Rep. David Thomas

Maddy summaryHB 646 creates the Data Center Study Commission to examine the impacts of data centers within the state. The commission, composed of 13 appointed members (including from the Governor and legislative leaders), will study environmental effects, electrical grid strain, water usage, economic impacts, and other factors through public meetings. It must submit a report to state leaders within six months, after which the commission will dissolve. This bill does not change current regulations but establishes a process for gathering data to inform future decisions about data center development.

To create the Workforce Investment Now (WIN) for Child Care pilot program to provide publicly funded child care to child care staff members and to make an appropriation.

To amend sections 5101.54 and 5101.542 and to enact section 5101.543 of the Revised Code to require Ohio's SNAP program to begin using chip-enabled EBT cards, to name this act the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2025, and to make an appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to exempt food purchased from vending machines and micro markets from state sales and use taxes. The change would directly affect consumers who buy food from automated dispensing machines and self-service retail environments where payment is made at the point of sale. The bill amends existing tax code to clarify that food dispensed from these machines is treated similarly to food sold off-premises, which is already tax-exempt. This policy adjustment removes the sales tax burden on specific vending machine transactions while leaving other food sales and taxable items unaffected.

To amend sections 4723.01, 4723.43, 4723.432, 4729.01, 4731.27, 4731.35, and 4761.17; to enact new section 4723.433 and section 4731.513; and to repeal sections 4723.433, 4723.434, and 4723.435 of the Revised Code to revise the law governing the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists.

To amend section 2921.04 and to enact section 2921.06 of the Revised Code to create the offense of jury tampering and to include a public servant in the offense of intimidation of an attorney, victim, witness, or public servant in a criminal case.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Ohio laws to establish specific health and safety rules for the sale and manufacture of stuffed toys and bedding. It requires businesses to register with the state, mandates that all such items be properly labeled, and demands that secondhand products be sanitized before being sold. The legislation also defines key terms like "stuffed toy" and "secondhand" to clarify what items are covered and excludes certain materials used in recycling. Additionally, it provides a process for manufacturers to request exceptions from these rules if strict compliance is not necessary for public safety.

To amend sections 145.293, 742.251, 3307.74, and 3309.31 of the Revised Code regarding limits on the purchase of retirement service credit based on employment with the United States Government, a state, or a political subdivision.

To enact section 5164.97 of the Revised Code regarding Medicaid coverage for treatment in place services provided by EMS organizations, and to make an appropriation.

To amend section 1533.99 and to enact section 1533.711 of the Revised Code to establish requirements related to the possession of certain animals for commercial purposes.