Rep. Josh Williams

Maddy summaryHB 766 designates October as "Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month" by adding a new section to the state's Revised Code. This bill directly affects state government records and official designations, establishing October as a recognized month for AAC awareness. The key provision is the formal addition of Section 5.63 to the Revised Code, which codifies the month's name and purpose. The legislation does not change funding, create new programs, or alter existing laws, but rather establishes an official state designation for awareness purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 646 creates the Data Center Study Commission to examine the impacts of data centers within the state. The commission, composed of 13 appointed members (including from the Governor and legislative leaders), will study environmental effects, electrical grid strain, water usage, economic impacts, and other factors through public meetings. It must submit a report to state leaders within six months, after which the commission will dissolve. This bill does not change current regulations but establishes a process for gathering data to inform future decisions about data center development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires a seven-year mandatory minimum prison sentence for anyone convicted of forcible rape under Ohio law. It changes sentencing rules by removing judicial discretion for this offense, mandating the minimum term regardless of individual case factors. Previously, judges could impose sentences below seven years, but this bill sets a fixed minimum under Ohio's criminal code (section 2907.02). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of forcible rape in Ohio courts, altering their potential sentencing outcomes.

To amend section 4503.571 of the Revised Code to allow the surviving spouse of a Purple Heart recipient to retain or obtain the "Purple Heart" specialty license plate.

To amend section 2305.11 of the Revised Code to provide that for purposes of the one-year limitations period for libel or slander, the cause of action starts from publication of the libelous matter or when the slanderous words were spoken, regardless of when the aggrieved party discovered the libelous matter or slanderous words.

To amend sections 5101.54 and 5101.542 and to enact section 5101.543 of the Revised Code to require Ohio's SNAP program to begin using chip-enabled EBT cards, to name this act the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2025, and to make an appropriation.

To amend sections 4503.03, 4510.036, 4511.75, 4511.751, and 4511.76 and to enact sections 5.501, 3327.18, and 3327.19 of the Revised Code to address school bus safety, to designate this act as the School Bus Safety Act, and to make an appropriation.

To amend sections 4507.05, 4507.071, 4507.21, and 4508.02 and to enact section 4508.041 of the Revised Code to make changes to driver education requirements.

To amend sections 4723.01, 4723.43, 4723.432, 4729.01, 4731.27, 4731.35, and 4761.17; to enact new section 4723.433 and section 4731.513; and to repeal sections 4723.433, 4723.434, and 4723.435 of the Revised Code to revise the law governing the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists.

Maddy summaryHB 452 designates October 1st as "761st Tank Battalion Day" in Ohio. This ceremonial bill formally recognizes the legacy of the 761st Tank Battalion, a historically significant military unit, without creating new laws or altering policies. It directly affects Ohio residents by establishing an annual observance to honor the battalion's service. The bill is procedural and does not impose requirements or funding changes.