute to the team and their coaches.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the legal penalties for repeat offenders convicted of voyeurism. It specifically targets individuals who secretly record others in private settings, such as through cameras or phones, to view their private areas or undergarments. Under the new provisions, a person caught spying on someone for the second or third time would face felony charges instead of the current misdemeanor penalties. The law also maintains stricter punishments for recording minors and filming through clothing, ensuring these actions remain serious offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 24 requires private health plans and Medicaid in Ohio to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment management, and ongoing monitoring of diseases, provided the test is deemed medically necessary by a qualified healthcare provider. The bill mandates that coverage decisions be based on established medical evidence, such as FDA labels, federal coverage determinations, or nationally recognized clinical guidelines, while explicitly excluding coverage for screening purposes. To ensure patient care is not disrupted, the legislation also requires that coverage be structured to minimize the need for multiple biopsies or sample collections. Additionally, the law establishes an accessible appeal process for coverage determinations and includes language intended to prevent significant price increases for these tests.

Maddy summaryHB 397 requires the Department of Health to partner with the Department of Aging and community groups to expand public education on cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. These educational efforts aim to inform healthcare providers and the general public about early warning signs, risk reduction strategies, the importance of timely diagnosis, and available assessment tools. The bill specifically highlights the need to address disparities among diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and emphasizes the role of annual physicals for those aged sixty-five and older in maintaining cognitive health. By integrating this awareness into existing public health outreach, the legislation seeks to improve early detection and promote healthier lifestyles for all communities.

Maddy summaryHB 645 proposes creating a refundable tax credit or rebate for homeowners and renters whose property taxes or rent exceed five percent of their income. The bill would allow eligible individuals to claim this financial assistance directly on their state tax returns to offset the cost of housing. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions for pass-through entities, such as partnerships or S corporations, to file a single tax return on behalf of their investors who are subject to state income tax. This mechanism would simplify the filing process for these businesses while ensuring investors receive their appropriate share of any credits or payments.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the official job title for physician assistants from "physician assistant" to "physician associate" in Ohio state law. The legislation updates numerous sections of the Revised Code to reflect this new terminology and adjusts related definitions for other advanced practice nurses. Additionally, the bill expands the list of qualified medical professionals who can perform physical and psychiatric examinations for state civil service applicants, including those seeking employment as police officers or firefighters. These changes apply to various licensing boards and state agencies that regulate or employ these healthcare workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the walleye as the official state fish, a symbolic honor that does not change any laws or regulations. The legislation directly affects the state by formally recognizing the walleye in official records and documents. It does not alter fishing rules, create new programs, or allocate funding, serving only as a commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 644 prohibits individuals with specific criminal convictions, drug-related offenses, or mental health adjudications from acquiring, carrying, or using trigger cranks and bump-fire devices that speed up a semi-automatic firearm's rate of fire. The bill also bans the import, manufacture, sale, and possession of these accessories by the general public, while explicitly exempting law enforcement and government agencies. People currently barred from owning firearms due to these factors can apply to a court for relief if they have completed their sentences and have led a law-abiding life since their release. Violations of the ban on these devices are classified as a fourth-degree felony, whereas possessing such items while under legal disability is a third-degree felony.