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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Atmosphere Protection Act, prohibits individuals and organizations from conducting solar radiation modification experiments within the state. Solar radiation modification is defined as any activity that releases pollutants to reduce sunlight reaching the Earth's surface, regardless of whether the method involves aircraft, balloons, or ground-based facilities. The legislation establishes a strict liability offense where violators face fines, potential jail time, and court orders to dismantle equipment or restore emission control systems. Additionally, the bill requires state officials to create policies that help the public monitor, report, and investigate suspected incidents of such activities.
Maddy summaryHB 424 modifies the state's sales and use tax laws to clarify how delivery network services are taxed. The bill updates the legal definition of a "sale" to explicitly include various modern services such as electronic data processing, satellite broadcasting, and specific types of transportation. These changes aim to ensure that businesses providing these services are subject to the same tax rules as those selling physical goods. The legislation applies to a wide range of entities, including corporations, partnerships, and individuals, without changing the overall tax rate.