Rep. Sara Carruthers

Maddy summaryHB 331 modifies how legal notices, such as those related to village dissolution, must be published by requiring them to be posted on an official public notice website in addition to appearing in newspapers. The bill mandates that the publisher of the newspaper hosting the official public notice site cannot charge state agencies or political subdivisions for this online posting. Furthermore, the legislation allows for abbreviated versions of these notices to be posted online after the initial full publication in a newspaper, provided the summary clearly describes the notice's purpose and includes contact information.

Maddy summaryHB 531, known as Braden's Law, establishes new criminal penalties for sexual extortion, which involves threatening to release private images to force someone into performing acts, paying money, or providing additional photos. The bill specifically defines private images to include content involving nudity, sexual activity, or extreme violence, and it sets felony charges that become more severe if the victim is a minor, elderly person, or disabled adult. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the legal responsibilities of digital service providers regarding deceased users' accounts, requiring them to comply with court orders for disclosure or termination while protecting them from liability when acting in good faith.

Maddy summaryHB 403 creates new legal causes of action for vehicles that are towed following an accident, allowing owners to seek compensation in such cases. The bill also clarifies rules regarding tampered emission control systems by defining specific prohibited actions, such as selling or operating vehicles with bypassed emissions equipment, while providing exceptions for legitimate repairs and vehicle conversions. Additionally, it expands an existing exception to window tinting laws to include residents who own non-compliant vehicles and requires transportation network companies to perform annual background checks on their authorized drivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Ohio public schools to create policies that ensure parents are notified about changes in their child's health services and have the right to review instructional materials containing sexuality content. It mandates that schools obtain parental consent before providing most health care services to students and prohibits educators from encouraging students to hide health-related information from their families. Additionally, the legislation restricts sexuality education for students in kindergarten through third grade and establishes a formal process for parents to file written concerns about these policies. While the bill outlines specific notification and consent procedures, it includes exceptions for emergency situations, mandatory reporting requirements, and cases involving criminal investigations or court orders.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of May as "Food Allergy Awareness Month" to highlight the importance of recognizing food allergies. The primary effect is an official state designation that encourages public awareness and education during this specific time period. It does not change laws, allocate funding, or mandate specific actions for individuals or businesses. The measure serves as a commemorative resolution rather than a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments from allowing residents to directly vote on how municipal funds are spent, ensuring that only the legislative body can approve such expenditures. It declares any existing charter provisions or ordinances that permit direct resident disbursement of funds to be legally void and unenforceable. While the law forbids residents from making the final spending decisions, it still allows local governments to ask for public input on budget matters. The legislation is declared an emergency measure to prevent the circumvention of current appropriation laws and to maintain responsible stewardship of public treasury resources.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the United States Congress to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. The proposed federal law would require states to collect documentary proof of citizenship when people register to vote and to remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls. By adopting this resolution, the Ohio legislature is formally requesting that Congress enact these specific measures to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a specialty license plate featuring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library logo. Money collected from drivers who choose this plate goes into a state fund and is distributed to various organizations, including cancer research groups, educational foundations, and youth development programs. The legislation also directs specific funds to scholarships for students attending certain universities, both within Ohio and out of state. By creating this plate, the state provides a way for vehicle owners to contribute directly to these designated causes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals filing asbestos-related lawsuits to submit a detailed sworn statement within thirty days of filing their complaint. The disclosure must include specific personal and exposure information, such as the plaintiff's work history, the names of asbestos-containing products used, the exact locations of exposure, and the specific disease being alleged. Plaintiffs must also continuously update this information if they learn of new exposure details or errors in their initial submission. Additionally, the bill prevents defendants from being sued until their products or premises are specifically identified in these disclosures and allows courts to dismiss claims against defendants who are not properly identified. This process aims to streamline asbestos litigation by ensuring plaintiffs provide concrete evidence early in the legal process, while excluding workers' compensation and veterans' benefit claims from these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments in Ohio from requiring firearm liability insurance or charging fees for the possession of firearms and knives. It asserts that owning these items is a fundamental right and declares any local rules mandating insurance or fees as null and void. The legislation also allows individuals to sue local governments for damages and legal costs if they enforce conflicting ordinances. However, the law does not prevent cities from using zoning regulations to restrict where firearms and knives can be sold commercially.