Sen. Kent Smith

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 214 honors George W. Boas II for his service to the Ohio General Assembly. This ceremonial resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for his contributions but does not create new laws or affect any policies. It is a non-binding gesture of recognition with no legal or financial implications. The resolution directly acknowledges an individual's work within the legislative body.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 215), not a substantive bill. It formally honors Wendy Zhan for her 30 years of service to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, a nonpartisan research and drafting agency that supports state lawmakers. The resolution expresses the legislature's appreciation for her contributions but does not create any new laws or policy changes. It directly affects Wendy Zhan by recognizing her service, with no impact on the public or other legislative processes.

To amend section 5163.33 of the Revised Code to declare the General Assembly's intent to increase the Medicaid personal needs allowance for residents of nursing homes and ICFs/IID.

To amend sections 4905.02 and 4928.53 and to enact sections 4933.51, 4933.52, 4933.53, 4933.54, 4933.55, 4933.57, and 4933.58 of the Revised Code to exempt electric submetering companies from classification as a public utility, to impose various requirements on such companies, and to extend eligibility for the percentage of income payment plan program to certain electric submetering company customers.

Maddy summarySB 288 creates the Ohio Food and Agriculture Policy Council to advise state agencies on food and agriculture policy. The council, composed of farmers, industry representatives, and experts, will develop recommendations for state programs and legislation affecting the sector. It directly affects Ohio's agricultural producers, food processors, and related businesses by providing a formal channel for their input. The bill appropriates funds to support the council's operations and meetings.

Maddy summarySB 189 creates a new specialty license plate design featuring the COSI (Columbus Science Center) logo for Ohio vehicle owners. The bill amends Ohio Revised Code sections to establish this plate as an option for drivers who choose to purchase it. Vehicle owners who select this plate would pay an additional fee, with proceeds supporting the COSI science center. This is a procedural bill focused solely on plate design, not broader policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 257 establishes the SCOPE Pilot Program to support children's psychological and emotional health through a temporary initiative. The bill allocates funding to test mental health services for children, though it does not specify the exact services, duration, or eligibility criteria. It directly affects children in the state by providing access to these services during the pilot phase. The abstract does not detail how the program will operate or its long-term plans beyond the initial trial.

Maddy summarySB 234 would raise the state's minimum hourly wage rate for covered workers. It directly affects employees earning the current minimum wage and employers required to pay it. The bill amends specific sections of the Revised Code to establish a new, higher minimum wage rate and repeals the existing minimum wage provision (section 4111.07). This change would take effect on a specified date, increasing pay for eligible workers.

Maddy summarySB 255 would create a new program under Ohio law to provide state grants to eligible residents. The grants would directly assist qualifying households with payments for mortgage principal, property taxes, and utility bills. The bill establishes a specific funding mechanism (section 175.50 of the Revised Code) to distribute these financial supports. It focuses on concrete financial relief for low-to-moderate income homeowners facing housing cost burdens.

To enact section 4501.41 of the Revised Code to require the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and deputy registrars to assist customers with locating and claiming unclaimed funds.