Sen. Rob McColley

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Gabby Woods, a student at The University of Findlay, for winning the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship in women's golf. The bill formally commends her athletic achievement and character, recognizing her as an exemplary young athlete from Ohio. It directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of this resolution to Woods to acknowledge her success.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Abby Wilson for winning the singles championship at the 2024 USTA National Tennis Rating Program Tournament. The bill formally recognizes her athletic achievement and character, noting her talent, competitive spirit, and dedication to the sport. It directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Wilson as an official commendation. This measure serves as a tribute to her success rather than enacting new laws or policies.

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 summaryHB 305 amends several Ohio Revised Code sections to update definitions and restrict how public funds can be used by local governments and legal aid organizations. The bill clarifies what constitutes a "political subdivision" and prohibits these entities from using taxpayer money to publish content that supports political candidates, promotes illegal activities, or engages in electioneering. Additionally, it limits legal aid funds to specific services for indigent clients and bars their use in criminal or fee-generating cases. The legislation also introduces new rules for public depositories, requiring them to notify governing boards if they are involved in federal regulatory corrective actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, prohibits financial institutions in Ohio from requiring merchants to use special payment codes that identify them as firearms or ammunition retailers. It prevents banks and payment processors from refusing to process credit or debit card transactions solely because a merchant sells guns or ammo. While financial institutions can still decline transactions for fraud, legal compliance, or customer requests, the law specifically bars them from using merchant category codes to distinguish firearm sellers from other businesses. The bill also establishes enforcement measures where the Attorney General can issue notices and seek court injunctions against any entity that violates these privacy protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local governments and school districts facing fiscal emergencies to hold special elections in August for specific offices, questions, or issues. It also permits the state to use an August special election to place statewide ballot measures on the ballot. The legislation requires these elections to follow the same deadlines as primary or general elections and assigns the full cost to the local political subdivision or taxing authority. Additionally, the bill includes funding provisions to reimburse election boards for conducting these special elections.