Rep. Adam Holmes

Maddy summarySB 156 amends the laws governing the designation and management of wild, scenic, and recreational rivers in Ohio. The bill primarily affects landowners, developers, and mining operations near these protected waterways by establishing specific buffer zones where surface and in-stream mining activities are prohibited. It sets strict distance limits from the highwater mark of designated rivers, ranging from 50 to 120 feet, depending on the size of the watershed the river drains. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that clearing snow or debris from undedicated roads in these areas does not constitute official approval of those roads by the township.

Maddy summarySB 168 establishes a statewide education management information system to centralize and standardize data collection across school districts. The bill requires districts to annually report detailed metrics on student performance, attendance, disciplinary actions, and graduation rates, alongside specific data on instructional and support services provided to students. To ensure privacy, the system must include strict safeguards to protect personally identifiable student information while allowing for the reporting of behavioral incidents without naming individuals. This legislation directly affects school administrators and state education officials by mandating new reporting guidelines and data standards that take effect on October 24, 2024.

Maddy summarySB 29 amends state laws to clarify which educational records and student data are considered confidential and protected from public disclosure. The bill directly affects school districts, alternative education providers, and other public entities that maintain student information by expanding the list of exempt records to include details about probation, adoption, DNA data, and specific health information. Key provisions explicitly shield records related to juvenile traffic accidents, military service orders, and certain photographic depictions of crime victims from being released as public records. By updating the Revised Code, the legislation ensures that sensitive personal data held by schools and related agencies remains private unless specific legal exceptions apply.

Maddy summarySB 94 updates the laws governing how county recorders handle real estate documents, fees, and public access to records. The bill clarifies that recorders must log the precise time instruments are received and gives them the authority to refuse recording documents they reasonably believe are fraudulent or unauthorized, while also allowing individuals to seek court orders if their documents are wrongly rejected. It mandates that counties provide electronic methods for recording property deeds and other instruments by June 2025, requiring free public access to electronic indexes and document copies with optional password protection. Additionally, the legislation establishes specific fee structures for recording and certifying documents, including a surcharge intended to fund the preservation and digitization of public records.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of U.S. Route 62 in Canton, Ohio, as the "Specialist Dennis Alan Combs Memorial Highway" to honor a service member. The law officially names the eastbound and westbound lanes between Harmont Avenue and Rebar Avenue and authorizes transportation officials to install markers displaying this new title. It is a commemorative measure that changes the official name of the road but does not alter traffic rules or funding.

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 147 requires law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities to collect and submit fingerprints, photographs, and other identifying information for specific individuals, including adults convicted of felonies or certain misdemeanors and minors adjudicated delinquent for serious offenses. The bill mandates that court clerks provide weekly reports detailing the status of these cases to the state bureau, ensuring that records include arrest dates, charges, and final dispositions. Additionally, the law directs the state superintendent to assist law enforcement in establishing a comprehensive criminal identification system and filing records for those confined in various facilities. These measures aim to improve the accuracy and accessibility of criminal records for adults and youth involved in serious legal matters.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates a specific stretch of highways in Greene and Brown counties as the Brigadier General Charles Young Memorial Historical Corridor. It defines the corridor by naming three connected sections of United States Routes 42, 68, and 62, along with the Simon Kenton Bridge. The legislation also authorizes the state director of transportation to place markers along these roads to indicate their new name. This change is primarily commemorative and does not alter traffic rules, funding, or other operational aspects of the highways.

Maddy summaryHB 50 creates a legal process for individuals facing housing restrictions due to past criminal convictions to apply for a certificate that can lift these barriers. This bill allows people who have completed their sentences or supervision periods to file a petition in court after a waiting period of six months for misdemeanors or one year for felonies. During the review, judges will consider the applicant's criminal history and any relevant factors, such as military service, before deciding whether to grant the certificate. While the text also mentions extending a construction act and modifying tax procedures, the primary focus is on providing a pathway for formerly incarcerated individuals to regain access to housing.