Rep. Don Jones

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 summaryHB 403 creates new legal causes of action for vehicles that are towed following an accident, allowing owners to seek compensation in such cases. The bill also clarifies rules regarding tampered emission control systems by defining specific prohibited actions, such as selling or operating vehicles with bypassed emissions equipment, while providing exceptions for legitimate repairs and vehicle conversions. Additionally, it expands an existing exception to window tinting laws to include residents who own non-compliant vehicles and requires transportation network companies to perform annual background checks on their authorized drivers.

Maddy summaryHB 496 updates the legal procedures for local governments in Ohio to issue general obligation bonds by clarifying the specific information that must be included in legislation submitted to voters. The bill requires taxing authorities to provide detailed estimates of bond interest rates and the resulting property tax increases, which must then be independently verified by county auditors before an election is held. It also establishes strict timelines for filing these documents and mandates that election ballots clearly display the bond amount, repayment period, and the estimated additional tax burden on property owners. By standardizing these disclosure requirements, the bill aims to ensure voters receive consistent and accurate financial data when deciding on local debt financing.

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 authorizes public bodies, such as city councils and school boards, to conduct meetings and hearings using video conferencing or similar electronic technology. To ensure transparency, the legislation requires these bodies to adopt specific policies that provide public notice at least 72 hours in advance and offer live access to the proceedings, such as through internet streaming. While members can vote and count toward a quorum during virtual sessions, the bill restricts virtual meetings for elected or compensated officials when discussing major expenditures, significant hiring, tax issues, or their own compensation. Additionally, any member of the public can force a specific agenda item to be discussed in person by notifying the chairperson at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Maddy summaryHB 7, known as the Strong Foundations Act, establishes a state fatherhood commission to organize summits and produce annual reports on resources and initiatives aimed at improving parenting skills, employment opportunities, and family reunification for fathers. The bill also updates the rating standards for early learning programs to include specific criteria for Head Start and accredited child care centers. Additionally, it creates the Help Me Grow program as the state's official evidence-based home visiting service for pregnant women and families with young children, requiring providers to track outcomes related to health, safety, and economic stability.

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 from allowing residents to directly vote on how municipal funds are spent, ensuring that only the legislative body can approve such expenditures. It declares any existing charter provisions or ordinances that permit direct resident disbursement of funds to be legally void and unenforceable. While the law forbids residents from making the final spending decisions, it still allows local governments to ask for public input on budget matters. The legislation is declared an emergency measure to prevent the circumvention of current appropriation laws and to maintain responsible stewardship of public treasury resources.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the United States Congress to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. The proposed federal law would require states to collect documentary proof of citizenship when people register to vote and to remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls. By adopting this resolution, the Ohio legislature is formally requesting that Congress enact these specific measures to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections.