Rep. Brett Hillyer

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Ohio Ireland Trade Commission to study and promote trade, investment, and business exchanges between Ohio and Ireland. The commission will be made up of nine members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and the governor with Senate approval, including representatives from higher education, the chamber of commerce, and Irish American communities. These unpaid members will meet throughout the state, elect a chair, and submit annual reports to state officials on their findings and recommendations. The commission is also authorized to raise its own funds through donations and grants to cover its administrative costs and carry out its mission.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution from the Ohio House of Representatives that urges federal agencies to implement policies in a way that supports innovation and product access. It highlights the importance of the Bayh-Dole Act, which allows private companies to license government-funded research for commercialization, and argues that this system should not be undermined by broad interpretations of "march-in rights." The text asserts that protecting intellectual property is essential for economic growth and that any government actions regarding product access must not discourage private investment in research. Ultimately, the resolution calls for collaboration between state and federal officials to ensure regulations foster a conducive environment for technological development without compromising the incentives for innovation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that honors Laura Battocletti on her retirement from her role as executive director of the Ohio Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board. It recognizes her distinguished career in public service, which includes previous leadership positions with the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The text formally commends her dedication and instructs the House Clerk to send an official copy of the resolution to her as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHB 182 updates the rules governing precomputed consumer installment loans to clarify how interest is calculated and what fees lenders may charge. The bill restricts lenders from charging excessive origination fees, accepting dated instruments as security, or refinancing loans within the first 120 days. It also establishes specific guidelines for interest computation, prohibiting compounding and requiring refunds for unearned interest if a borrower pays off the loan early. Additionally, the legislation allows for written agreements to defer payments and outlines how deferment charges should be applied. These changes aim to provide clearer standards for both lenders and borrowers regarding loan terms and repayment processes.

Maddy summaryHB 81 designates specific sections of roads and a bridge across Ohio with new names to honor individuals who served in law enforcement, the military, and emergency services. The bill affects various counties by officially renaming highways such as State Route 39 in Carroll County to the "Sheriff Dale R. Williams Memorial Highway" and Interstate 77 in Akron to the "American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. Memorial Highway." Under this legislation, the state director of transportation is authorized to install physical markers along these routes to display the new commemorative titles. This measure serves as a formal recognition of public service rather than altering traffic laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes adoption laws by updating specific sections of the state's Revised Code and clarifying the exclusive jurisdiction of probate courts over various legal matters. While the text primarily defines the probate court's authority over wills, estates, guardianships, and medical decisions, it explicitly includes the power to hear and determine petitions for adoption. The legislation ensures that these family law cases remain within the probate court system unless other laws assign jurisdiction elsewhere, streamlining the legal process for adoption and related family matters.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for selecting members of the State Teachers Retirement Board to ensure a mix of expertise and independence. It establishes specific qualifications for board seats, requiring that investment-focused members have direct experience in managing assets while prohibiting them from having worked for the retirement system or related financial firms in the last three years. The legislation also clarifies how these members are appointed, designating roles for the director of education, the state treasurer, and elected officials, while maintaining seats for current and retired teachers. These changes aim to structure the board's composition to better reflect professional investment knowledge and prevent conflicts of interest, without altering the terms of those already serving on the board.

Maddy summaryHB 338 amends state law to allow child support orders to be issued, modified, or extended for children over the age of 18 who have a disability. This change directly affects parents and guardians of adult children with disabilities who may still require financial support. The bill also clarifies how funds related to computerization fees should be disbursed within the child support system. By updating the legal framework, the legislation ensures that support obligations can continue beyond the typical age of majority for qualifying disabled minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands legal protection for local governments, such as counties and municipalities, by including them alongside private businesses in state cybersecurity laws. It defines a data breach as unauthorized access to sensitive information that creates a risk of identity theft or fraud, while explicitly excluding incidents caused by internal employees acting in good faith or by legal court orders. By amending the existing statute, the legislation ensures that political subdivisions can claim immunity from certain penalties if they follow a specified cybersecurity program when handling personal or restricted data.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes Jay Edwards for his distinguished service as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. It commends his leadership roles, including chairing the Finance Committee, and acknowledges his background as a small business owner and realtor. The resolution directs the House Clerk to send an official copy of this commendation to Edwards, serving as a ceremonial honor rather than a change in law or policy.