Sen. Terry Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the bridge over the Mahoning River in Newton Falls, Trumbull County, as the "Veterans Memorial Bridge." It authorizes the state transportation director to place official markers on the bridge or nearby areas to display this new name. The legislation applies specifically to the structure located on State Route 534 and does not alter any operational rules or funding.

Maddy summarySB 233 amends state law to require drivers of vehicles and trackless trolleys to stop within fifty feet of a railroad crossing whenever specific safety conditions are present, such as active warning signals, lowered gates, flagperson signals, insufficient space on the other side, visible or audible approaching equipment, or low vehicle clearance. The bill mandates that these operators must not proceed through a crossing while any of these hazards exist and prohibits driving through closed gates unless directed by law enforcement or a flagperson. It establishes penalties for violations, including a fourth-degree misdemeanor, but allows courts to substitute fines or jail time with mandatory rail safety training. Additionally, the law requires buses, school vehicles, and slow-moving equipment to stop, listen, and look before crossing tracks, while also creating a process for the public utilities commission to designate specific crossings as exempt from these stop requirements after a public hearing.

Maddy summarySB 235 designates the first full week in May as "Public Service Recognition Week" in Ohio. This designation applies to the state and is intended to honor federal, state, county, and local public employees for their service. The bill does not change employment conditions or create new funding; it simply establishes an official calendar observance to recognize the contributions of public workers.

Maddy summarySB 297 updates Ohio's civil rights laws by defining antisemitism for state investigations and expanding the crime of ethnic intimidation to include riots motivated by race, religion, or national origin. The bill also clarifies and broadens definitions for key terms such as disability, familial status, and housing accommodations to ensure comprehensive protection against discrimination in employment, public spaces, and housing. By explicitly including specific conditions and behaviors in its definitions, the legislation aims to provide clearer legal standards for enforcing existing civil rights protections.

Maddy summaryHB 308 introduces three main changes to state regulations. First, it updates oil and gas lease forms to require written agreements for surface land use and sets a one-eighth royalty rate for landowners. Second, the bill adjusts reimbursement limits for the broadband pole replacement and undergrounding program to ensure costs are covered efficiently. Finally, it expands the use of disposal fees from construction and demolition debris to fund health districts. These provisions directly affect state agencies, landowners, broadband providers, and waste management facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 503 prohibits the feeding of garbage to swine, including feral pigs and wild boar, to address public health and environmental concerns. The bill also updates definitions within the Agricultural Commodity Handlers Law to clarify terms related to grain storage, handling, and marketing. Additionally, it authorizes the director of agriculture to charge fees for laboratory services and establishes a fund to support animal and consumer protection operations. These changes aim to regulate waste disposal practices for livestock and streamline the legal framework for agricultural commodity management.

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 establishes a formal process for first responders, EMTs, and paramedics to petition the state board for the inclusion of new topics in their training and continuing education programs. It also updates regulations for medication aides working in nursing homes and residential care facilities by clarifying which prescription medications they can administer under nurse supervision. Specifically, the law allows aides to give oral, topical, and certain other medications, including Schedule II controlled substances and insulin, while prohibiting them from performing injections other than insulin, calculating dosages, or splitting pills. Additionally, the bill sets rules requiring the board to base training program durations on calendar days and to restrict clinical practice in facilities facing real and present dangers until safety issues are resolved.

Maddy summaryHB 236, known as the Never Alone Act, requires healthcare facilities like nursing homes and hospitals to allow patients and residents to have an advocate present with them during public health emergencies. The bill defines an advocate as a family member, legal guardian, or other designated individual who supports the patient's interests, while explicitly prohibiting advocates from interfering with medical care or engaging in misconduct. Facilities must inform patients of their right to choose an advocate upon admission and must grant access to the advocate unless the patient objects, the advocate violates rules, or the patient is in a group therapy session. This law ensures that vulnerable individuals in care settings can maintain a support system during crises without requiring facilities to hire professional advocates themselves.

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.