Rep. Anita Somani

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new specialty license plate in Ohio named "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." that drivers can purchase to show support for civil rights history. The revenue generated from sales of these plates will be deposited into a dedicated fund managed by the state registrar of motor vehicles. Money collected from this plate design will be distributed to support various causes, including civil rights education and programs honoring Dr. King's legacy, alongside other specialty plate funds that support health organizations, scholarships, and community programs. Motor vehicle registrants in Ohio who choose to purchase this plate will contribute to the fund, while the state will handle the collection and distribution of proceeds according to established procedures.

Maddy summaryThis Ohio House resolution (H.R. No. 341) condemns former President Donald Trump for sharing a racist video on February 5, 2026, that superimposed Barack Obama’s face onto an ape in a jungle. It specifically references Black History Month and Obama’s historic presidency as context for the condemnation. The resolution, introduced on February 25, 2026, has no legal effect and serves as a symbolic statement from the Ohio House. It directs the clerk to send copies to Ohio’s congressional delegation and state media.

To enact sections 4934.01, 4934.02, 4934.03, 4934.04, 4934.05, 4934.06, 4934.07, 4934.08, 4934.09, 4934.10, 4934.11, and 4934.12 of the Revised Code to impose certain minimum requirements on data center customers in the state.

To amend sections 3107.011, 3107.99, 5103.03, 5103.17, and 5103.99 and to enact section 2307.68 of the Revised Code regarding adoption advertising and facilitation.

Maddy summaryHB 691, the Community and Police Protection Act, requires law enforcement officers (including federal officers) to remove masks during public interactions while performing duties, except for medical masks (like N95s), safety masks (for smoke/environmental hazards), or SWAT team gear. It mandates officers to display their name and badge number visibly at all times during public contact. Violating these rules is a misdemeanor, with exemptions for undercover operations. The bill directly affects all state and federal officers interacting with the public, aiming to increase transparency in police-citizen encounters.

To amend section 3310.032 of the Revised Code to limit the EdChoice expansion scholarship to families with a federal adjusted gross income of $500,000 or less.

To create the Artificial Intelligence Study Commission to study and make recommendations regarding the use of artificial intelligence in state and local government.

To amend sections 1331.01, 1331.04, and 1331.16 and to enact sections 1331.05 and 1331.50 of the Revised Code to regulate the use of pricing algorithms.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 57 requires Ohio schools to establish written policies allowing trained staff to administer overdose reversal drugs (like naloxone) during opioid overdose emergencies. It directly affects school staff, administrators, and students by creating clear protocols for emergency response. Key provisions include mandating staff training on drug administration, specifying when and how the drugs may be used, and requiring documentation of each administration. The bill aims to enable swift, life-saving interventions in school settings without requiring individual prescriptions for each incident. These changes apply to all public and private schools operating within Ohio.