Rep. David Thomas

Maddy summaryHB 338, "Andy's Law," increases criminal penalties for assaults or causing death of staff or inmates at Ohio state or local correctional facilities. It amends specific Ohio Revised Code sections to impose stricter sentencing for these offenses and updates policies and procedures for the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The law directly affects correctional facility staff, inmates, and the state's criminal justice system by changing how such incidents are prosecuted and managed. These changes focus on enhancing accountability for violence within correctional settings.

Maddy summaryHB 476 amends Ohio's Charitable Gaming Law to allow charities to conduct raffles online, rather than only in-person. It specifically updates sections 2915.01, 2915.092, and 2915.14 to authorize this new method of fundraising. The bill directly affects Ohio-registered charities that currently use raffles as a fundraising tool. The law declares an emergency to expedite implementation, making online raffles a legal option under the state's charitable gaming rules.

Maddy summaryHB 672 exempts vehicles towing farm machinery from standard vehicle size limits on public roads in Ohio. It directly affects farmers and agricultural transporters who move equipment like tractors or harvesters. The bill adds two conditions for this exemption: the towing vehicle must meet size limits without the machinery, or the operator must hold permits covering the combined dimensions. This change simplifies transporting large farm equipment without requiring special permits for routine movements.

To amend sections 5104.015 and 5104.04 and to enact sections 5104.044, 5104.303, 5104.304, and 5104.361 of the Revised Code to require video surveillance of child care centers, to establish an online portal for tracking child care center attendance, to require investigations of waste, fraud, and abuse allegations relating to providers of publicly funded child care, and to name this act the Child Care Fraud Prevention Act.

Maddy summaryHB 658 would create a new "SHELTER" specialty license plate option for Ohio vehicle owners. This plate would be available for purchase as an alternative to standard license plates, adding it to the state's existing specialty plate program under Revised Code section 4503.728. The bill does not specify funding mechanisms or direct beneficiary organizations, focusing solely on establishing the plate design. It is currently in committee review following its introduction on January 27, 2026.

To amend sections 323.12, 323.13, 325.31, 4503.06, 5709.56, and 5713.01 and to enact sections 323.123 and 5705.171 of the Revised Code to modify the law governing property taxes and other local taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 613 amends multiple sections of Ohio's Revised Code to adjust the tax enforcement authority of the Department of Taxation and the Board of Tax Appeals. The bill modifies specific provisions (including sections 5703.42, 5703.52, and 5717.01) and adds a new section (5717.021) related to tax enforcement procedures. It directly affects these state tax agencies by changing how they handle enforcement actions, though the abstract does not specify the exact nature of the modifications. The summary focuses on the bill's purpose of revising authority structures without detailing the specific policy changes. (Note: The provided abstract lacks specifics on the actual modifications, so this summary reflects the bill's stated scope only.)

Maddy summaryHB 609 requires public bodies (like city councils, school boards, and county commissions) to allow public comment before taking formal action on any agenda item. The bill amends Ohio's Revised Code to mandate that these bodies set aside specific time during meetings for citizens to speak about topics under consideration. This change directly affects how local government meetings are conducted, ensuring community input is heard before decisions are made. The key provision is a procedural requirement for public bodies to incorporate public testimony into their meeting process prior to voting.

Maddy summaryHB 144 expands Ohio's communication disability database to include all individuals with disabilities, not just those with specific communication needs. It requires county 9-1-1 systems to access this database during emergency calls, ensuring first responders can quickly identify communication support needs. The law, named "Keith's Law," directly affects people with disabilities during emergencies and 9-1-1 dispatchers who will use the database to provide appropriate assistance.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 308), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes the Jefferson Rotary Club for achieving its 100th anniversary, praising its community service and civic engagement over a century. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Ohio House of Representatives' commendation and sends a copy to the Rotary Club. It directly affects no individuals or organizations through legislative action.