Rep. Allison Russo

Maddy summaryHB 7, known as the Strong Foundations Act, establishes a state fatherhood commission to organize summits and produce annual reports on resources and initiatives aimed at improving parenting skills, employment opportunities, and family reunification for fathers. The bill also updates the rating standards for early learning programs to include specific criteria for Head Start and accredited child care centers. Additionally, it creates the Help Me Grow program as the state's official evidence-based home visiting service for pregnant women and families with young children, requiring providers to track outcomes related to health, safety, and economic stability.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of May as "Food Allergy Awareness Month" to highlight the importance of recognizing food allergies. The primary effect is an official state designation that encourages public awareness and education during this specific time period. It does not change laws, allocate funding, or mandate specific actions for individuals or businesses. The measure serves as a commemorative resolution rather than a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a specialty license plate featuring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library logo. Money collected from drivers who choose this plate goes into a state fund and is distributed to various organizations, including cancer research groups, educational foundations, and youth development programs. The legislation also directs specific funds to scholarships for students attending certain universities, both within Ohio and out of state. By creating this plate, the state provides a way for vehicle owners to contribute directly to these designated causes.

Maddy summarySB 163 authorizes the creation of a specialty license plate for Dublin City Schools, allowing vehicle owners to contribute money through their registration fees. The collected funds will be deposited into a dedicated treasury account and distributed to support the district's educational programs and initiatives. This bill directly affects Ohio residents who choose to purchase the new license plate and the Dublin City Schools system that will receive the proceeds.

Maddy summaryHB 106, known as the Pay Stub Protection Act, requires employers to provide every employee with a clear statement detailing their earnings and deductions for each pay period. This written or electronic document must include specific information such as the employee's name and address, the employer's name, total gross and net wages, a breakdown of all additions or deductions, and for hourly workers, the total hours worked, hourly rate, and any overtime hours. If an employer fails to provide this statement upon request, the employee can report the violation to the director of commerce, who may then issue a public notice to the employer. The bill directly affects all employers and their employees by standardizing pay transparency and establishing a process for addressing non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Ohio school districts to include a specific exception in their open enrollment policies for children of active-duty military members. Under the new rules, districts must allow these military children to apply for enrollment without facing the usual restrictions that apply to students from other districts. The legislation defines "active duty member" as anyone serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard on full-time duty. While the bill outlines general procedures for admitting out-of-district students, it mandates that military families be treated as a distinct category eligible for enrollment regardless of the district's standard open enrollment limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the memory of Jerry W. Krupinski, a former coal miner, insurance professional, and long-serving Ohio state representative. It formally expresses the House of Representatives' sympathy to his family and acknowledges his contributions to public service and community organizations. The resolution directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to Krupinski's family, serving as a formal record of respect rather than enacting new policy.

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 Ohio House Concurrent Resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024, which would provide $500 million annually for five years to protect and restore the Great Lakes. The bill aims to address ongoing environmental challenges such as toxic algal blooms, invasive species, and contaminated sediments that threaten water quality, local industries, and wildlife habitats. By requesting federal funding, the resolution seeks to support collaborative efforts between the federal government, states, and local organizations to clean up pollution and restore ecosystems. The measure highlights the economic importance of the Great Lakes, noting that restoration investments generate significant economic activity for the region.