Rep. Adam Holmes

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly funding political campaigns, ballot issues, or election-related communications within the state. It also bars state political entities from accepting or using money from foreign nationals for these purposes and makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly help facilitate such transactions. Violations of these rules carry criminal penalties, including fines and potential jail time, with the attorney general responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends election laws to ensure that state ballot questions are numbered consecutively based on the sequence from the previous election, resetting to number one once the count reaches 500. It also establishes a specific order for grouping local issues on ballots, such as county and municipal questions, and requires that the percentage of votes needed to pass each measure be clearly printed. Additionally, the legislation mandates that full text for ballot proposals be posted at polling places if a condensed version appears on the ballot itself. These changes aim to standardize how voters see and number ballot measures while ensuring transparency about voting requirements.

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.

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 264 amends state laws to clarify how steam-producing facilities can recover waste energy for efficiency purposes. The bill primarily affects industrial and commercial entities that operate steam systems by updating the legal framework governing their energy recovery efforts. It achieves this by revising specific sections of the state's energy code to include these facilities within the scope of existing energy efficiency regulations. This change ensures that such facilities are covered under the same rules designed to promote energy conservation and reduce waste.

Maddy summaryHB 588 prohibits drug manufacturers and wholesalers from denying, restricting, or discriminating against 340B covered entities when they attempt to acquire discounted drugs. The bill also forbids these entities from requiring the submission of utilization data as a condition for purchasing these drugs unless such data sharing is already mandated by federal law. Violations of these rules are classified as unlawful practices, allowing the state attorney general to enforce compliance and impose civil penalties of up to $50,000 for each violation. Additionally, the attorney general may refer complaints to the state board of pharmacy for further disciplinary action. This legislation ensures that entities participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program face no additional barriers or data requirements when obtaining covered outpatient medications.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the director of commerce to create and distribute a poster detailing various benefits and services available to veterans in Ohio. The poster must include information on programs like mental health treatment, educational resources, tax exemptions, and the armed forces designation on driver's licenses. Employers are permitted to display this poster in a visible area where employees can easily access it, and the state will provide copies to businesses free of charge.

Maddy summaryHB 609 modifies Ohio's campaign finance laws to tighten reporting requirements for candidates and committees while restricting how foreign nationals can contribute to statewide initiatives. The bill mandates stricter filing deadlines for campaign statements and prohibits individuals from making cash contributions exceeding one hundred dollars per election cycle. It also bars public officials from awarding contracts to businesses or individuals who have contributed more than one thousand dollars to the official's campaign within the previous two years. Additionally, the legislation prevents newspapers and broadcasters from charging campaign committees higher advertising rates than those offered to general business advertisers.