Rep. Kevin Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Ohio Constitution to allow the state to issue up to $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds for public infrastructure projects. The funds would be used to build or improve roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, and waste disposal facilities for cities, counties, and townships. If approved by voters, the state could borrow money over ten years to finance these projects, with the full faith and credit of the state pledged to repay the debt. The legislation also specifies that the borrowed money must be used strictly for infrastructure and that the bonds would be exempt from state taxes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Ohio House of Representatives' condemnation of the People's Republic of China for its alleged role in the global drug trade, specifically regarding fentanyl smuggling. The measure cites claims that Chinese authorities tolerate money laundering and drug trafficking within their borders while failing to cooperate with U.S. investigations or apprehend key cartel leaders. It further asserts that the Chinese government provides financial incentives, such as tax rebates and special enterprise designations, to companies involved in producing and exporting fentanyl. Ultimately, the bill calls for the distribution of this resolution to federal officials and the media to highlight these accusations of destabilization.

Maddy summaryHB 274 expands property tax relief for homeowners in Ohio by creating a new enhanced homestead exemption for specific groups. The bill primarily affects disabled veterans, their surviving spouses, and the surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty, offering a tax reduction based on a $50,000 property value threshold. It also extends similar benefits to certain long-term homeowners, including those who are permanently disabled, sixty-five or older, or surviving spouses of disabled or elderly individuals who meet specific age and income criteria. The amount of tax reduction is calculated using a formula that considers the property's value, local assessment rates, and tax rates, with annual adjustments made by the tax commissioner to account for economic changes. This legislation aims to provide greater financial relief to these qualifying residents by reducing their real property taxes on their primary residences.

Maddy summaryHB 66 allows wholesale dealers and distributors of cigarettes, tobacco, and vapor products to request refunds for state taxes paid on inventory that becomes uncollectible. To qualify for a refund, the business must prove the debt was uncollected for at least six months, that the products were delivered, and that reasonable collection efforts were made. The bill sets a three-year limit for filing these claims and requires the tax commissioner to verify documentation before issuing refunds from the state's tax refund fund. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that if a bad debt is later paid off, the business must repay the prorated portion of the tax refund it previously received.

Maddy summaryHB 319, known as the Conscientious Right to Refuse Act, prohibits discrimination against adults and emancipated minors who decline specific medical treatments, such as vaccines, biologics, or gene editing, based on religious or other conscientious beliefs. The law protects these individuals from facing negative consequences like job termination, denial of services, segregation, or financial penalties by employers, healthcare providers, government agencies, and educational institutions. If a person believes they have been discriminated against, the bill allows them to sue for money damages, court costs, and attorney fees, with the possibility of receiving triple damages if they win their case. While the legislation creates these protections, it explicitly states that it does not stop organizations from recommending, educating about, or providing access to the medical interventions in question.

Maddy summaryHB 503 prohibits the feeding of garbage to swine, including feral pigs and wild boar, to address public health and environmental concerns. The bill also updates definitions within the Agricultural Commodity Handlers Law to clarify terms related to grain storage, handling, and marketing. Additionally, it authorizes the director of agriculture to charge fees for laboratory services and establishes a fund to support animal and consumer protection operations. These changes aim to regulate waste disposal practices for livestock and streamline the legal framework for agricultural commodity management.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens the state's Sex Offender Registration and Notification (SORN) law by adding new offenses related to sexual conduct and clarifying rules for when offenders must register. It specifically defines a "sexually oriented offense" to include various crimes involving minors, sexual motivation, or age gaps between offenders and victims, ensuring these acts are treated as serious violations. Additionally, the legislation updates the SORN system to pause the registration clock if an offender fails to comply with their duties and requires correctional facilities to notify local sheriffs when transferring offenders who must register. The bill also expands protections for victims by establishing clearer guidelines for appointing victim representatives and ensuring that notices and rights are shared with both the victim and their designated representative.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for first responders, EMTs, and paramedics to petition the state board for the inclusion of new topics in their training and continuing education programs. It also updates regulations for medication aides working in nursing homes and residential care facilities by clarifying which prescription medications they can administer under nurse supervision. Specifically, the law allows aides to give oral, topical, and certain other medications, including Schedule II controlled substances and insulin, while prohibiting them from performing injections other than insulin, calculating dosages, or splitting pills. Additionally, the bill sets rules requiring the board to base training program durations on calendar days and to restrict clinical practice in facilities facing real and present dangers until safety issues are resolved.

Maddy summarySB 37 amends laws governing driver's license suspensions and penalties for failing to provide proof of financial responsibility. The bill allows municipal, mayor's, and county courts to order community service or installment payments for individuals who cannot afford to pay fines or costs associated with a conviction. If a person fails to appear in court or does not pay the imposed fines, the court can notify the motor vehicle registrar, who will then block the registration or transfer of any vehicle owned or leased by that person until the debt is cleared. The legislation also establishes standardized forms for reporting payment failures and allows the registrar to require electronic submission of these notices.