Rep. Josh Williams

Maddy summaryHB 399 creates a new tax credit for employers in Ohio who provide paid leave to employees donating organs. To qualify, the employer must use the federal E-Verify system and offer compensation equal to the employee's normal wages for up to thirty days of medically necessary recovery time. This credit allows qualifying businesses to reduce their tax liability by the amount of benefits paid, capped at $30 per day, with a maximum annual limit of $54,000 per employer. The bill also establishes a reporting requirement for the tax commissioner to track the number of claims and total credit values issued each year.

Maddy summaryHB 661 establishes new regulations for imitation meat and egg products, requiring schools and the Department of Education and Workforce to adopt policies that prevent the purchase of foods misbranded as meat or eggs or cultivated-protein products. The bill amends existing state codes to mandate these restrictions, aiming to ensure accurate labeling and consumer protection regarding alternative protein sources. By setting clear procurement standards, the legislation directly affects educational institutions and state agencies responsible for food purchasing decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 659 requires public and chartered nonpublic schools to inform parents or eligible students about the importance of water safety education and swimming lessons upon enrollment. The bill mandates that schools provide this information, which must include local options for age-appropriate courses and lessons, either electronically or in hard copy. Additionally, the legislation establishes detailed contract requirements for community schools, specifying academic goals, performance standards, financial audit rules, and operational guidelines such as nonsectarian policies and teacher qualifications.

Maddy summaryHB 666, titled the Protecting Ohio Communities Act, requires state and local authorities to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and prohibits municipalities from passing laws that hinder this cooperation. The bill mandates that local police share arrestee information with federal agencies and detain individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. until they are transferred to federal custody. Additionally, it requires government entities to verify the immigration status of applicants for public benefits using federal databases. Municipalities that fail to comply with these requirements or enact conflicting ordinances risk losing state homeland security funding.

Maddy summaryHB 654, known as the STORK Act, proposes changes to Ohio's personal income tax code by creating a new exemption and credit specifically for conceived children. The bill would also redefine how "adjusted gross income" is calculated for state tax purposes by adding certain interest and dividends while deducting others, such as those related to federal tax-exempt obligations and specific social security benefits. Additionally, the legislation expands deductions for medical care insurance and long-term care expenses, including adjustments for dependents who do not meet standard federal income limits. These provisions aim to align state tax calculations more closely with federal definitions while offering targeted relief for families and specific financial situations.

Maddy summaryHB 639 amends existing laws to impose additional prison or commitment time for individuals who commit certain violent crimes while wearing a mask or disguise. The bill specifically targets adults by adding one year to their felony sentences if they are convicted of wearing such coverings during the offense. It also extends these stricter penalties to minors adjudicated as delinquent, requiring courts to commit them to youth services for longer periods depending on the severity of the crime. These additional time sentences are served consecutively to the original punishment for the underlying offense, with a total commitment limit of five years for any single delinquent act.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the late Jo Ann Davidson, a former Ohio state legislator who served as the first female Speaker of the House. It formally expresses the House of Representatives' condolences to her family and acknowledges her significant contributions to Ohio public service and leadership. The resolution directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the document to Davidson's family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Ohio to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, a national agreement that lets licensed physician assistants practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses for each location. Under the new rules, a physician assistant can provide care to patients in any participating state as long as they hold a valid license from their home state and meet specific requirements like passing a criminal background check and completing a jurisprudence exam. While the license remains tied to the state where the physician assistant is originally licensed, the compact simplifies the process for military families and others who need to move frequently by recognizing their existing credentials. State licensing boards retain the authority to discipline physician assistants who practice in their state, regardless of where the professional originally obtained their license.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day to highlight the issue of suicide among military veterans. The legislation amends the state code to officially recognize this specific month for awareness and prevention efforts, replacing any previous designations. By establishing this annual observance, the bill aims to increase public focus on mental health resources and support systems for veterans. The change is administrative and does not alter existing funding or create new programs, serving primarily as a symbolic gesture to promote dialogue on the topic.

Maddy summarySB 156 amends the laws governing the designation and management of wild, scenic, and recreational rivers in Ohio. The bill primarily affects landowners, developers, and mining operations near these protected waterways by establishing specific buffer zones where surface and in-stream mining activities are prohibited. It sets strict distance limits from the highwater mark of designated rivers, ranging from 50 to 120 feet, depending on the size of the watershed the river drains. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that clearing snow or debris from undedicated roads in these areas does not constitute official approval of those roads by the township.