Rep. Jennifer Gross

Maddy summaryHB 390 updates the rules for handling leftover money from property foreclosure sales in Ohio. When a sale generates more money than needed to pay debts, the court clerk must notify the property owner about the surplus balance. The bill establishes specific mailing procedures and timelines for delivering these notices, depending on whether the balance is large or small and whether the owner's address is known. If the owner does not claim the funds within a set period, the money is treated as unclaimed property and handled according to existing state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies and local government units from using public money to buy U.S. or Ohio flags that were not manufactured in the United States. It directly affects government entities such as county offices, townships, and municipal corporations by restricting their purchasing choices for these specific flags. The law requires that any flag acquired with taxpayer funds must be produced domestically, ensuring that the purchase supports U.S. manufacturing.

Maddy summaryHB 685 allows Ohio taxpayers to claim a state income tax deduction specifically for overtime wages. This provision directly affects employees who earn extra pay for working beyond their standard hours and are subject to state income tax. The bill modifies the state tax code to treat these overtime earnings similarly to how they are handled for federal tax purposes, ensuring they can be deducted from taxable income. By aligning the treatment of overtime wages with federal standards, the legislation aims to reduce the state tax burden on workers receiving such compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax incentive for employers in Ohio who provide paid parental leave to their staff. To qualify for the benefit, an employer must register with the federal E-Verify system and offer at least 56 days of paid leave following the birth, adoption, or stillbirth of a child. The state will offer a nonrefundable tax credit to these qualifying employers, capped at $54,000 annually, which is calculated based on the amount of leave benefits paid to employees. The legislation also establishes reporting requirements for the tax commissioner to track the number of credits claimed and their total value.

Maddy summaryHB 370 clarifies the Ohio Department of Transportation's authority and responsibilities regarding state highways located within cities and villages. The bill grants the Director of Transportation broad powers to alter, construct, and maintain these roads, including the ability to purchase or appropriate land for improvements like bridges, bike paths, and drainage systems. It also allows the department to acquire property in the name of the state or, in specific cases involving railroads and utilities, directly in the name of those entities. Furthermore, the legislation explicitly states that the state has no mandatory duty to repair state highways inside municipal limits unless the local government requests and approves the work.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the walleye as the official state fish, a symbolic honor that does not change any laws or regulations. The legislation directly affects the state by formally recognizing the walleye in official records and documents. It does not alter fishing rules, create new programs, or allocate funding, serving only as a commemorative measure.

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 637 amends Ohio's Public Expression Protection Act to strengthen legal safeguards for individuals communicating on matters of public concern. The bill defines specific legal terms and clarifies which court orders are immediately appealable to prevent delays in protecting free speech rights. It establishes a mandatory expedited process that requires courts to pause most legal proceedings, such as discovery and hearings, for up to 60 days while a claimant argues that a lawsuit violates their free speech or press rights. However, the law excludes lawsuits against government officials acting in their official capacity and cases involving the sale of goods or services. Additionally, the bill allows courts to grant limited exceptions for urgent threats to public health or safety and permits limited discovery if specific information is needed to prove the free speech claim.

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 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.