Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Ohio to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, a national agreement that allows licensed social workers to practice across multiple states with a single license. The primary mechanism involves replacing the need for separate state licenses with a multistate authorization, provided the worker holds an unencumbered license in their home state. Key provisions include creating a shared data system to track licensure and disciplinary actions, establishing rules for mutual recognition of licenses, and ensuring that social workers remain accountable to the laws of the state where they are currently providing care. The legislation also specifically supports military families by facilitating practice in remote locations and encourages the use of telehealth to improve access to services.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 161 removes the legal protection that previously prevented spouses from being charged with or prosecuted for specific sexual offenses against each other. This change directly affects married couples by allowing a spouse to testify against their partner in court for crimes such as rape, sexual battery, and sexual imposition. The bill eliminates the defense that a crime did not occur simply because the victim and offender were married or living together at the time. Additionally, the legislation permits a person to give testimony against their spouse in any prosecution involving these listed offenses.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Refugee Road in Fairfield County as the "Cpl. David A. Johnston Memorial Highway" to honor Corporal David A. Johnston. The affected roadway runs between State Route 256 and Pickerington Road Northwest, and the state transportation director is authorized to install signs marking the new name. This change is purely commemorative and does not alter traffic rules, funding, or any other operational aspects of the road.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows courts to issue child support orders for children over the age of 18 who have a disability, extending financial support beyond the typical age of majority. It applies to parents involved in divorce, legal separation, or annulment proceedings and ensures that support continues as long as the child's disability-related needs persist. The legislation requires courts to calculate these support amounts using existing state guidelines that account for the child's medical and care expenses. By removing the age limit for disabled minors, the bill aims to provide ongoing financial assistance for adult children with disabilities who rely on their parents for care.
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, known as the CAMPUS Act, requires Ohio institutions of higher education to adopt and enforce policies addressing racial, religious, and ethnic bias, harassment, and intimidation. Colleges and universities must train their staff on responding to hate incidents, establish procedures for investigating complaints with options for anonymous reporting, and create task forces to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia. The legislation also mandates a uniform reporting system for hate incidents and directs the state to establish two new grant programs: one to fund security measures and another to support intergroup outreach and cultural competency. Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to adopt policies preventing antisemitism and includes funding to support these initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, prohibits financial institutions in Ohio from requiring merchants to use special payment codes that identify them as firearms or ammunition retailers. It prevents banks and payment processors from refusing to process credit or debit card transactions solely because a merchant sells guns or ammo. While financial institutions can still decline transactions for fraud, legal compliance, or customer requests, the law specifically bars them from using merchant category codes to distinguish firearm sellers from other businesses. The bill also establishes enforcement measures where the Attorney General can issue notices and seek court injunctions against any entity that violates these privacy protections.