Sen. Casey Weinstein

Maddy summaryHB 30 requires county, municipal, and state correctional facilities to provide female inmates with free feminine hygiene products, including tampons and sanitary napkins in various sizes, based on their individual needs. The law mandates that these facilities create written policies to prevent discrimination in product distribution and establish safe procedures for storage, disposal, and hygiene. Additionally, the bill ensures that female inmates receive at least one daily shower with hot water unless the facility is facing a specific emergency, such as a riot or staff shortage. This legislation applies to all female inmates regardless of their charge, disability status, or disciplinary separation.

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 is a resolution that formally recognizes Western Reserve Academy as it celebrates its 200th anniversary in May 2024. It directly affects the school by having the Ohio House of Representatives applaud its bicentennial and salute the students, staff, and alumni who have supported the institution. The measure directs the Clerk of the House to send an official copy of the resolution to the academy to serve as a record of this recognition.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 569 reinstates the Joint Education Oversight Committee, a bipartisan body composed of representatives and senators appointed by their respective chamber leaders. The committee is authorized to study current education policies, evaluate how state funds are used by schools and universities, and review specific programs to ensure they meet their goals and are managed efficiently. It can request data from state agencies, hire staff to assist its work, and submit reports with recommendations to the General Assembly, though its reviews do not stop the legislature from passing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 575, titled the Private School Accountability and Transparency Act, establishes new financial reporting and assessment requirements for chartered nonpublic schools in Ohio. The bill mandates that these schools provide specific data to state authorities and outlines how students enrolled in private institutions must participate in standardized testing, including provisions for accommodations and potential exemptions based on individualized education plans. Additionally, the legislation sets rules for the ethical use of test results and prioritizes contracts for grading assessments with Ohio-based entities employing local residents. By updating existing sections of the Revised Code, the bill aims to increase transparency and ensure that private school students are included in the state's educational accountability framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the EdChoice Fair Fiscal Responsibility Act, modifies the Ohio Educational Choice Scholarship Pilot Program to adjust how students qualify for public funding to attend private schools. It primarily affects students currently enrolled in low-performing public schools or those living in districts with high poverty rates, as well as families who have already received scholarships under the pilot program. The legislation establishes new eligibility criteria based on recent school performance rankings and district poverty levels, while also ensuring that current scholarship recipients can continue their funding until they graduate high school if they meet ongoing attendance and testing requirements. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for when the state will stop issuing new scholarships to schools or districts that no longer meet the established performance or poverty thresholds.

Maddy summaryHB 537 prohibits suppliers from advertising a price for goods or services that excludes mandatory fees, requiring instead that the final cost be displayed clearly. The law defines mandatory fees as taxes and delivery charges, though it explicitly exempts financial transactions, broadband internet services, and food delivery platforms from this requirement. Additionally, the bill does not apply to motor vehicle pricing based on manufacturer suggestions or air transportation. Violations of this rule are classified as unconscionable acts in consumer transactions.