Rep. Jodi Whitted

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Ohio General Assembly from holding regular legislative sessions after the general election in even-numbered years. The change aims to limit the timing of regular legislative business while explicitly preserving the governor's and assembly's power to call special sessions when necessary. By restricting only the post-election regular session, the law does not alter the ability of lawmakers to address urgent issues outside the standard legislative calendar.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution honoring the memory of Marigene Valiquette, a long-serving Ohio legislator who was the state's longest-serving woman in the General Assembly. It formally expresses the House of Representatives' condolences and tribute to her legacy of public service, leadership, and integrity. The measure directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the resolution to her family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and legacy of Carolyn Jean Prentiss, a former Ohio state legislator who passed away. It formally acknowledges her sixteen years of service in the Ohio House and Senate, highlighting her roles as a minority leader and advocate for community organizations. The resolution expresses the House's sympathy to her family and directs the Clerk to send a certified copy of the tribute to them.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the memory of David Hobson, a former Ohio state senator and U.S. representative who passed away. It formally acknowledges his significant contributions to public service, particularly his support for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Springfield Air National Guard Base, and the NASA Glenn Research Center. The measure also recognizes his role as a devoted family man and expresses the House's condolences to his wife, Carolyn, and his children. Finally, it directs the Clerk of the House to send an official copy of this tribute to Hobson's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution honoring the memory of Darrell W. Opfer, a former public official and community leader from Ohio. It formally expresses the House of Representatives' sympathy to his family and acknowledges his service as a teacher, county commissioner, state representative, and Peace Corps volunteer. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to send an authenticated copy of the tribute to Opfer's family.

Maddy summaryHR 651 is a commemorative resolution honoring Senator J. Kirk Schuring following his death. The bill expresses the House of Representatives' sympathies to his family and acknowledges his thirty-one years of service in the Ohio legislature, including his roles as acting speaker and president pro tempore. It also highlights his community involvement and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to his family. This measure serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New African Immigrants Grant and Gift Fund within the state treasury to manage financial contributions specifically designated for new African immigrants. The fund will be financed through grants, gifts, and legislative appropriations, with any investment earnings automatically added to the balance. The New African Immigrants Commission is authorized to use these resources to support its official duties and operations.

Maddy summaryHB 452 updates Ohio laws regarding hospital security and concealed carry rights. The bill mandates that hospital security personnel have access to specific online training for handling violent situations and grants civil immunity to individuals acting in self-defense to protect hospital members or guests. It also clarifies where people with valid concealed handgun licenses are prohibited from carrying firearms, including schools, courthouses, and certain government buildings, while allowing institutions of higher education to set their own policies. Additionally, the legislation provides immunity to private employers from lawsuits if a licensee brings a gun onto their property, unless the employer acted with malicious intent.

Maddy summaryHB 531, known as Braden's Law, establishes new criminal penalties for sexual extortion, which involves threatening to release private images to force someone into performing acts, paying money, or providing additional photos. The bill specifically defines private images to include content involving nudity, sexual activity, or extreme violence, and it sets felony charges that become more severe if the victim is a minor, elderly person, or disabled adult. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the legal responsibilities of digital service providers regarding deceased users' accounts, requiring them to comply with court orders for disclosure or termination while protecting them from liability when acting in good faith.

Maddy summaryHB 7, known as the Strong Foundations Act, establishes a state fatherhood commission to organize summits and produce annual reports on resources and initiatives aimed at improving parenting skills, employment opportunities, and family reunification for fathers. The bill also updates the rating standards for early learning programs to include specific criteria for Head Start and accredited child care centers. Additionally, it creates the Help Me Grow program as the state's official evidence-based home visiting service for pregnant women and families with young children, requiring providers to track outcomes related to health, safety, and economic stability.