Maddy summaryHB 319, known as the Conscientious Right to Refuse Act, prohibits discrimination against adults and emancipated minors who decline specific medical treatments, such as vaccines, biologics, or gene editing, based on religious or other conscientious beliefs. The law protects these individuals from facing negative consequences like job termination, denial of services, segregation, or financial penalties by employers, healthcare providers, government agencies, and educational institutions. If a person believes they have been discriminated against, the bill allows them to sue for money damages, court costs, and attorney fees, with the possibility of receiving triple damages if they win their case. While the legislation creates these protections, it explicitly states that it does not stop organizations from recommending, educating about, or providing access to the medical interventions in question.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of March as "Triple Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Month" to highlight this specific type of breast cancer. The primary effect is to officially recognize the month for public awareness campaigns and educational efforts related to the disease. It does not change laws, allocate funding, or mandate specific actions for government agencies or individuals. The legislation serves as a symbolic designation rather than a policy with enforceable requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens the state's Sex Offender Registration and Notification (SORN) law by adding new offenses related to sexual conduct and clarifying rules for when offenders must register. It specifically defines a "sexually oriented offense" to include various crimes involving minors, sexual motivation, or age gaps between offenders and victims, ensuring these acts are treated as serious violations. Additionally, the legislation updates the SORN system to pause the registration clock if an offender fails to comply with their duties and requires correctional facilities to notify local sheriffs when transferring offenders who must register. The bill also expands protections for victims by establishing clearer guidelines for appointing victim representatives and ensuring that notices and rights are shared with both the victim and their designated representative.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies that issue professional licenses to accept applications submitted electronically through their chosen digital systems. While agencies may still offer paper applications, they cannot mandate that applicants submit physical copies if an electronic option is available. The rule applies to all state departments and offices granting licenses for trades and professions, but it excludes the state supreme court when issuing judicial licenses.
Maddy summaryHB 688 designates September 20 as "Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Day" to honor Jo Ann Davidson, the first female speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. This legislative measure officially recognizes her historic achievement and birth date within the state government. The bill does not alter existing laws or policies but serves as a commemorative designation to acknowledge her legacy.
Maddy summaryHB 683 provides additional funding to soil and water districts and the Farm Financial Management Institute through the Department of Agriculture. The bill allocates specific operating appropriations for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years to support these entities' ongoing work, including analysis of the upcoming federal farm bill. It also authorizes a $500,000 cash transfer from the Controlling Board Emergency Purposes/Contingencies Fund to the OSU Extension Fund. These financial resources are intended to supplement existing budgets and ensure continued operations for the affected agricultural programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution honoring the memory of Barbara C. Pringle, a former Cleveland City Council member and long-serving Ohio state representative. It formally acknowledges her contributions to public service and directs the House Clerk to send a copy of the tribute to her family. The measure does not enact new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial gesture to express sympathy and respect for her life and legacy.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from knowingly installing tracking devices or apps on someone else's property without their consent. It also requires the removal of such devices if the original consent is revoked, with consent automatically considered revoked in situations like divorce filings or protection orders. The law includes specific exceptions for law enforcement, parents tracking their own children, caregivers of vulnerable adults, and licensed private investigators working on legitimate business matters.
Maddy summarySB 6 directs state retirement boards, the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, and state universities to invest their funds primarily to maximize financial returns for participants. The bill explicitly prohibits these entities from making investment decisions intended to influence social or environmental policies or corporate governance. While the legislation requires giving equal consideration to minority and women-owned businesses when selecting investments, it mandates that financial performance and safety remain the primary drivers of investment choices. Additionally, the law outlines specific procedures for purchasing, selling, and safeguarding assets, requiring annual publication of investment policies and compliance with standard financial reporting guidelines.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for public-use airports in Ohio to sell aircraft that have been abandoned on their premises. An aircraft is considered abandoned if it has remained on the airport for at least ninety consecutive days without the owner paying any associated fees. The legislation outlines specific steps for airports to identify owners, notify them of accrued costs, and eventually sell the aircraft if those costs are not paid within thirty days. Additionally, the bill clarifies the rights of service providers to place liens on aircraft for unpaid labor, storage, or materials, while ensuring these liens do not hinder the sale of truly abandoned planes.