Rep. Karen Brownlee

Maddy summaryHB 588 would apply Ohio's Civil Rights Law anti-discrimination protections to unpaid interns by amending two sections of the Revised Code. Currently, these protections do not cover unpaid interns, but the bill would extend them to include unpaid interns under the same employment anti-discrimination rules as paid employees. This change directly affects unpaid interns and their employers across Ohio, requiring equal treatment in hiring, assignments, and workplace conditions. The key mechanism is the explicit amendment of state law to include unpaid interns within the scope of the Civil Rights Law's employment provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 188 establishes the Ohio Israel Trade and Innovation Partnership, a state-funded initiative to strengthen economic ties between Ohio and Israel. It directly affects Ohio businesses, universities, and innovation hubs seeking collaboration opportunities with Israeli companies. The bill creates a dedicated partnership program under Ohio law and allocates state funding to support joint research, trade missions, and business development activities. This is a concrete policy change that formalizes a new state mechanism for international economic engagement.

To amend section 5747.113 and to enact sections 3701.27 and 4503.108 of the Revised Code to create the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund and to authorize voluntary contributions to it.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; its sole purpose is to formally acknowledge this historical milestone. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the Marine Corps' service and legacy. As a procedural measure, it has no direct legislative impact beyond commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 562 allocates state funding to school districts to help them provide food options that meet students' religious dietary restrictions, such as halal, kosher, or vegetarian needs. The bill directly affects students with these restrictions and school nutrition programs responsible for meal planning. Its key mechanism is a specific appropriation (funding allocation) to support the development or expansion of compliant food services. This policy change requires schools to use the funds to improve dietary accommodations, without specifying exact menu requirements. The bill focuses on enabling schools to better serve religious dietary needs through financial support.

To amend section 5321.04 and to enact sections 5321.041 and 5321.042 of the Revised Code to require landlords to notify tenants of rent defaults prior to commencing evictions.

To amend sections 3317.0212, 3327.01, and 3327.016; to enact new section 3327.021 and section 3317.071; and to repeal section 3327.021 of the Revised Code and to amend Sections 265.10, 265.300, 512.10, and 516.10 of H.B. 96 of the 136th General Assembly to enact the School Busing Improvement Act regarding transportation of students and to make an appropriation.

To recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, to express appreciation for its enduring service, and to support continued efforts to ensure the long-term strength, efficiency, and accessibility of the United States Postal Service.

To amend sections 3331.01, 3331.12, 4109.01, 4109.03, 4109.05, 4109.06, and 4109.08 and to enact sections 4109.25, 4109.26, 4109.27, 4109.28, and 4109.29 of the Revised Code to address minors working as performers in the entertainment industry.

Maddy summaryHB 543 creates a state grant program to help eliminate food deserts - areas with limited access to affordable, fresh food - by funding local projects. It directly affects communities in underserved regions, such as low-income neighborhoods or rural areas lacking grocery stores. The bill establishes a specific grant program under Ohio law (section 122.162) and includes state funding to support initiatives like mobile markets, farmers' markets, or partnerships with existing stores. This is a concrete policy change focused on improving access to nutritious food through direct financial support for community-led solutions.