Rep. Elgin Rogers

To enact section 4933.30 of the Revised Code to enact "The Consumer Utility Billing Transparency Act" requiring the itemization of all riders, taxes, and other costs on certain utility bills.

To enact section 3333.47 of the Revised Code to enact the Hunger-Free Campus Act to establish the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program and designation and to make an appropriation.

Maddy summaryHB 175 designates a 120-mile stretch of U.S. Route 24 in Ohio as the "Heartland Highway." This specifically covers the route between the Indiana and Michigan borders, passing through Paulding, Defiance, Henry, and Lucas counties. The bill requires the Ohio Department of Transportation to install markers along this highway segment with the new name. It has no funding, regulatory, or programmatic changes - it is solely a naming designation.

To amend sections 323.152, 323.153, 323.158, 4503.06, 4503.066, 4503.067, 4503.068, 4503.069, and 4503.0610 and to enact section 4503.0612 of the Revised Code to authorize a property tax freeze for certain owner-occupied homes.

To amend sections 323.152, 323.153, 4503.065, and 4503.066 of the Revised Code to authorize an enhanced property tax homestead exemption for certain long-term homeowners.

To amend sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 and to enact section 3313.8110 of the Revised Code to require public schools to provide meals and related services to students.

Maddy summaryHB 120 exempts the sale of firearm safety devices (such as trigger locks or gun safes) from Ohio's sales and use tax. This change directly affects consumers purchasing these devices and retailers selling them, removing the tax obligation on these specific products. The bill amends Ohio Revised Code sections 5739.01-5739.17 to create this tax exemption, making it a concrete policy change for firearm safety device transactions. The legislation does not alter tax treatment for other firearm-related items or general sales.

Maddy summaryHB 110 amends Ohio law to increase penalties for repeat voyeurism offenses. It raises penalties for individuals with two or more prior convictions of secretly recording others in private spaces (e.g., bathrooms, changing rooms) or undergarments, upgrading violations from misdemeanors to third-degree felonies. The bill specifically targets repeat offenders who previously violated laws against surreptitiously videotaping, photographing, or broadcasting private areas without consent. It does not change penalties for first-time offenses but strengthens consequences for repeat violations across all scenarios described in the law.

Maddy summaryHB 101 establishes a pilot program to provide $4,000 annual scholarships to underrepresented Ohio undergraduate students planning to attend law school. The Ohio State Bar Association will manage the program, selecting 10-20 Ohio resident students from underrepresented groups for academic scholarships, free LSAT test preparation, mentoring, and law school career guidance. The program, funded by state appropriations, requires the Bar Association to report annually on outcomes, expenses, and use of funds to the Chancellor of Higher Education and legislative committees. This is a temporary initiative with no specified end date beyond the pilot phase.

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.