Sen. Tom Patton

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring Michael Taylor, a retired assistant chief from the Steubenville Fire Department who passed away. It formally acknowledges his thirty-one years of service and his roles as a union president and board member, expressing the House's sympathy to his family. The resolution directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to Taylor's family, serving as a formal record of respect rather than enacting new laws or policies.

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 is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and public service of Ronald Mottl, Sr., who recently passed away. It formally expresses the House of Representatives' condolences to his family and acknowledges his significant contributions as a politician, educator, and community leader in Ohio. The measure directs the Clerk of the House to send an official copy of the resolution to Mottl's family as a tribute to his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Commission to develop legislative strategies for addressing childhood trauma. The commission will be composed of experts from various fields, including social work, law enforcement, medicine, and education, alongside individuals with personal experience of adverse childhood experiences. Appointed members will meet quarterly to review information and produce an annual report with recommendations for the General Assembly. The commission is authorized to operate for four years, after which it will be dissolved.

Maddy summaryHB 372 requires drivers of vehicles and trackless trolleys to stop within fifty feet of a railroad crossing under specific conditions, such as when warning signals are active, gates are lowered, or there is insufficient space or clearance to cross safely. The law mandates that operators of buses, school vehicles, and large trucks must stop, look, and listen before proceeding, while also prohibiting gear shifts while crossing the tracks. Violations of these rules are classified as misdemeanors, but courts may offer offenders the option to complete a rail safety training program instead of facing fines or jail time. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for the Public Utilities Commission to approve certain crossings as "exempt," allowing vehicles to cross without stopping if the commission determines it is safe after a public hearing.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 24 as "Ukraine Independence Day" in Ohio to formally recognize the date Ukraine declared itself an independent, sovereign, and democratic nation. The legislation requires the state to acknowledge this specific day in official records or ceremonies as a symbol of Ukrainian statehood. It does not alter existing laws or create new government programs, but rather establishes a commemorative observance within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Ohio Ireland Trade Commission to study and promote bilateral trade, investment, and policy cooperation between Ohio and Ireland. The commission will consist of nine members appointed by legislative leaders and the governor, including representatives from higher education, business, and Irish American communities, who will serve without pay but can receive expense reimbursements. Its primary duties include organizing business and academic exchanges, investigating infrastructure investment opportunities, and issuing annual reports to state officials. The commission is authorized to raise funds through donations and grants to cover its administrative costs and carry out its mission.

Maddy summaryHB 627 establishes a new specialty license plate for the Ohio Society for Respiratory Care, allowing vehicle owners to purchase the plate to contribute funds to the organization. The bill directs the state registrar of motor vehicles to collect these contributions and transfer the money directly to the society for use in respiratory care programs and related initiatives. This measure provides a way for drivers to support respiratory health efforts while customizing their vehicle registration with a specific design.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends election laws to ensure that state ballot questions are numbered consecutively based on the sequence from the previous election, resetting to number one once the count reaches 500. It also establishes a specific order for grouping local issues on ballots, such as county and municipal questions, and requires that the percentage of votes needed to pass each measure be clearly printed. Additionally, the legislation mandates that full text for ballot proposals be posted at polling places if a condensed version appears on the ballot itself. These changes aim to standardize how voters see and number ballot measures while ensuring transparency about voting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 305 amends several Ohio Revised Code sections to update definitions and restrict how public funds can be used by local governments and legal aid organizations. The bill clarifies what constitutes a "political subdivision" and prohibits these entities from using taxpayer money to publish content that supports political candidates, promotes illegal activities, or engages in electioneering. Additionally, it limits legal aid funds to specific services for indigent clients and bars their use in criminal or fee-generating cases. The legislation also introduces new rules for public depositories, requiring them to notify governing boards if they are involved in federal regulatory corrective actions.