Rep. Veronica Sims

Maddy summaryHB 531, known as Braden's Law, establishes new criminal penalties for sexual extortion, which involves threatening to release private images to force someone into performing acts, paying money, or providing additional photos. The bill specifically defines private images to include content involving nudity, sexual activity, or extreme violence, and it sets felony charges that become more severe if the victim is a minor, elderly person, or disabled adult. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the legal responsibilities of digital service providers regarding deceased users' accounts, requiring them to comply with court orders for disclosure or termination while protecting them from liability when acting in good faith.

Maddy summaryHB 7, known as the Strong Foundations Act, establishes a state fatherhood commission to organize summits and produce annual reports on resources and initiatives aimed at improving parenting skills, employment opportunities, and family reunification for fathers. The bill also updates the rating standards for early learning programs to include specific criteria for Head Start and accredited child care centers. Additionally, it creates the Help Me Grow program as the state's official evidence-based home visiting service for pregnant women and families with young children, requiring providers to track outcomes related to health, safety, and economic stability.

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 authorizes a specialty license plate featuring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library logo. Money collected from drivers who choose this plate goes into a state fund and is distributed to various organizations, including cancer research groups, educational foundations, and youth development programs. The legislation also directs specific funds to scholarships for students attending certain universities, both within Ohio and out of state. By creating this plate, the state provides a way for vehicle owners to contribute directly to these designated causes.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Ohio Constitution to allow the state to issue up to $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds for public infrastructure projects. The funds would be used to build or improve roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, and waste disposal facilities for cities, counties, and townships. If approved by voters, the state could borrow money over ten years to finance these projects, with the full faith and credit of the state pledged to repay the debt. The legislation also specifies that the borrowed money must be used strictly for infrastructure and that the bonds would be exempt from state taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 274 expands property tax relief for homeowners in Ohio by creating a new enhanced homestead exemption for specific groups. The bill primarily affects disabled veterans, their surviving spouses, and the surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty, offering a tax reduction based on a $50,000 property value threshold. It also extends similar benefits to certain long-term homeowners, including those who are permanently disabled, sixty-five or older, or surviving spouses of disabled or elderly individuals who meet specific age and income criteria. The amount of tax reduction is calculated using a formula that considers the property's value, local assessment rates, and tax rates, with annual adjustments made by the tax commissioner to account for economic changes. This legislation aims to provide greater financial relief to these qualifying residents by reducing their real property taxes on their primary residences.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends laws governing debt suspension products, vehicle protection agreements, and ancillary product protection contracts to clarify definitions and consumer protections. It explicitly states that agreements waiving fees for excess wear, mileage, or vehicle damage are not insurance products and cannot be required as a condition for obtaining credit or leasing a vehicle. The legislation also mandates that sellers provide insurance policies before a buyer becomes liable on a loan and requires that charges for debt suspension products be listed as specific goods rather than interest. Additionally, the bill updates the definition of ancillary protection contracts to include services like paintless dent removal and key replacement while excluding standard service contracts and warranties.

Maddy summaryHB 382 requires retail pharmacies and mail-order providers to offer prescription drug readers to customers who are blind or visually impaired. These devices audibly read the label information on medication containers, including warnings, side effects, and drug interactions. The law mandates that pharmacists inform eligible patients about this service before selling a drug and provide the reader for the duration of the prescription. However, the requirement does not apply to institutional pharmacies, government-run facilities, or when a health professional personally furnishes the medication. Additionally, the bill repeals a previous section regarding Medicaid managed care organizations.