Sen. Willis Blackshear

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 42) formally honors Scott W. Stockman for his ten years of service to the Ohio Senate, specifically recognizing his roles as a legislative assistant, legal counsel, and staff advisor supporting the Senate Democratic Caucus. It commends his contributions to the legislative process and efficiency of state government, with the Senate committing to send him a certified copy of the resolution. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summarySB 121 designates April as "Counseling Awareness Month" in Ohio state law. This procedural bill adds a formal designation to the Revised Code, encouraging public awareness efforts related to counseling services. It directly affects Ohio residents by promoting recognition of counseling resources during April, though it does not create new programs or funding. The bill is currently pending in committee after being introduced on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 39 is a Senate Resolution memorializing Alan J. Zaleski, a former Ohio State Senator and decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran. It expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and commemorates his service as a city councilman, county commissioner, and state senator, highlighting his career in business and community involvement. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a formal expression of respect and remembrance. It was adopted by the Ohio Senate on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 38) honoring Annice Carter for her 30-year service with the Ohio Legislative Service Commission (LSC), including her prior work with the Ohio Legislative Budget Office. It formally recognizes her dedication, professionalism, and contributions to the Ohio General Assembly and state government. The resolution, adopted on February 18, 2025, extends a formal tribute and well-wishes for her retirement but does not create any new laws or affect policy.

To amend sections 5747.08 and 5747.98 and to enact sections 5747.87 and 5747.88 of the Revised Code to authorize a nonrefundable income tax credit for the cost of handgun training and firearms storage and locking devices.

Maddy summarySB 80 allows counties to establish their own motor fuel quality testing programs to check gasoline and diesel at retail locations for octane levels, sediment, and water content. County auditors (or designated staff) can test fuel at pumps and storage tanks, requiring retail dealers to permit testing without charging fees. Violations - like excessive water in ethanol fuel or incorrect octane levels - trigger orders to stop sales until compliance is confirmed, with potential civil penalties deposited into the county general fund. The bill mandates testing equipment meet ASTM industry standards and requires counties to share all test data publicly via the agriculture department’s website.

Maddy summarySB 84 would officially designate September 19th as "Stillbirth Prevention Day" in Ohio, creating an annual observance to raise public awareness about stillbirth prevention. The bill does not create new policies, funding, or requirements - it simply establishes a symbolic day for education and community efforts. This designation would apply statewide, encouraging organizations and the public to focus on stillbirth prevention awareness on that date each year. The bill is currently in committee referral after its introduction on February 4, 2025.

To amend sections 4112.01 and 4112.05 of the Revised Code to enact the Ohio Fairness Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, to add mediation as an informal method that the Ohio Civil Rights Commission may use, and to uphold existing religious exemptions under Ohio's Civil Rights Law.

To amend sections 1331.01, 1331.04, and 1331.16 and to enact sections 1331.05 and 1331.50 of the Revised Code to regulate the use of pricing algorithms.

Maddy summaryThis Ohio Senate resolution (SR 29) urges Congress to resume restoring SNAP benefits stolen through card skimming and to fund anti-fraud measures. It specifically requests Congress extend federal funding to replace benefits stolen via fraudulent devices on EBT cards (which lack security chips) and upgrade EBT cards to include security chips. The resolution cites Ohio’s successful replacement of over $12.6 million in stolen benefits using prior federal funding. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests federal action to address ongoing fraud.