Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for suspending local elected officials who face felony charges related to their official duties. It requires prosecutors to notify the state's highest court when such charges are filed, triggering a review process by a special panel of retired judges. The legislation also allows the accused official to request a provisional suspension of their duties while the case is under review, but it prevents courts from considering whether the defendant showed genuine remorse if they entered an Alford plea. Additionally, the bill updates procedures for sealing and expunging criminal records.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 184 amends state laws to clarify how charitable organizations, sales promotions, and solicitation professionals are defined and regulated. The bill expands the definition of a charitable organization to include groups that hold themselves out as serving public safety or other benevolent purposes, even if their contributions are not tax-deductible. It also updates definitions for terms like "professional solicitor" and "fund-raising counsel" to better distinguish between paid agents and volunteers or in-house staff. By refining these legal categories, the legislation aims to provide clearer rules for how charities and their partners operate when asking for donations or conducting fundraising events.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that honors Laura Battocletti on her retirement from her role as executive director of the Ohio Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board. It recognizes her distinguished career in public service, which includes previous leadership positions with the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The text formally commends her dedication and instructs the House Clerk to send an official copy of the resolution to her as a gesture of appreciation.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates state definitions to officially include the U.S. Space Force within the armed forces and uniformed services. It establishes a program to certify businesses that employ veterans, allowing these companies to receive bonus points when bidding on state contracts. Additionally, the legislation grants examination credit to state job applicants who have served honorably in the military, including the Space Force, to help them qualify for public employment.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Ohio law to allow victims of criminal acts to sue for damages without requiring the perpetrator to have been convicted, pleaded guilty, or adjudicated delinquent for the specific offense. Under the new rules, anyone injured by a crime can recover full damages and associated costs in a civil lawsuit, even if the criminal case against the perpetrator was never resolved or resulted in an acquittal. The legislation also establishes that a final criminal conviction for violent offenses can be used as evidence in civil court to prevent the defendant from denying those facts. Additionally, the bill clarifies that public officials and employees must generally avoid receiving outside compensation for work related to their official duties, with specific filing requirements and disqualification rules for exceptions.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates specific days and weeks in Ohio to honor agriculture, including Farmer's Day, FFA Week, 4-H Week, and Ohio Soil Health Week. It also updates the rules for deputy apiarists, who inspect bee hives, by clarifying their appointment process, compensation, and reporting requirements to the state director of agriculture. The legislation establishes that these deputies serve at the pleasure of the county board and must submit inspection reports and expense claims for director approval before receiving payment. Additionally, the bill repeals an older, conflicting section of the Revised Code regarding these agricultural designations.
Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes adoption laws by updating specific sections of the state's Revised Code and clarifying the exclusive jurisdiction of probate courts over various legal matters. While the text primarily defines the probate court's authority over wills, estates, guardianships, and medical decisions, it explicitly includes the power to hear and determine petitions for adoption. The legislation ensures that these family law cases remain within the probate court system unless other laws assign jurisdiction elsewhere, streamlining the legal process for adoption and related family matters.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for selecting members of the State Teachers Retirement Board to ensure a mix of expertise and independence. It establishes specific qualifications for board seats, requiring that investment-focused members have direct experience in managing assets while prohibiting them from having worked for the retirement system or related financial firms in the last three years. The legislation also clarifies how these members are appointed, designating roles for the director of education, the state treasurer, and elected officials, while maintaining seats for current and retired teachers. These changes aim to structure the board's composition to better reflect professional investment knowledge and prevent conflicts of interest, without altering the terms of those already serving on the board.
Maddy summaryHB 111 increases the potential prison sentences for individuals convicted of third-degree felony domestic violence and establishes a legal presumption that such offenders should be sentenced to prison rather than probation. This change applies specifically to repeat offenders who have a history of domestic violence convictions or related offenses against family or household members. The bill also mandates minimum prison terms for cases involving pregnant victims, ensuring stricter penalties when the offender knew the victim was pregnant at the time of the crime. Additionally, the legislation expands the ability of corporations and organizations to file for protection orders if they are targeted by domestic violence threats.
Maddy summaryHB 338 amends state law to allow child support orders to be issued, modified, or extended for children over the age of 18 who have a disability. This change directly affects parents and guardians of adult children with disabilities who may still require financial support. The bill also clarifies how funds related to computerization fees should be disbursed within the child support system. By updating the legal framework, the legislation ensures that support obligations can continue beyond the typical age of majority for qualifying disabled minors.