Sen. Kent Smith

To urge the U.S. Congress to support the provision of prompt and comprehensive mental health treatment to military personnel and veterans who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other service-related stress disorders.

Maddy summarySB 140 defines "freestanding birthing center" as a facility providing low-risk pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care without hospital licensing. It requires all such centers to have a written plan for transferring patients to a hospital during complications. Accredited centers (by the Commission for Accreditation of Birth Centers) are exempt from needing a formal hospital transfer agreement, while non-accredited centers must establish one with a local hospital. The bill, introduced in 2025, would affect birthing centers and their patients by setting specific operational standards for emergency transfers.

To enact section 1509.023 of the Revised Code to prohibit the removal of oil or gas from under state lands via horizontal wells and to name this act the Protecting public Resources, Ecosystems, and Sensitive lands from Extraction, Violation, and Exploitation (PRESERVE) Act.

Maddy summarySB 139 designates May 13 as "Judge Nathaniel R. Jones Day" in Ohio. The bill creates a ceremonial observance to honor Judge Nathaniel R. Jones, a civil rights attorney, judge, and law professor born on that date in Youngstown, Ohio. It does not create new legal requirements or affect any individuals or policies. The bill is purely commemorative, recognizing Jones' contributions to civil rights. The designation would be added to Ohio's Revised Code as section 5.295.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (SR 51) condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and affirms Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity on the third anniversary of the invasion. It directs the Ohio Senate to express support for Ukraine's people through prayer and resolution, without creating new laws or funding. The resolution is non-binding and will be transmitted to Ohio's congressional delegation and media. It directly reflects Ohio's official stance but does not impose concrete policy changes or affect specific individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryHB 107 officially designates a specific stretch of Interstate 90 in Cleveland, running between East 72nd and East 105th Streets, as the "Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick Memorial Highway." This change directly affects drivers and travelers using that portion of the interstate by formally naming it in honor of a local firefighter. The bill authorizes the state director of transportation to install physical signs along the road to display the new name. Once effective, this legislation serves as a permanent commemorative marker rather than altering any traffic rules or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 42) formally honors Scott W. Stockman for his ten years of service to the Ohio Senate, specifically recognizing his roles as a legislative assistant, legal counsel, and staff advisor supporting the Senate Democratic Caucus. It commends his contributions to the legislative process and efficiency of state government, with the Senate committing to send him a certified copy of the resolution. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summarySB 121 designates April as "Counseling Awareness Month" in Ohio state law. This procedural bill adds a formal designation to the Revised Code, encouraging public awareness efforts related to counseling services. It directly affects Ohio residents by promoting recognition of counseling resources during April, though it does not create new programs or funding. The bill is currently pending in committee after being introduced on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summarySCR 8 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass the RAIL Act (H.R. 971). It does not create new law but asks federal lawmakers to adopt the RAIL Act, which would require two-person crews on freight and passenger trains, increase train inspections, strengthen hazardous material placard rules for responders, and boost penalties for safety violations. The resolution references a 2023 Ohio train derailment as context but focuses on the RAIL Act’s proposed safety mechanisms. It directly affects federal rail safety policy and would impact all Class I rail operators if enacted. Ohio’s state legislature formally requests this action through the resolution.

Maddy summarySR 39 is a Senate Resolution memorializing Alan J. Zaleski, a former Ohio State Senator and decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran. It expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and commemorates his service as a city councilman, county commissioner, and state senator, highlighting his career in business and community involvement. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a formal expression of respect and remembrance. It was adopted by the Ohio Senate on February 25, 2025.