Maddy summaryHB 328 amends state laws to specifically address the theft of catalytic converters by elevating such offenses from general theft to a distinct felony charge. The bill mandates that stealing a catalytic converter is automatically classified as a fifth-degree felony, with the severity increasing to a fourth-degree felony if the offender has a prior conviction for catalytic converter theft. Additionally, the legislation imposes specific fines ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for business entities involved in these thefts and directs that these fines be paid to local law enforcement agencies. By creating these targeted penalties, the bill aims to provide stricter legal consequences for individuals and companies stealing these vehicle parts.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 349 creates a program called EnergizeOhio to encourage the development of natural gas pipelines and related infrastructure by offering two main types of support to local governments and development organizations. First, it allows municipalities and counties to request that specific areas be designated as incentive zones, which would exempt up to 75% of qualifying property within those zones from certain taxes if the director determines that a lack of natural gas infrastructure is hurting local economic growth. Second, the bill establishes a loan fund that can provide interest-free loans for up to five years to help eligible entities purchase or lease land easements for building these pipelines, with the expectation that the loans will be repaid using revenue from selling or leasing those easements. Local governments must apply for these designations and loans, and the director of development is responsible for reviewing applications, making decisions, and managing the fund.
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 399 creates a new tax credit for employers in Ohio who provide paid leave to employees donating organs. To qualify, the employer must use the federal E-Verify system and offer compensation equal to the employee's normal wages for up to thirty days of medically necessary recovery time. This credit allows qualifying businesses to reduce their tax liability by the amount of benefits paid, capped at $30 per day, with a maximum annual limit of $54,000 per employer. The bill also establishes a reporting requirement for the tax commissioner to track the number of claims and total credit values issued each year.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public and private schools, as well as public recreational facilities, to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and create emergency plans for their use. It mandates that staff at these locations complete training on AEDs and that student athletes receive education about sudden cardiac arrest before participating in sports. Additionally, the law prohibits students with a family history of sudden cardiac arrest or those who have fainted from playing sports until they are medically cleared, and it requires coaches to complete specific training. Local governments must also provide hospital relief payments related to these cardiac events, and the Ohio Department of Health is tasked with developing a model emergency action plan to guide schools and facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates July as Sarcoma Awareness Month to increase public understanding of sarcoma, a type of cancer that affects both humans and dogs. The legislation also officially names the act "Hank's Law" in honor of a specific individual, though it does not create new legal requirements or funding. By adding this designation to the state code, the bill aims to encourage community awareness and support for those impacted by the disease.
Maddy summaryHB 250 directs the state to update academic standards and model curricula for grades K-12 in subjects including English, math, science, social studies, technology, financial literacy, fine arts, foreign languages, and physical education. The bill specifically requires that social studies standards cover the original texts of the Declaration of Independence, the Northwest Ordinance, and the U.S. and Ohio Constitutions, while also mandating that financial literacy and entrepreneurship standards include concepts related to free market capitalism. Additionally, the legislation establishes a separate Military Enlistment diploma seal fund and makes administrative corrections regarding the State Board of Education versus the Director of Education and Workforce.
Maddy summaryHB 195 creates a new adaptive mobility dealer license to regulate businesses that sell electric personal assistive mobility devices and low-speed micromobility devices. The bill amends existing vehicle definitions to explicitly exclude these specific devices from the standard "vehicle" and "motor vehicle" categories used in state law. By establishing a distinct classification, the legislation allows dealers to operate under a separate license tailored to the unique needs of adaptive mobility equipment rather than general vehicle sales regulations. This change directly affects businesses selling mobility aids and ensures these items are handled through a specialized licensing framework.