Maddy summaryThis bill amends state insurance regulations to restrict the Superintendent of Insurance from banning specific methods of marketing Medicare supplement policies. It explicitly allows for solicitation through printed materials left at homes, in-person visits at residences or public areas, and electronic communications like texts and social media messages, while still permitting the Superintendent to ban in-person sales at nursing homes and residential care facilities. Additionally, the legislation mandates that these policies cannot deny coverage for preexisting conditions if medical advice was sought within six months of the policy start date and requires the creation of new rules to standardize policy terms, claims handling, and premium increase procedures.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 546 requires all paper ballots used in Ohio elections to include a unique, invisible watermark that election officials can verify using special light sources or technology. This measure aims to help officials confirm that a ballot is genuine and was issued to the specific voter who cast it, particularly when reviewing absentee ballots. The bill also updates existing election laws by defining terms like "watermark" and clarifying rules for counting ballots, including provisions that prevent rejection based on ink marks other than provided pencils. By establishing these verification standards, the legislation seeks to streamline the process for identifying fraudulent or mismatched ballots without altering how voters mark their choices.
Maddy summaryHB 526 directs the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to create new rules governing the Ohio Works First program, which provides cash assistance to low-income families with children. These rules will establish specific standards for eligibility, payment amounts, and the verification of income and citizenship for applicants and participants. The bill also outlines requirements for work activities, self-sufficiency contracts, and procedures for handling sanctions or errors in payments. Additionally, it defines key terms such as "countable income" and "strike" to ensure consistency in how the program is administered across the state.
Maddy summaryHB 532 expands the legal definition of "peace officer" to include municipal court bailiffs and probation officers, thereby extending the same legal protections to these roles that currently apply to other law enforcement and public safety workers. The bill also increases penalties for anyone who assaults these newly included officials or other court employees while they are performing their official duties. By categorizing attacks on these individuals as more serious crimes, the legislation aims to strengthen protections for court staff and probation officers against physical harm.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States from possessing, carrying, or using firearms. It expands existing state laws that currently bar specific groups, such as felons and those with certain mental health or substance abuse issues, from owning guns. Violating this prohibition is classified as a third-degree felony. The legislation also outlines a legal process allowing some individuals to petition a court for relief from firearm disabilities if they have led a law-abiding life since their disqualification.
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 summaryHB 522 establishes a new repeat offender classification to increase penalties for specific firearm offenses and expands the scope of relief from firearms disabilities. The bill also allows for the automatic sealing of records for fourth and fifth-degree felonies. Additionally, it mandates that law enforcement agencies collect and file detailed criminal identification data, including fingerprints and photographs, for individuals convicted of certain crimes and for children adjudicated delinquent for violent acts. Courts are required to submit weekly reports summarizing case details to the state bureau to support this enhanced tracking system.
Maddy summaryHB 608 streamlines the process for individuals to have their criminal records sealed or expunged when they have been acquitted, found not guilty, or had charges dismissed. The bill allows these individuals to apply for record relief at any time after the court enters a not guilty verdict or dismisses the case, with specific waiting periods applying to grand jury no bills. For those granted a pardon, the law permits them to request sealing of their records once the pardon is issued or its conditions are met. Courts must hold hearings within a set timeframe to evaluate the application, weighing the individual's interests against any legitimate government needs to keep the records. However, the bill explicitly excludes certain serious offenses, such as violent felonies, sex crimes, and cases involving victims under thirteen, from this streamlined relief process.