Maddy summaryHB 595, titled the Universal Preschool Act, directs the state Department of Education and Workforce to conduct surveys and hold meetings with school districts and education organizations to assess the feasibility of implementing universal preschool and all-day kindergarten programs. The bill requires the department to compile findings into a report detailing implementation challenges and estimated costs, which must be shared with legislative committees and state officials by March. While the legislation outlines a framework for these new programs, it does not currently appropriate specific funding, instead proposing a potential one-time grant if the legislature decides to provide it. Additionally, the bill allows school districts to request waivers from the new requirements through a public hearing process, with the state Board of Education having the final authority to approve or deny such requests. To help offset the costs associated with these initiatives and sports gaming enforcement, the act also increases the sports gaming tax rate for certain operators.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 591 establishes a rating system for entities that sponsor and operate community schools in Ohio, requiring the state Department of Education and Workforce to issue annual report cards for each school. These report cards will display both academic results and financial data, while also linking to the sponsor's and operator's individual performance ratings and websites. The bill mandates that sponsors must maintain compliance with reporting requirements and avoid an "ineffective" rating to be eligible for sponsoring additional schools. Additionally, the department will develop a framework to evaluate sponsors based on student academic performance, adherence to quality practices, and legal compliance, with the evaluation process subject to public comment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires large employers with call centers to notify state officials at least 120 days before moving operations or a significant portion of their volume to a foreign country. If an employer fails to provide this notice, they face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day, though courts can reduce fines if there is just cause. Additionally, any business that relocates a call center abroad becomes ineligible for state grants, loans, tax benefits, or other economic incentives for five years, unless the state determines that denying the funding would cause substantial job losses, environmental harm, or a significant economic impact. The legislation also prohibits state contractors from hiring individuals to perform call center work outside the state and ensures that state employees are not penalized for their employers' relocation decisions.
Maddy summaryHB 541 amends state labor laws to require school employees to report suspected violations involving minors under sixteen years of age. The bill also mandates that employers maintain accurate lists of minor employees and provides enforcement officials with the authority to verify the age of workers who appear to be under eighteen. Key provisions include creating a dedicated enforcement fund to hire staff, increasing penalties for violations, and allowing for the detention of minors who refuse to provide their age and residence information to officials.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definitions and care standards for high-volume dog breeders in Ohio, targeting facilities that house six or more breeding dogs and sell significant numbers of puppies or adult dogs. It establishes specific requirements for animal welfare, including daily veterinary-approved nutrition, unlimited clean water, and spacious enclosures that allow dogs to move freely and turn in complete circles. The legislation also mandates that floors be solid or consist of specific slat dimensions to ensure hygiene and safety, while defining terms like "high volume breeder" and "animal rescue" to clarify which entities are subject to these new rules.
Maddy summaryHB 521 updates Ohio's child labor laws to specifically address minors working as performers in the entertainment industry, including films, television, radio, and theater productions. The bill creates a special exemption allowing minors under the age of fourteen to obtain age and schooling certificates if they are employed as performers, provided they are of compulsory school age and the work is legal. It also establishes safety protections by allowing accredited safety professionals to supervise hazardous conditions on set, which would otherwise be prohibited for minors. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the roles of various officials in enforcing these rules and requires employers to verify age certificates before hiring.
Maddy summaryHB 525 amends state laws to increase penalties for assaulting school employees and volunteers, such as teachers, administrators, bus operators, and volunteers performing official duties like chaperoning students. The bill classifies such assaults as a felony of the fifth degree when they occur on school property, on school buses, or while the victim is engaged in school-related activities outside of school premises. This legislative change directly affects individuals who commit violent acts against those working in educational settings, ensuring they face stricter sentencing guidelines than under previous laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in the state to cover prostate cancer screenings for men who are at least forty years old and considered high-risk. Eligibility for this coverage is based on having a family history of prostate cancer or a personal diagnosis of a genetic alteration linked to increased risk. The law mandates that these screenings, which include tests like prostate-specific antigen checks and digital rectal examinations, be provided without any cost-sharing requirements such as copayments or deductibles. Additionally, the state insurance superintendent must create specific rules to define the types of tests covered and ensure screenings occur at least once every year.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the director of commerce to create and distribute a poster detailing various benefits and services available to veterans in Ohio. The poster must include information on programs like mental health treatment, educational resources, tax exemptions, and the armed forces designation on driver's licenses. Employers are permitted to display this poster in a visible area where employees can easily access it, and the state will provide copies to businesses free of charge.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes the University of Toledo women's tennis team as the 2024 Mid-American Conference Tournament Champion. It highlights the team's historic first tournament win and their subsequent qualification for the NCAA Division I Tournament. The House of Representatives has voted to applaud the athletes and their coaching staff for their hard work and success. A copy of this resolution will be sent to the team to serve as official acknowledgment of their achievement.