Maddy summaryHB 271 changes how ballot questions are numbered and organized on election ballots to ensure they follow a consistent sequence based on previous elections. The bill requires that state-level questions always appear at the top of the ballot, followed by county, municipal, township, and school district questions in a rotating order that shifts down one step each year. Additionally, it mandates that each question be numbered consecutively, starting with "1" for the top question, while resetting the count back to "1" once a state question reaches the number 500. This legislation also clarifies formatting rules, such as prohibiting bold text for property tax proposals and allowing condensed text summaries with full versions posted at polling places.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 552, titled the Voter Verification Act, amends state election laws to require election officials to verify specific information in voter registration records and mandates that voters provide corrected details when needed. The bill primarily affects election administrators and registered voters by establishing new procedures for maintaining accurate voter databases. A significant provision of the legislation involves redefining various election terms, such as "primary," "political party," and "precinct," to clarify how elections are conducted and how parties are classified based on past vote totals. By updating these definitions and verification requirements, the bill aims to standardize election processes without changing the fundamental right to vote.
Maddy summaryHB 564 requires state and local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities by sharing arrestee information, detaining individuals suspected of being unlawfully present until federal custody is assumed, and participating in federal databases. The bill also mandates that local governments verify the immigration status of applicants for state and local public benefits using federal systems. To enforce these requirements, the legislation prohibits municipalities from passing ordinances that hinder cooperation with federal immigration efforts and threatens to cut off state homeland security funding to any local entity that violates these rules. Additionally, the bill defines specific terms related to law enforcement and establishes a statewide database to track criminal activity involving individuals unlawfully present in the United States.
Maddy summaryHB 546 requires all paper ballots used in Ohio elections to include a unique, invisible watermark that election officials can verify using special light sources or technology. This measure aims to help officials confirm that a ballot is genuine and was issued to the specific voter who cast it, particularly when reviewing absentee ballots. The bill also updates existing election laws by defining terms like "watermark" and clarifying rules for counting ballots, including provisions that prevent rejection based on ink marks other than provided pencils. By establishing these verification standards, the legislation seeks to streamline the process for identifying fraudulent or mismatched ballots without altering how voters mark their choices.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States from possessing, carrying, or using firearms. It expands existing state laws that currently bar specific groups, such as felons and those with certain mental health or substance abuse issues, from owning guns. Violating this prohibition is classified as a third-degree felony. The legislation also outlines a legal process allowing some individuals to petition a court for relief from firearm disabilities if they have led a law-abiding life since their disqualification.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Ohio that would cap annual property tax increases for individual property owners at four percent. The limit is calculated based on the previous year's tax bill plus the lower of the actual inflation rate or four percent, ensuring taxes do not rise faster than these benchmarks. The measure includes specific exceptions for situations like property division, the loss of tax exemptions, or new construction, while also prohibiting government entities from creating fees or special jurisdictions to bypass the cap. If passed by voters, the amendment would allow taxpayers to sue for enforcement, with courts instructed to rule in favor of the taxpayer when doubts exist and to award legal fees to successful plaintiffs.