To enact section 9.51 of the Revised Code to provide for the preservation of religious freedom and to name this act the Ohio Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
To amend sections 3513.07 and 3513.261 and to repeal section 3505.02 of the Revised Code to require space on declarations of candidacy and petition forms for former names, and to remove the requirement that former names appear on the ballot.
To enact section 9.031 of the Revised Code to enact the No Free Advertising for Politicians Act to prohibit certain government signs from including a public official's personal name or likeness.
Maddy summaryHB 941 requires state agencies to review all vacant permanent full-time civil service positions every thirty days. If a position has remained empty for ninety days or longer, the appointing authority must eliminate it. Additionally, the bill mandates that the director of administrative services update the official job classification plan whenever a position is removed under this rule. This legislation directly affects state employers and the administrative oversight of public sector job listings.
Maddy summaryHB 850 proposes to temporarily lower the state tax on gasoline and other motor fuels to help address rising fuel prices. Under this bill, the tax on each gallon of gasoline would be reduced to 19.25 cents, while taxes on compressed natural gas and other fuels would drop to 23.5 cents. The revenue collected during this period would still be distributed according to existing rules, but the specific dollar amounts allocated for certain purposes would be cut in half. The legislation includes an emergency declaration to make these changes take effect immediately.
Maddy summaryHB 821 proposes to officially recognize the Loveland Frog as Ohio's state cryptid. This designation honors a legendary creature reported in the river near Loveland, which has inspired local culture, tourism, and creative works. The bill adds a new section to the state's Revised Code to formally adopt this folklore figure into state symbolism. It directly affects the state's official records and cultural identity by elevating a local legend to an official status.
To amend sections 3.07, 3.17, 305.03, 503.241, and 3313.11 and to enact section 3.171 of the Revised Code to allow an elected official who is deployed on active military duty to retain the official's position and to attend meetings virtually.
To amend section 4928.67 and to enact sections 4928.675, 4928.676, 4928.677, 4928.678, 4928.679, 4928.6710, and 4928.6711 of the Revised Code regarding virtual net metering and meter aggregation.
Maddy summaryHB 834 requires state agencies to improve how they deliver services to residents, businesses, and organizations by establishing new roles and standards. The bill creates a government-wide lead position within the Department of Administrative Services to coordinate improvements, particularly for high-impact services, and mandates that each agency designate an employee to oversee these efforts. Key provisions include developing guidelines focused on ease, efficiency, and transparency, collecting data on service quality, and submitting annual reports to legislators on progress. This legislation applies to all state agencies except the General Assembly and the governor, aiming to enhance trust and accountability through standardized service delivery practices.
To enact section 3345.91 of the Revised Code to require state institutions of higher education that have an animal testing facility to publish an annual report.
