Maddy summaryHB 187 would require Ohio public school districts to schedule a daily moment of silence for prayer, reflection, or meditation on moral, philosophical, or patriotic themes, instead of allowing them to choose whether to do so. This applies to all K-12 school districts and specifies that participation must be voluntary, with no student required to join, including if it conflicts with their religious beliefs. The bill also prohibits school policies that promote religion or restrict students’ free expression of religious beliefs in schools. It repeals the current optional language in Ohio law to implement this mandatory daily practice.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (H.R. 70), not a policy bill. It formally honors the Bellevue High School girls basketball team for winning the 2025 Ohio Division IV State Championship. The resolution, adopted by the Ohio House of Representatives on March 26, 2025, expresses congratulations to the team, their coach Kory Santoro, and their school community through two formal resolutions. It has no binding effect or policy changes; it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Ross Allen Boggs, Jr., a former Ohio House member and community leader. The resolution expresses the Ohio House of Representatives' condolences to his family and pays tribute to his life, including his service as a legislator, teacher, coach, and township trustee. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups. The House formally adopted this memorial resolution on March 26, 2025.
To amend sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 and to enact section 3313.475 of the Revised Code to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools.
Maddy summaryHB 154 requires school districts to approve property tax exemptions for new residential construction or remodeling in designated "community reinvestment areas" before they can be granted. Property owners seeking these exemptions must submit applications to a housing officer, who then forwards them to the local school board for approval within 45 days. The bill ensures school districts have a formal role in approving exemptions for residential properties, though it includes an alternative where owners can pay school districts 25% of estimated tax savings instead of seeking approval. This directly affects homeowners and developers in areas designated for community reinvestment, changing how tax exemption approvals are processed.
To amend sections 2151.461, 3129.03, 3313.473, 3798.07, and 3798.12 and to repeal section 5122.04 of the Revised Code to prohibit the provision of mental health services to minors without parental consent.
Maddy summaryHB 432 updates Ohio's career-technical education laws by strengthening oversight for community schools and clarifying substitute teacher licensing. The bill requires school sponsors to conduct monthly financial and enrollment reviews, report findings to officials, and provide technical assistance to ensure schools follow their contracts and maintain performance standards. It also establishes new rules for substitute teaching licenses, allowing educators with related degrees to teach for unlimited days or those with unrelated degrees to teach for one semester with approval. Additionally, the legislation sets a transition timeline for existing career-technical teachers to adopt new professional or workforce development licenses while permitting them to continue renewing their current credentials until the deadline.
To amend section 5747.98 and to enact sections 1315.131, 5502.80, and 5747.87 of the Revised Code to levy a transfer fee on money transmissions, to authorize an income tax credit based on the amount of the transfer fees paid, and to name this act Ohio's Withholding Illegal Revenue Entering Drug Markets (WIRED) Act.
Maddy summaryHB 120 exempts the sale of firearm safety devices (such as trigger locks or gun safes) from Ohio's sales and use tax. This change directly affects consumers purchasing these devices and retailers selling them, removing the tax obligation on these specific products. The bill amends Ohio Revised Code sections 5739.01-5739.17 to create this tax exemption, making it a concrete policy change for firearm safety device transactions. The legislation does not alter tax treatment for other firearm-related items or general sales.
To amend sections 3313.602, 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 and to enact section 3313.6031 of the Revised Code to enact The Pledge of Allegiance Act to require the Pledge of Allegiance in schools.