Sen. Bill DeMora

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Ohio Constitution to allow the state to issue up to $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds for public infrastructure projects. The funds would be used to build or improve roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, and waste disposal facilities for cities, counties, and townships. If approved by voters, the state could borrow money over ten years to finance these projects, with the full faith and credit of the state pledged to repay the debt. The legislation also specifies that the borrowed money must be used strictly for infrastructure and that the bonds would be exempt from state taxes.

Maddy summaryThis Ohio House Concurrent Resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024, which would provide $500 million annually for five years to protect and restore the Great Lakes. The bill aims to address ongoing environmental challenges such as toxic algal blooms, invasive species, and contaminated sediments that threaten water quality, local industries, and wildlife habitats. By requesting federal funding, the resolution seeks to support collaborative efforts between the federal government, states, and local organizations to clean up pollution and restore ecosystems. The measure highlights the economic importance of the Great Lakes, noting that restoration investments generate significant economic activity for the region.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the role of licensed pharmacists by allowing them to dispense medications remotely and administer specific long-acting injections, such as those for addiction treatment, HIV, and mental health conditions. To qualify for these expanded duties, pharmacists must complete specialized training, maintain current basic life-support certification, and operate under strict protocols established by a physician. The legislation also outlines clear procedures for obtaining patient consent, ordering and evaluating necessary drug tests, and monitoring patients for adverse reactions after administration.

Maddy summarySB 233 amends state law to require drivers of vehicles and trackless trolleys to stop within fifty feet of a railroad crossing whenever specific safety conditions are present, such as active warning signals, lowered gates, flagperson signals, insufficient space on the other side, visible or audible approaching equipment, or low vehicle clearance. The bill mandates that these operators must not proceed through a crossing while any of these hazards exist and prohibits driving through closed gates unless directed by law enforcement or a flagperson. It establishes penalties for violations, including a fourth-degree misdemeanor, but allows courts to substitute fines or jail time with mandatory rail safety training. Additionally, the law requires buses, school vehicles, and slow-moving equipment to stop, listen, and look before crossing tracks, while also creating a process for the public utilities commission to designate specific crossings as exempt from these stop requirements after a public hearing.

Maddy summarySB 235 designates the first full week in May as "Public Service Recognition Week" in Ohio. This designation applies to the state and is intended to honor federal, state, county, and local public employees for their service. The bill does not change employment conditions or create new funding; it simply establishes an official calendar observance to recognize the contributions of public workers.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the Bishop Watterson High School football team for winning the 2024 Division III State Championship. The bill formally commends the players and their coach, Brian Kennedy, for their teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the season. It directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of the resolution to the team as a gesture of recognition. This measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a law that changes policy or affects funding.

Maddy summaryHB 503 prohibits the feeding of garbage to swine, including feral pigs and wild boar, to address public health and environmental concerns. The bill also updates definitions within the Agricultural Commodity Handlers Law to clarify terms related to grain storage, handling, and marketing. Additionally, it authorizes the director of agriculture to charge fees for laboratory services and establishes a fund to support animal and consumer protection operations. These changes aim to regulate waste disposal practices for livestock and streamline the legal framework for agricultural commodity management.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of March as "Triple Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Month" to highlight this specific type of breast cancer. The primary effect is to officially recognize the month for public awareness campaigns and educational efforts related to the disease. It does not change laws, allocate funding, or mandate specific actions for government agencies or individuals. The legislation serves as a symbolic designation rather than a policy with enforceable requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers from requiring workers to sign agreements that restrict their ability to work for other companies or start their own businesses after leaving a job. It specifically bans clauses that prevent workers from seeking new employment, penalize them for quitting, or force them to pay fees for terminating their relationship with an employer. The law also prevents employers from forcing workers to resolve legal disputes outside of Ohio or depriving them of state legal protections, unless the worker has their own independent legal counsel. Violations of these rules can result in civil lawsuits where workers may recover actual damages, up to $5,000 in punitive damages, and legal fees, and the state attorney general or director of commerce can investigate complaints on their behalf.