Rep. Tim Barhorst

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the memory of Dr. Samuel Wallace Speck, Jr., a former Ohio legislator and public servant. It formally recognizes his contributions to his community and family while expressing the House's sympathy to his loved ones. The resolution directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the document to Speck's family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryHR 651 is a commemorative resolution honoring Senator J. Kirk Schuring following his death. The bill expresses the House of Representatives' sympathies to his family and acknowledges his thirty-one years of service in the Ohio legislature, including his roles as acting speaker and president pro tempore. It also highlights his community involvement and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to his family. This measure serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the memory of Dan Ramos, a late Ohio state representative and the first Latino to hold a legislative leadership position in either party. It formally recognizes his contributions to the community and his career, which included serving as a page, aide, and policy analyst before his election to the House. The resolution expresses the House's condolences to his family and directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to them. This measure is purely symbolic and does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 497 amends Ohio Revised Code sections to update how legal notices and advertisements are published by state agencies and local governments. The bill requires newspapers to offer a government rate for these mandatory publications that does not exceed the lowest rate charged to other advertisers. It also mandates that required notices be posted on an official public notice website alongside their newspaper publication, ensuring free public access to this information. Additionally, the legislation allows for abbreviated versions of repeated notices online and clarifies formatting requirements for legal ads. Specific provisions also address extending the jurisdiction of the Erie County Municipal Court and modifying educational requirements for public children services caseworkers.

Maddy summaryHB 173 requires hospitals to publish detailed price information for all their items and services in a digital format that computers can easily read. This rule mandates that hospitals list specific costs, such as the highest and lowest negotiated rates with insurance companies, as well as the price for patients paying with cash. The bill also establishes "Ohio Black Media Week" and "Older Ohioans Month" to recognize contributions to the state. Additionally, the legislation includes definitions for terms related to hospital pricing and data privacy to support these transparency requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 531, known as Braden's Law, establishes new criminal penalties for sexual extortion, which involves threatening to release private images to force someone into performing acts, paying money, or providing additional photos. The bill specifically defines private images to include content involving nudity, sexual activity, or extreme violence, and it sets felony charges that become more severe if the victim is a minor, elderly person, or disabled adult. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the legal responsibilities of digital service providers regarding deceased users' accounts, requiring them to comply with court orders for disclosure or termination while protecting them from liability when acting in good faith.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Ohio public schools to create policies that ensure parents are notified about changes in their child's health services and have the right to review instructional materials containing sexuality content. It mandates that schools obtain parental consent before providing most health care services to students and prohibits educators from encouraging students to hide health-related information from their families. Additionally, the legislation restricts sexuality education for students in kindergarten through third grade and establishes a formal process for parents to file written concerns about these policies. While the bill outlines specific notification and consent procedures, it includes exceptions for emergency situations, mandatory reporting requirements, and cases involving criminal investigations or court orders.

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 allows Ohio to join the Dietitian Licensure Compact, a multistate agreement that lets licensed dietitians practice in other member states without needing separate licenses for each location. Under the new rules, professionals who meet uniform standards can work across state lines as if they were licensed in every state they visit, which aims to improve public access to nutrition care services. The agreement also creates a shared system to track disciplinary actions and investigations, ensuring that a dietitian's record follows them regardless of where they practice. Additionally, the compact includes specific protections for military members and their spouses by making it easier for them to maintain their licenses while relocating for duty. While states retain their authority to regulate dietetics within their own borders, the compact streamlines the process for professionals moving between participating states.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments in Ohio from requiring firearm liability insurance or charging fees for the possession of firearms and knives. It asserts that owning these items is a fundamental right and declares any local rules mandating insurance or fees as null and void. The legislation also allows individuals to sue local governments for damages and legal costs if they enforce conflicting ordinances. However, the law does not prevent cities from using zoning regulations to restrict where firearms and knives can be sold commercially.