Rep. Tracy Richardson

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies and local government units from using public money to buy U.S. or Ohio flags that were not manufactured in the United States. It directly affects government entities such as county offices, townships, and municipal corporations by restricting their purchasing choices for these specific flags. The law requires that any flag acquired with taxpayer funds must be produced domestically, ensuring that the purchase supports U.S. manufacturing.

Maddy summaryHB 370 clarifies the Ohio Department of Transportation's authority and responsibilities regarding state highways located within cities and villages. The bill grants the Director of Transportation broad powers to alter, construct, and maintain these roads, including the ability to purchase or appropriate land for improvements like bridges, bike paths, and drainage systems. It also allows the department to acquire property in the name of the state or, in specific cases involving railroads and utilities, directly in the name of those entities. Furthermore, the legislation explicitly states that the state has no mandatory duty to repair state highways inside municipal limits unless the local government requests and approves the work.

Maddy summaryHB 657 requires Ohio school districts to create and publicly post policies regarding whether students recite the Pledge of Allegiance, ensuring that participation remains voluntary and free from intimidation. The bill mandates that these policies be available on district websites and explicitly prohibits teachers from altering the official words of the pledge. Additionally, the legislation directs schools to emphasize democratic principles in their curriculum and requires a dedicated observance of Veterans' Day lasting at least one hour.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the late Jo Ann Davidson, a former Ohio state legislator who served as the first female Speaker of the House. It formally expresses the House of Representatives' condolences to her family and acknowledges her significant contributions to Ohio public service and leadership. The resolution directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the document to Davidson's family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day to highlight the issue of suicide among military veterans. The legislation amends the state code to officially recognize this specific month for awareness and prevention efforts, replacing any previous designations. By establishing this annual observance, the bill aims to increase public focus on mental health resources and support systems for veterans. The change is administrative and does not alter existing funding or create new programs, serving primarily as a symbolic gesture to promote dialogue on the topic.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens protections against fraudulent business filings and deceptive mailings by requiring third-party service providers to clearly label their communications as advertisements and provide specific contact information. It prohibits these entities from including names or addresses on official documents without the explicit consent of the individuals involved and bans any language that makes filings appear to be issued by a government agency. The legislation also establishes a formal complaint process where affected individuals can report violations to the secretary of state, who is then authorized to investigate and refer potential criminal cases to prosecutors.

Maddy summaryHB 251 designates a portion of State Route 120 as the "Patrolman James R. Wert Memorial Highway" to honor Deputy Sheriff James Wert. The bill also updates the distribution rules for the "ALS Awareness" specialty license plate fund, directing contributions to the ALS Association of Ohio. Additionally, it clarifies how funds from various other specialty license plates are allocated to specific organizations for purposes such as cancer research, education scholarships, and community support programs. These changes affect the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which collects the fees, and the designated nonprofit organizations that receive the funds. The legislation became effective on October 24, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 466 requires licensed real estate brokers in Ohio to have a written agreement with clients before representing them in residential transactions involving one to four units or vacant land. This written contract must include specific details such as an expiration date, compensation terms, and mandatory statements about fair housing laws and illegal practices like blockbusting. The bill also mandates that brokers provide clients with a written policy explaining their agency duties, potential dual agency situations, and how the brokerage handles cooperation with other firms. Brokers must obtain a signed acknowledgment from the client receiving this policy, ensuring both parties clearly understand their rights and the nature of the representation.

Maddy summaryHB 214 establishes detailed requirements for community schools in Ohio by mandating that their contracts with sponsors include specific provisions regarding student attendance, financial auditing, and nonsectarian operations. The bill requires these schools to maintain licensed classroom teachers while allowing limited exceptions for noncertificated staff and mandates that they provide at least 920 hours of learning annually to a minimum of 25 students. Additionally, the legislation outlines strict rules for facility usage, insurance coverage, and compliance with state education standards, ensuring that community schools operate with the same accountability measures as traditional school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 56 increases penalties for drivers who flee from law enforcement and engage in stunt driving, while also requiring police agencies to provide specific training on motor vehicle pursuits. The bill expands the definition of aggravated vehicular homicide to include deaths or serious injuries caused by reckless or negligent driving in construction zones, even if the offense was only a minor speeding violation. Additionally, it reclassifies certain driving-related fees to be collected by county clerks and directs those funds toward title administration costs and clerical pay supplements. These changes apply to anyone operating vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and utility trucks, with stricter consequences for repeat offenders or those driving without a valid license.