Maddy summaryHB 397 requires the Department of Health to partner with the Department of Aging and community groups to expand public education on cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. These educational efforts aim to inform healthcare providers and the general public about early warning signs, risk reduction strategies, the importance of timely diagnosis, and available assessment tools. The bill specifically highlights the need to address disparities among diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and emphasizes the role of annual physicals for those aged sixty-five and older in maintaining cognitive health. By integrating this awareness into existing public health outreach, the legislation seeks to improve early detection and promote healthier lifestyles for all communities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 645 proposes creating a refundable tax credit or rebate for homeowners and renters whose property taxes or rent exceed five percent of their income. The bill would allow eligible individuals to claim this financial assistance directly on their state tax returns to offset the cost of housing. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions for pass-through entities, such as partnerships or S corporations, to file a single tax return on behalf of their investors who are subject to state income tax. This mechanism would simplify the filing process for these businesses while ensuring investors receive their appropriate share of any credits or payments.
Maddy summaryHB 390 updates the rules for handling leftover money from property foreclosure sales in Ohio. When a sale generates more money than needed to pay debts, the court clerk must notify the property owner about the surplus balance. The bill establishes specific mailing procedures and timelines for delivering these notices, depending on whether the balance is large or small and whether the owner's address is known. If the owner does not claim the funds within a set period, the money is treated as unclaimed property and handled according to existing state laws.
Maddy summaryHB 328 amends state laws to specifically address the theft of catalytic converters by elevating such offenses from general theft to a distinct felony charge. The bill mandates that stealing a catalytic converter is automatically classified as a fifth-degree felony, with the severity increasing to a fourth-degree felony if the offender has a prior conviction for catalytic converter theft. Additionally, the legislation imposes specific fines ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for business entities involved in these thefts and directs that these fines be paid to local law enforcement agencies. By creating these targeted penalties, the bill aims to provide stricter legal consequences for individuals and companies stealing these vehicle parts.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies and local government units from using public money to buy U.S. or Ohio flags that were not manufactured in the United States. It directly affects government entities such as county offices, townships, and municipal corporations by restricting their purchasing choices for these specific flags. The law requires that any flag acquired with taxpayer funds must be produced domestically, ensuring that the purchase supports U.S. manufacturing.
Maddy summaryHB 370 clarifies the Ohio Department of Transportation's authority and responsibilities regarding state highways located within cities and villages. The bill grants the Director of Transportation broad powers to alter, construct, and maintain these roads, including the ability to purchase or appropriate land for improvements like bridges, bike paths, and drainage systems. It also allows the department to acquire property in the name of the state or, in specific cases involving railroads and utilities, directly in the name of those entities. Furthermore, the legislation explicitly states that the state has no mandatory duty to repair state highways inside municipal limits unless the local government requests and approves the work.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the walleye as the official state fish, a symbolic honor that does not change any laws or regulations. The legislation directly affects the state by formally recognizing the walleye in official records and documents. It does not alter fishing rules, create new programs, or allocate funding, serving only as a commemorative measure.
Maddy summaryHB 399 creates a new tax credit for employers in Ohio who provide paid leave to employees donating organs. To qualify, the employer must use the federal E-Verify system and offer compensation equal to the employee's normal wages for up to thirty days of medically necessary recovery time. This credit allows qualifying businesses to reduce their tax liability by the amount of benefits paid, capped at $30 per day, with a maximum annual limit of $54,000 per employer. The bill also establishes a reporting requirement for the tax commissioner to track the number of claims and total credit values issued each year.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates new sanctions for employers who knowingly or purposely hire unauthorized aliens, directly affecting businesses and individuals who hire workers in the state. It establishes a formal complaint process where individuals can report violations to the attorney general or local prosecutors without needing to provide their own social security number or notarize the form. Once a complaint is verified as not false or frivolous, the state will notify federal and local authorities and may pursue legal action against the employer in court. The law also defines specific defenses for employers, such as using the federal E-Verify system or proving they made a good faith effort to comply with federal immigration laws. Additionally, the bill restricts local law enforcement from independently determining an alien's work authorization status and requires courts to expedite any resulting legal cases.
Maddy summaryHB 655 amends state law to authorize property tax freezes for specific owner-occupied homes, directly affecting elderly, disabled, and low-income residents as well as surviving spouses of disabled veterans, public service officers killed in the line of duty, and certain disabled individuals. The bill establishes a reduction mechanism where eligible homeowners can apply for a decrease in their real property taxes based on their property's value, age, income level, or veteran status. Key provisions include setting specific dollar thresholds for tax reductions, adjusting income limits annually based on economic data, and ensuring these tax breaks apply only to one primary residence per qualifying person. By modifying existing tax code sections, the legislation creates a structured process for local tax authorities to calculate and apply these exemptions to approved applications.