Rep. Jack Daniels

To amend sections 3704.14, 4503.10, 4503.102, and 4503.103 of the Revised Code to create an alternative method to certify compliance with the E-Check program and to name this act the E-Check Ease Act.

Maddy summaryHB 99 removes specific nonprofit agricultural membership organizations from Ohio's insurance regulations. It defines these organizations as state-incorporated entities serving farmers' interests and providing healthcare coverage exclusively to members and their families. The bill clarifies that such healthcare coverage is not considered "insurance" under state law, exempting these organizations from Title XXXIX regulations and the superintendent of insurance's jurisdiction. This allows the organizations to provide healthcare benefits without insurance licensing while permitting reinsuring of related risks through authorized insurers.

To amend sections 3.02, 302.09, 305.02, 503.24, and 733.31 of the Revised Code to modify the procedures for filling vacancies in certain local elected offices.

To amend sections 3313.602, 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 and to enact section 3313.6031 of the Revised Code to enact The Pledge of Allegiance Act to require the Pledge of Allegiance in schools.

To amend sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 and to enact sections 5.2322 and 3313.475 of the Revised Code to enact the Graduation Readiness and Development (GRAD) Act regarding exit orientation programs at public high schools and to designate September as "Workforce Development Month."

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state Department of Education to assign annual letter grades to every school district and individual school building based on specific performance metrics. The grading system evaluates factors such as annual measurable objectives, graduation rates, and student growth, with specific benchmarks set for each letter grade from A to F. To ensure transparency, the department must publish these grades on annual report cards that include two-year trend data and separate scores for key student subgroups like those with disabilities and gifted students. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department publicly present its proposed grading methods and benchmarks to legislative committees before finalizing the rules for implementation.

Application to the Congress of the United States for a Convention of the States under Article V of the Constitution of the United States that is limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and members of Congress.

To amend sections 2903.13 and 2929.13 of the Revised Code to increase the penalties for assault if the victim is acting as a sports official or the assault is committed in retaliation for the victim's actions as a sports official.

To amend sections 505.01 and 505.82 and to enact section 505.013 of the Revised Code to allow the electors of certain townships to increase the membership of their boards of township trustees.

To amend sections 4503.038, 4503.19, and 5502.68 and to enact sections 4503.261 and 4503.262 of the Revised Code to authorize a contract with a private vendor for the issuance of specialty license plates.