Sen. Stephanie Kunze

Maddy summaryHB 2 amends state laws to allow the Ohio Department of Transportation to provide loans, grants, and credit support to local governments for specific infrastructure projects. These projects include building or improving roads, bridges, water systems, and waste disposal facilities that benefit communities. The bill requires that any financial assistance be approved by local committees and stay within the district's allocated budget from the state capital improvements fund. By defining terms like "capital improvement" and "credit enhancement," the legislation clarifies how state funds can be used to help local subdivisions finance public works.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of United States Route 33 in Fairfield County as the "Lance Corporal James F. Kimple Memorial Highway" to honor Lance Corporal James F. Kimple. The legislation officially changes the name of the road segment located between Coonpath Road Northwest and Pickerington Road Northwest. It also authorizes the director of transportation to install signs along the highway to display the new memorial name.

Maddy summaryThis Ohio Senate Resolution urges the U.S. Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize mental health care for military personnel and veterans suffering from PTSD and other service-related stress disorders. The bill calls for prompt and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing that only qualified medical professionals should approve such care. It also requests that the government fully implement recommendations to consider mental health conditions before separating service members for misconduct and advocates for correcting discharge records for those separated due to mental health issues. Additionally, the resolution states that a veteran's civilian income should not affect their eligibility for healthcare benefits.

Maddy summarySB 106 amends state laws to establish specific prison sentence ranges for individuals convicted of various felony offenses. The bill requires courts to impose definite minimum prison terms for first, second, and third-degree felonies, while also setting specific sentence lengths for fourth and fifth-degree crimes. Additionally, it mandates longer prison terms when a felony is committed with a firearm, particularly if the weapon is automatic or if the offender has a prior criminal record involving guns. This legislation directly affects judges, prosecutors, and defendants by standardizing sentencing guidelines to ensure more consistent punishment for violent and weapon-related crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Ohio's state education board to update high school financial literacy and entrepreneurship standards to include specific concepts about free market capitalism. The new curriculum for grades nine through twelve must teach students that raw materials, labor, and capital are privately owned, that individuals control their own work and earnings, and that market prices help consumers and producers make informed decisions. It also mandates that these standards explain how wealth is created through profit-seeking transactions and how free markets drive entrepreneurship and innovation. Additionally, the legislation directs the state board to develop these academic standards independently rather than as part of a multi-state group and to include related political features like property rights and contract enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally honors Michael A. Rulli for his service as a member of the Ohio Senate. It recognizes his leadership roles, including his committee chairmanships and his work representing constituents in Columbiana and Mahoning counties. The resolution commends his professional achievements and expresses good wishes for his future, with a copy of the document to be sent to him by the Senate Clerk.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Interstate 270 in Franklin County as the "PFC Henry 'Rick' Hausman, Jr. Memorial Highway." The law officially names the northbound and southbound lanes between Cemetery Road and Roberts Road in honor of the late service member. It also authorizes the state director of transportation to install signs along the route to display the new memorial name.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the time limit for prosecuting rape cases and filing civil lawsuits by victims of such conduct, ensuring these actions can be pursued regardless of how much time has passed since the incident occurred. It also establishes specific rules for other crimes, such as allowing prosecutions for certain offenses to begin within five years of discovery if the victim or their representative did not know the crime happened sooner. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions that pause the time limit if the evidence of the crime remains undiscovered or if the accused tries to avoid being prosecuted.

Maddy summarySB 179 creates a specialty license plate in Ohio featuring the "Hilliard Davidson Wildcats" design for motor vehicle registrants. Money collected from owners who choose this plate is directed to various organizations, including cancer research groups, special needs foundations, and universities that offer scholarships to Ohio residents. The bill also establishes specific rules for how these funds must be used, such as prohibiting certain organizations from using the money for abortion-related activities. Once passed, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will manage the collection and distribution of these contributions to the designated entities.