Rep. Josh Williams

To amend sections 145.22, 145.23, 145.35, 145.46, 145.561, and 742.63 and to enact sections 145.71, 145.72, 145.721, 145.722, 145.73, 145.74, 145.75, 145.751, 145.76, and 145.77 of the Revised Code to establish a deferred retirement option plan for law enforcement officers in the Public Employees Retirement System.

To amend sections 4781.40, 5301.072, 5311.191, and 5321.131 of the Revised Code to prohibit manufactured home park operators, condominium associations, neighborhood associations, and landlords from restricting the display of the thin blue line flag and to name this act the Chief Steven DiSario Act.

Maddy summaryHB 40 increases the homestead property tax exemption for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses in Ohio. It raises the exemption value from $25,000 to $100,000 for veterans with income under $125,000 (adjusted annually), and to $50,000 for those over $125,000. The bill also expands the exemption to surviving spouses of disabled veterans (and public service officers killed in duty) who meet income limits, with annual adjustments tied to the GDP deflator. This change replaces existing exemptions under related tax sections and applies to only one homestead per eligible person.

To enact section 3902.66 of the Revised Code to require health insurers to cover preventive screenings for certain men at high-risk for developing prostate cancer.

To enact section 5.295 of the Revised Code to designate February 4th as John Rankin Day, and to require a statue of John Rankin to be erected on the statehouse grounds.

Maddy summaryHB 39 would amend Ohio's tax code (section 5747.01) to allow taxpayers to deduct overtime wages from their state taxable income, similar to regular wages. This change would directly affect Ohio residents who earn overtime pay, such as hourly workers, by reducing their taxable income for state income tax purposes. The bill modifies existing tax provisions to explicitly include overtime wages under the deduction for "wages and salaries" previously only applied to base pay. It does not change tax rates or create new credits, but expands the scope of deductible income under current Ohio tax law. The bill is currently pending in committee after introduction on February 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Ohio's state constitution that establishes a fundamental right for residents to hunt and fish using traditional methods. This right would be subject only to laws and rules enacted by the Ohio General Assembly for wildlife conservation, management, and preserving hunting/fishing opportunities. The amendment would require voter approval at the next general election and would not override existing trespass or property laws. If passed, it would make hunting and fishing a constitutionally protected activity and the preferred method for managing wildlife in Ohio.

To amend sections 9.63, 4501.06, 5747.50, 5747.502, 5747.51, and 5747.53 and to enact sections 9.631, 9.632, 9.633, and 5747.504 of the Revised Code to require state and local authorities to cooperate with the federal government in the enforcement of immigration laws, to prescribe funding reductions for noncompliance, to name this act the Protecting Ohio Communities Act, and to declare an emergency.

Maddy summaryHB 60 amends Ohio campaign finance rules to allow candidates for office to use campaign funds for certain childcare costs directly related to their campaign activities. This change applies specifically to candidates running for statewide offices and their campaign committees. The bill modifies existing provisions in the Revised Code to explicitly permit these childcare expenses as allowable campaign costs, while maintaining other campaign finance reporting requirements. It does not alter the overall campaign spending limits or create new financial obligations for candidates.

Maddy summaryHB 30 would replace Ohio's current progressive income tax structure with a single flat tax rate of 2.75% over two years. It directly affects all Ohio residents and businesses earning income in the state, including individuals, trusts, and estates. The bill eliminates current tax brackets (like the $26,050 threshold for lower rates) and sets a uniform 2.75% tax on all taxable income, regardless of earnings level. This change aims to simplify tax filing and provide uniformity, though it would reduce tax revenue for the state compared to the current system. The bill is currently in early stages (introduced February 2025) and has not yet been voted on.