Rep. Cecil Thomas

Maddy summaryHB 380 designates specific highways and bridges across multiple Ohio counties with memorial names to honor individuals who served in law enforcement, the military, or firefighting. The bill authorizes the state director of transportation to install official markers along these roads and bridges to display the new names. Directly affected parties include the general public traveling on these routes and the families of the honored individuals, while the Ohio Department of Transportation is responsible for implementing the signage. This legislation does not alter traffic laws, funding, or road maintenance responsibilities but serves primarily as a commemorative measure.

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 summaryThis bill requires state agencies, political subdivisions, and nonresidential construction contractors to use the E-Verify system to confirm the identity and legal work eligibility of their employees. It applies to public contractors and subcontractors working on construction or maintenance projects, as well as private employers with 75 or more workers and nonresidential construction companies. While the law mandates verification for all new hires and assigned workers, it allows for a waiver if an employee's status was previously confirmed by the same employer. Contracts that do not include these verification provisions are considered void, and agencies found in violation face a fine of five thousand dollars per incident.

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 resolution that formally recognizes the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati as the 2024 Best Marathon in America, an award given by USA Today. It directly affects the marathon organizers, volunteers, and participants by offering official commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives. The text highlights the event's positive economic impact on the region and its support for over 300 charities, noting the strong community spirit behind the race. No new laws or funding are created; the measure simply celebrates the marathon's achievements and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to the event organizers.

Maddy summaryThis Ohio House resolution honors the Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on its 100th anniversary. The bill formally recognizes the chapter's century of community service and leadership in the Greater Cincinnati area. It directs the House Clerk to send an official copy of the resolution to the sorority chapter as a tribute.

Maddy summaryHB 302 creates a specialty license plate in Ohio featuring the name of Jesup W. Scott High School. Money collected from drivers who purchase this plate will be placed into a state fund and distributed to various organizations. These funds are designated for specific purposes such as cancer research, educational scholarships, and support services for individuals with specific health conditions. The bill also directs portions of the revenue to universities outside Ohio to provide scholarships for Ohio residents attending those schools.

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.