Maddy summaryHB 271 changes how ballot questions are numbered and organized on election ballots to ensure they follow a consistent sequence based on previous elections. The bill requires that state-level questions always appear at the top of the ballot, followed by county, municipal, township, and school district questions in a rotating order that shifts down one step each year. Additionally, it mandates that each question be numbered consecutively, starting with "1" for the top question, while resetting the count back to "1" once a state question reaches the number 500. This legislation also clarifies formatting rules, such as prohibiting bold text for property tax proposals and allowing condensed text summaries with full versions posted at polling places.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 347 simplifies the process for farmers in Ohio to prove that certain vehicles and trailers are used for agricultural purposes, thereby exempting them from sales tax. Instead of relying on a generic exemption certificate, eligible farmers can verify their status by submitting copies of their federal Schedule F tax returns for the three most recent years to the tax commissioner. Once the commissioner issues an identification number based on these documents, farmers can present this number to vendors to automatically qualify for the tax exemption without needing additional proof. The bill also clarifies that vendors are generally relieved of tax liability if they accept a valid exemption certificate, except in cases involving fraud or specific misuse of the exemption. This change aims to reduce administrative burdens for agricultural businesses while maintaining oversight to prevent improper tax avoidance.
Maddy summaryHB 545 amends state laws to regulate the practice of certified nurse-midwives, certified midwives, and licensed midwives. The bill requires hospitals to establish public standards for granting staff membership and professional privileges, explicitly prohibiting discrimination against qualified midwives based on their licensure. For hospitals offering maternity services, the legislation mandates that midwives must have a collaborating physician on the medical staff who holds obstetrics privileges. Additionally, the bill defines specific nursing roles and clarifies that hospitals are not required to provide services for mental health disorders or other areas outside their current capabilities.
Maddy summaryHB 552, titled the Voter Verification Act, amends state election laws to require election officials to verify specific information in voter registration records and mandates that voters provide corrected details when needed. The bill primarily affects election administrators and registered voters by establishing new procedures for maintaining accurate voter databases. A significant provision of the legislation involves redefining various election terms, such as "primary," "political party," and "precinct," to clarify how elections are conducted and how parties are classified based on past vote totals. By updating these definitions and verification requirements, the bill aims to standardize election processes without changing the fundamental right to vote.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires professional sporting stadiums with a seating capacity of ten thousand or more to use a playing surface made of at least ninety percent natural grass. It directly affects facilities hosting National Football League, Major League Baseball, and Major League Soccer events by mandating that these fields be maintained at industry-standard levels for high performance. The legislation defines a professional athlete and specifies the types of stadiums covered to ensure compliance with these new surface requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 546 requires all paper ballots used in Ohio elections to include a unique, invisible watermark that election officials can verify using special light sources or technology. This measure aims to help officials confirm that a ballot is genuine and was issued to the specific voter who cast it, particularly when reviewing absentee ballots. The bill also updates existing election laws by defining terms like "watermark" and clarifying rules for counting ballots, including provisions that prevent rejection based on ink marks other than provided pencils. By establishing these verification standards, the legislation seeks to streamline the process for identifying fraudulent or mismatched ballots without altering how voters mark their choices.
Maddy summaryHB 522 establishes a new repeat offender classification to increase penalties for specific firearm offenses and expands the scope of relief from firearms disabilities. The bill also allows for the automatic sealing of records for fourth and fifth-degree felonies. Additionally, it mandates that law enforcement agencies collect and file detailed criminal identification data, including fingerprints and photographs, for individuals convicted of certain crimes and for children adjudicated delinquent for violent acts. Courts are required to submit weekly reports summarizing case details to the state bureau to support this enhanced tracking system.