Rep. Sara Carruthers

Maddy summaryHB 469 establishes the Ohio River Commission of Ohio as an independent state agency within the Department of Development to advance economic growth, marine cargo terminal operations, and tourism along the Ohio River and its tributaries. The commission is composed of state directors, public representatives, and industry experts appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, with specific rules governing their terms and voting procedures. Once formed, the commission will develop a master plan for river infrastructure, coordinate with various government and private entities, collect economic data, and seek federal funding to support projects that promote commerce and job creation in the region.

Maddy summaryHB 89 strengthens the Ohio Board of Nursing's authority to discipline nurses and dialysis technicians who commit fraud, engage in substance abuse, or fail to meet safety standards. The bill allows the board to impose penalties such as license revocation, fines, or reprimands for specific misconduct, including assaulting patients, misusing drugs, or practicing while impaired by alcohol or mental health issues. It also prohibits advanced practice nurses from advertising or waiving patient copayments as an incentive to receive care. These changes aim to ensure public safety by providing clearer grounds for disciplinary action against healthcare professionals who violate ethical or legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows county commissioners to contract with an engineer from another county to fill vacant engineering positions when local elections or appointments fail to produce a replacement. It permits a single individual to serve as the county engineer for multiple adjacent counties and establishes a system for supplemental pay based on population size when an engineer works in a county other than their home jurisdiction. Additionally, the legislation sets new standards for real estate deeds, requiring specific boundary survey plats for split or altered land parcels before they are recorded. The bill also creates a mechanism for counties where engineers hold private engineering licenses to designate a substitute official to perform public duties while the primary engineer avoids potential conflicts of interest. Finally, it mandates that county auditors and engineers jointly adopt and publicly review standards for property conveyances to ensure compliance before deeds are transferred.

Maddy summaryHB 683 provides additional funding to soil and water districts and the Farm Financial Management Institute through the Department of Agriculture. The bill allocates specific operating appropriations for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years to support these entities' ongoing work, including analysis of the upcoming federal farm bill. It also authorizes a $500,000 cash transfer from the Controlling Board Emergency Purposes/Contingencies Fund to the OSU Extension Fund. These financial resources are intended to supplement existing budgets and ensure continued operations for the affected agricultural programs.

Maddy summaryHB 296 increases the mandatory contributions that employers of full-time municipal police officers and members of the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund must make to the pension system. The bill establishes a schedule where employee contributions rise gradually from 12.5% to 15% between 2025 and 2030, while employer contributions increase from 19.5% to 23.25% over the same period. To help fund these higher payments, the legislation requires certain municipalities to levy a new property tax of three-tenths of one mill, with revenues prioritized for the pension fund and related liabilities. Additionally, the bill allows the pension fund board to adjust contribution rates in the future if an actuarial study determines such changes are needed to maintain the fund's financial health.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution honoring the memory of Barbara C. Pringle, a former Cleveland City Council member and long-serving Ohio state representative. It formally acknowledges her contributions to public service and directs the House Clerk to send a copy of the tribute to her family. The measure does not enact new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial gesture to express sympathy and respect for her life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from knowingly installing tracking devices or apps on someone else's property without their consent. It also requires the removal of such devices if the original consent is revoked, with consent automatically considered revoked in situations like divorce filings or protection orders. The law includes specific exceptions for law enforcement, parents tracking their own children, caregivers of vulnerable adults, and licensed private investigators working on legitimate business matters.

Maddy summarySB 109 amends Ohio Revised Code sections related to sex offenses and individuals regulated by the State Medical Board to update the definition of "public record." The bill expands the list of confidential records to include various sensitive categories, such as protected health information, donor profiles, and details about children involved in traffic accidents with school vehicles. By clarifying what information remains private, the legislation aims to protect personal data held by government agencies and other public offices. This change directly affects state departments, courts, and medical boards that manage these records, ensuring they adhere to the new confidentiality standards.

Maddy summarySB 6 directs state retirement boards, the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, and state universities to invest their funds primarily to maximize financial returns for participants. The bill explicitly prohibits these entities from making investment decisions intended to influence social or environmental policies or corporate governance. While the legislation requires giving equal consideration to minority and women-owned businesses when selecting investments, it mandates that financial performance and safety remain the primary drivers of investment choices. Additionally, the law outlines specific procedures for purchasing, selling, and safeguarding assets, requiring annual publication of investment policies and compliance with standard financial reporting guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for a state homeownership savings program to include active-duty members of the uniformed services. Under the new rules, these service members can open savings accounts to build funds for home down payments and closing costs, provided they apply after their permanent change of station orders. The legislation also requires state officials to issue an annual report detailing the program's participation numbers, total contributions, and financial performance.