Rep. Cecil Thomas

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March as Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Awareness Month in Ohio. It formally recognizes MSA - a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorder (formerly Shy-Drager Syndrome) causing symptoms like balance issues, movement difficulties, and bladder dysfunction - as a condition requiring public awareness. The resolution aims to highlight MSA's challenges, including frequent misdiagnosis, and honor efforts to support affected Ohio residents. It has no funding or policy changes; it is a ceremonial recognition adopted by the Ohio House of Representatives on March 5, 2025.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 110 amends Ohio law to increase penalties for repeat voyeurism offenses. It raises penalties for individuals with two or more prior convictions of secretly recording others in private spaces (e.g., bathrooms, changing rooms) or undergarments, upgrading violations from misdemeanors to third-degree felonies. The bill specifically targets repeat offenders who previously violated laws against surreptitiously videotaping, photographing, or broadcasting private areas without consent. It does not change penalties for first-time offenses but strengthens consequences for repeat violations across all scenarios described in the law.

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 condemn President Trump's issuance of pardons and commutations for individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the United States Capitol, including those who committed violent acts against law enforcement officers.

To amend section 2923.11 and to enact section 2923.26 of the Revised Code to prohibit a federally licensed firearms dealer from transferring a firearm unless the transferee passes a background check.

Maddy summaryHB 40 increases the homestead property tax exemption for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses in Ohio. It raises the exemption value from $25,000 to $100,000 for veterans with income under $125,000 (adjusted annually), and to $50,000 for those over $125,000. The bill also expands the exemption to surviving spouses of disabled veterans (and public service officers killed in duty) who meet income limits, with annual adjustments tied to the GDP deflator. This change replaces existing exemptions under related tax sections and applies to only one homestead per eligible person.

To enact section 3902.66 of the Revised Code to require health insurers to cover preventive screenings for certain men at high-risk for developing prostate cancer.

Maddy summaryHB 34 proposes to increase Ohio's state minimum wage in phases, starting at $15.50 per hour in 2025 and rising to $16.50 per hour by 2027. It requires annual adjustments based on inflation after 2027 and mandates employers to post current wage rates in visible locations. The bill covers most Ohio workers, excluding specific categories like certain independent contractors in transportation (e.g., owner-operators of vehicles) and volunteers. It also clarifies definitions of "employee" and "employer" to align with federal standards under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The bill is currently pending committee review after its introduction on February 3, 2025.

To amend sections 109.57, 2923.125, 2923.128, 2923.1213, and 2923.13 and to enact sections 2923.26, 2923.27, 2923.28, 2923.29, 2923.30, and 2923.99 of the Revised Code to enact the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act to allow certain persons to obtain a court order that temporarily restricts a person's access to firearms under specified circumstances.