Sen. Andrew Brenner

Maddy summaryThis bill revises Ohio's Alcohol Franchise Law by clarifying key definitions in the law. It specifically excludes small breweries producing under 250,000 barrels annually from the definition of "manufacturer," directly affecting small craft brewers. The bill also defines "franchise" as contracts between manufacturers and distributors, adds a "good faith" duty requiring fair dealings (excluding persuasion as coercion), and clarifies "sales area" boundaries for retailers. These changes aim to streamline franchise relationships and reduce disputes between manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. The bill is currently in committee after introduction on January 22, 2025.

To amend section 2909.07 and to enact sections 1923.16 and 2913.53 of the Revised Code to provide for the expedited removal of unauthorized occupants from residential property and to prohibit the use and sale of fraudulent deeds.

Maddy summarySB 3 would replace Ohio's current progressive income tax system with a flat 2.75% rate over two years. It directly affects all Ohio residents and businesses earning income in the state, including individuals, trusts, and estates. The bill eliminates the current tax brackets (which tax higher incomes at increasingly higher rates) and sets a single tax rate of 2.75% on taxable income. This change aims to simplify the tax code and provide uniform tax relief for all income levels, though the bill does not alter the current tax base or exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 4), not a policy bill. The Ohio Senate adopted it on January 13, 2025, to honor Ben Espy, a former Columbus City Council member and Ohio State Senator who served for two decades. The resolution recognizes his career as an attorney, public servant, and community leader, including his work with the Columbus Youth Corps and MLK Holiday Celebration. It expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and commemorates his contributions to Ohio.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 5) honoring Phil Cummins upon his retirement from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission (LSC). It recognizes his 21-year tenure as a senior economist and nonpartisan resource for Ohio legislators, highlighting his contributions to drafting, research, and fiscal analysis. The resolution formally praises his dedication, leadership, and service to the LSC, which supports all members of the Ohio General Assembly. It does not create any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes Michelle Huang, a student at Olentangy Liberty High School, for winning a silver medal in the Broadsword event at the 2024 Pan American Kung Fu Championships. It honors her athletic achievement, dedication, and role as Ohio's first female kung fu team member. The Senate adopts this ceremonial resolution to commend her performance and wishes her success in future endeavors. No policy changes or obligations are created; it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution honoring Senator Robert D. Hackett for his distinguished service to the Ohio Senate. It recognizes his contributions through various committee roles and his dedication to public service, noting his bipartisan respect among colleagues. The resolution formally applauds his tenure and directs the Senate Clerk to send an authenticated copy of the document to Senator Hackett.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the director of commerce to create a poster detailing various benefits and services available to veterans, such as mental health support, tax exemptions, and educational resources. Employers in the state are permitted to display this poster in a visible area where all employees can access it, and the director will provide copies to businesses free of charge. The legislation aims to increase awareness of veteran support programs by making this information readily available in the workplace.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New African Immigrants Grant and Gift Fund within the state treasury to manage financial contributions specifically designated for new African immigrants. The fund will be financed through grants, gifts, and legislative appropriations, with any investment earnings automatically added to the balance. The New African Immigrants Commission is authorized to use these resources to support its official duties and operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Organized Retail Theft Advisory Council and a dedicated investigative task force to address organized retail theft and cargo theft across the state. It creates a new crime specifically for the theft of mail and expands existing theft penalties to include the unlawful taking of commercial freight moving through various modes of transport, such as trucks, railroads, and aircraft. The legislation sets up a funding mechanism to reimburse local law enforcement for their participation in these task forces and requires that task force staff include representatives from local sheriffs, municipal police, and prosecutors.