Rep. Bill Roemer

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the memory of Dan Ramos, a late Ohio state representative and the first Latino to hold a legislative leadership position in either party. It formally recognizes his contributions to the community and his career, which included serving as a page, aide, and policy analyst before his election to the House. The resolution expresses the House's condolences to his family and directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to them. This measure is purely symbolic and does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Organized Retail Theft Advisory Council and a dedicated investigative task force to address organized retail theft and cargo theft across the state. It creates a new crime specifically for the theft of mail and expands existing theft penalties to include the unlawful taking of commercial freight moving through various modes of transport, such as trucks, railroads, and aircraft. The legislation sets up a funding mechanism to reimburse local law enforcement for their participation in these task forces and requires that task force staff include representatives from local sheriffs, municipal police, and prosecutors.

Maddy summaryHB 265 amends the state's Public Records Law to explicitly exempt certain sensitive categories of information from mandatory public disclosure. The bill directly affects state agencies and public officials by clarifying that they are solely responsible for their own records and are not automatically considered parties in legal litigation unless they choose to intervene or are specifically named. It expands the list of confidential records to include detailed residential and familial information for designated public service workers, alongside existing protections for medical, law enforcement, and other private data. By codifying these exemptions, the legislation ensures that personal details of specific workers and various other confidential files remain shielded from public access under the state's open records statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 37 amends Ohio law to increase penalties for operating a vehicle or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The bill specifically raises the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers under twenty-one years old and establishes specific thresholds for various controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, that constitute impairment. These changes directly affect individuals who operate vehicles or watercraft while impaired, subjecting them to stricter legal consequences if they exceed the new limits. By defining precise chemical concentrations for different substances, the legislation aims to clarify what constitutes a violation for law enforcement and the courts.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of May as "Food Allergy Awareness Month" to highlight the importance of recognizing food allergies. The primary effect is an official state designation that encourages public awareness and education during this specific time period. It does not change laws, allocate funding, or mandate specific actions for individuals or businesses. The measure serves as a commemorative resolution rather than a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals filing asbestos-related lawsuits to submit a detailed sworn statement within thirty days of filing their complaint. The disclosure must include specific personal and exposure information, such as the plaintiff's work history, the names of asbestos-containing products used, the exact locations of exposure, and the specific disease being alleged. Plaintiffs must also continuously update this information if they learn of new exposure details or errors in their initial submission. Additionally, the bill prevents defendants from being sued until their products or premises are specifically identified in these disclosures and allows courts to dismiss claims against defendants who are not properly identified. This process aims to streamline asbestos litigation by ensuring plaintiffs provide concrete evidence early in the legal process, while excluding workers' compensation and veterans' benefit claims from these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments in Ohio from requiring firearm liability insurance or charging fees for the possession of firearms and knives. It asserts that owning these items is a fundamental right and declares any local rules mandating insurance or fees as null and void. The legislation also allows individuals to sue local governments for damages and legal costs if they enforce conflicting ordinances. However, the law does not prevent cities from using zoning regulations to restrict where firearms and knives can be sold commercially.

Maddy summaryHB 106, known as the Pay Stub Protection Act, requires employers to provide every employee with a clear statement detailing their earnings and deductions for each pay period. This written or electronic document must include specific information such as the employee's name and address, the employer's name, total gross and net wages, a breakdown of all additions or deductions, and for hourly workers, the total hours worked, hourly rate, and any overtime hours. If an employer fails to provide this statement upon request, the employee can report the violation to the director of commerce, who may then issue a public notice to the employer. The bill directly affects all employers and their employees by standardizing pay transparency and establishing a process for addressing non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Ohio school districts to include a specific exception in their open enrollment policies for children of active-duty military members. Under the new rules, districts must allow these military children to apply for enrollment without facing the usual restrictions that apply to students from other districts. The legislation defines "active duty member" as anyone serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard on full-time duty. While the bill outlines general procedures for admitting out-of-district students, it mandates that military families be treated as a distinct category eligible for enrollment regardless of the district's standard open enrollment limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the memory of Jerry W. Krupinski, a former coal miner, insurance professional, and long-serving Ohio state representative. It formally expresses the House of Representatives' sympathy to his family and acknowledges his contributions to public service and community organizations. The resolution directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to Krupinski's family, serving as a formal record of respect rather than enacting new policy.