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 347 simplifies the process for farmers in Ohio to prove that certain vehicles and trailers are used for agricultural purposes, thereby exempting them from sales tax. Instead of relying on a generic exemption certificate, eligible farmers can verify their status by submitting copies of their federal Schedule F tax returns for the three most recent years to the tax commissioner. Once the commissioner issues an identification number based on these documents, farmers can present this number to vendors to automatically qualify for the tax exemption without needing additional proof. The bill also clarifies that vendors are generally relieved of tax liability if they accept a valid exemption certificate, except in cases involving fraud or specific misuse of the exemption. This change aims to reduce administrative burdens for agricultural businesses while maintaining oversight to prevent improper tax avoidance.
Maddy summaryHB 545 amends state laws to regulate the practice of certified nurse-midwives, certified midwives, and licensed midwives. The bill requires hospitals to establish public standards for granting staff membership and professional privileges, explicitly prohibiting discrimination against qualified midwives based on their licensure. For hospitals offering maternity services, the legislation mandates that midwives must have a collaborating physician on the medical staff who holds obstetrics privileges. Additionally, the bill defines specific nursing roles and clarifies that hospitals are not required to provide services for mental health disorders or other areas outside their current capabilities.
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 summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for Ohio to appoint delegates to a national constitutional convention if Congress calls one under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It requires the General Assembly to select an odd number of delegates who meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a state resident for five years, being at least 25, and having no recent federal lobbying or felony convictions. The legislation also creates an advisory committee to guide delegates and sets strict rules on media communications and voting procedures to ensure the state delegation acts as a unified body.
Maddy summaryHB 526 directs the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to create new rules governing the Ohio Works First program, which provides cash assistance to low-income families with children. These rules will establish specific standards for eligibility, payment amounts, and the verification of income and citizenship for applicants and participants. The bill also outlines requirements for work activities, self-sufficiency contracts, and procedures for handling sanctions or errors in payments. Additionally, it defines key terms such as "countable income" and "strike" to ensure consistency in how the program is administered across the state.
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.