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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 349 creates a program called EnergizeOhio to encourage the development of natural gas pipelines and related infrastructure by offering two main types of support to local governments and development organizations. First, it allows municipalities and counties to request that specific areas be designated as incentive zones, which would exempt up to 75% of qualifying property within those zones from certain taxes if the director determines that a lack of natural gas infrastructure is hurting local economic growth. Second, the bill establishes a loan fund that can provide interest-free loans for up to five years to help eligible entities purchase or lease land easements for building these pipelines, with the expectation that the loans will be repaid using revenue from selling or leasing those easements. Local governments must apply for these designations and loans, and the director of development is responsible for reviewing applications, making decisions, and managing the fund.
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 summaryThis bill creates a new "regulatory relief office" within the Department of Commerce to manage a universal regulatory sandbox program designed for businesses testing innovative products or services. Under this program, the office can temporarily waive specific state laws and regulations that would normally require a license or authorization, allowing companies to operate in a controlled environment to demonstrate their offerings. The bill also establishes an advisory committee composed of business representatives, state agency officials, and legislators to guide the office and assess risks to consumer safety and financial well-being. Additionally, the office is tasked with identifying laws that hinder new industries, proposing changes to the General Assembly, and exploring agreements with other states that have similar sandbox programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that honors Susan Elizabeth Burkey for her nearly thirty years of service to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission. It recognizes her contributions to the agency's drafting, fiscal analysis, and research functions, highlighting her role in supporting fourteen legislative sessions. The resolution formally salutes her professional achievements and directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to her.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown as they celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2024. The bill formally commends the organization for its long history of providing education, healthcare, and social services to the community, particularly underserved populations. It directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of the resolution to the Sisters as a tribute to their dedication and service.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution honoring the memory of Jo Ann Davidson, a former Ohio politician and public servant. It formally expresses the state legislature's condolences to her family and pays tribute to her career achievements, including her historic role as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. The resolution also directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to Davidson's family.
Maddy summarySB 112, known as the Ohio Childhood Safety Act, requires all school buildings in Ohio to have their protective door assemblies inspected and tested annually by qualified professionals. These inspections ensure that doors used for emergency exits meet current safety standards, with older doors needing to comply with the rules in place when they were originally installed. If a door is found to be non-compliant, the school must fix the issue immediately and have it re-inspected, while schools actively working toward compliance are exempt from fines. The bill also mandates that schools keep records of these inspections and allows the state fire marshal to review those records, though no monetary penalties will be assessed for violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Ohio to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, enabling licensed dental professionals to practice in other member states without obtaining a separate local license. Under this agreement, qualified dentists and hygienists can work across state lines through a streamlined Compact Privilege, which reduces redundant paperwork and examination requirements. The legislation also establishes a commission to share disciplinary information between states and includes specific provisions to assist military members and their spouses who relocate. While this facilitates easier interstate work, each participating state retains the authority to regulate practice within its own borders and protect public health and safety.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public and private schools, as well as public recreational facilities, to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and create emergency plans for their use. It mandates that staff at these locations complete training on AEDs and that student athletes receive education about sudden cardiac arrest before participating in sports. Additionally, the law prohibits students with a family history of sudden cardiac arrest or those who have fainted from playing sports until they are medically cleared, and it requires coaches to complete specific training. Local governments must also provide hospital relief payments related to these cardiac events, and the Ohio Department of Health is tasked with developing a model emergency action plan to guide schools and facilities.