Maddy summaryHB 250 directs the state to update academic standards and model curricula for grades K-12 in subjects including English, math, science, social studies, technology, financial literacy, fine arts, foreign languages, and physical education. The bill specifically requires that social studies standards cover the original texts of the Declaration of Independence, the Northwest Ordinance, and the U.S. and Ohio Constitutions, while also mandating that financial literacy and entrepreneurship standards include concepts related to free market capitalism. Additionally, the legislation establishes a separate Military Enlistment diploma seal fund and makes administrative corrections regarding the State Board of Education versus the Director of Education and Workforce.
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 allows mothers who are breastfeeding infants one year of age or younger to be excused from jury service. It achieves this by adding breastfeeding to the list of conditions that constitute "undue or extreme physical or financial hardship" under existing state laws. To qualify for an exemption, a mother only needs to provide a signed affidavit stating she is breastfeeding, which serves as sufficient documentation for the court. The exemption applies only for the specific jury year in which the request is made and does not grant permanent immunity from future jury duty.
Maddy summaryHB 2 amends state laws to allow the Ohio Department of Transportation to provide loans, grants, and credit support to local governments for specific infrastructure projects. These projects include building or improving roads, bridges, water systems, and waste disposal facilities that benefit communities. The bill requires that any financial assistance be approved by local committees and stay within the district's allocated budget from the state capital improvements fund. By defining terms like "capital improvement" and "credit enhancement," the legislation clarifies how state funds can be used to help local subdivisions finance public works.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals in the state to publish a list of standard charges for services that patients can schedule in advance, known as shoppable services. Hospitals must make this list available in a machine-readable format and update it to include at least 400 services within two years, increasing to 500 services within four years. The legislation also restricts hospitals from selling or using personal data collected from their online price tools for targeted advertising. Additionally, the state health director is tasked with monitoring compliance and maintaining a public list of hospitals that fail to meet these new requirements.
Maddy summarySB 117 establishes two new academic entities at Ohio State University and the University of Toledo to focus on American constitutional thought, civics, and leadership. The bill creates the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at Ohio State and the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership at the University of Toledo, both of which will offer specific courses, develop degree programs, and host events related to free speech and civil discourse. These new units are designed to recruit faculty with diverse intellectual backgrounds, appoint directors with tenure protections, and operate with a dedicated academic council to oversee hiring and curriculum development. The legislation also includes funding to support the creation of these centers and their initial operations within the respective universities.
Maddy summaryThis Ohio Senate Resolution urges the U.S. Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize mental health care for military personnel and veterans suffering from PTSD and other service-related stress disorders. The bill calls for prompt and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing that only qualified medical professionals should approve such care. It also requests that the government fully implement recommendations to consider mental health conditions before separating service members for misconduct and advocates for correcting discharge records for those separated due to mental health issues. Additionally, the resolution states that a veteran's civilian income should not affect their eligibility for healthcare benefits.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally honors Michael A. Rulli for his service as a member of the Ohio Senate. It recognizes his leadership roles, including his committee chairmanships and his work representing constituents in Columbiana and Mahoning counties. The resolution commends his professional achievements and expresses good wishes for his future, with a copy of the document to be sent to him by the Senate Clerk.
Maddy summarySB 278 modifies how Ohio taxes medical marijuana, adult-use cannabis, and hemp by updating definitions and rules for municipal taxable income. The bill clarifies how various types of income, such as wages, business profits, and lottery winnings, are calculated for both residents and nonresidents. It also adjusts how net operating losses can be used to reduce taxes and specifies which income sources, like military pay and Social Security benefits, remain exempt from local taxation. These changes aim to align state tax regulations with federal income tax standards and update existing municipal tax structures.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly funding political campaigns, ballot issues, or election-related communications within the state. It also bars state political entities from accepting or using money from foreign nationals for these purposes and makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly help facilitate such transactions. Violations of these rules carry criminal penalties, including fines and potential jail time, with the attorney general responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases.