Rep. Beth Lear

Maddy summaryOhio's HCR 34 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) urging Congress to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. It argues federal education control violates constitutional principles and harms student outcomes, citing stagnant academic performance and bureaucratic burdens. The resolution directs Ohio's state agencies to create a plan for Ohio to assume control of federal education programs (including Title I funding and special education) and collaborate with other states to seek federal waivers. It does not change existing law but outlines steps Ohio would take if federal authority were returned to states. The resolution was introduced in Ohio's legislature in February 2026.

To amend sections 2151.412, 2151.426, 3109.04, 3109.054, and 3129.01 and to enact sections 2151.032, 3129.10, 3129.11, 3129.12, 3129.13, 3129.14, 3129.15, 3129.21, 3129.211, 3129.22, 3129.23, 3129.24, 3129.25, 3129.26, 3129.30, 3129.301, 3129.35, 3129.351, and 4743.15 of the Revised Code to enact the Affirming Families First Act and protect the right to affirm a minor child's sex.

To amend sections 5104.015 and 5104.04 and to enact sections 5104.044, 5104.303, 5104.304, and 5104.361 of the Revised Code to require video surveillance of child care centers, to establish an online portal for tracking child care center attendance, to require investigations of waste, fraud, and abuse allegations relating to providers of publicly funded child care, and to name this act the Child Care Fraud Prevention Act.

Maddy summaryHB 662 increases penalties for disrupting religious gatherings at tax-exempt places of worship or virtual religious meetings. It raises the offense from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor (felony) when someone intentionally disturbs a physical religious service at a tax-exempt location or disrupts a virtual religious gathering using electronic means like video conferencing. The bill specifically targets acts that obstruct meetings, make disruptive gestures, or utter words that outrage the group, but only in these defined religious contexts. This change directly affects individuals who interfere with religious assemblies, both in person and online, by imposing stricter legal consequences.

To amend sections 1716.01 and 5747.01 and to enact sections 1716.22 and 3333.96 of the Revised Code to enact the Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act.

To amend sections 3301.16, 3301.53, 3313.671, 5104.014, 5104.015, 5104.017, 5104.018, and 5104.019 and to enact section 3301.532 of the Revised Code to revise the law governing childhood immunizations and exemptions and to name this act the Parental Clarity on Health Options and Information on Conscientious Exemptions "C.H.O.I.C.E." Act.

To amend sections 3509.03, 3511.02, and 3599.21 and to repeal section 111.31 of the Revised Code to prohibit any person from mailing out unsolicited absentee ballot request forms to any other person.

Maddy summaryHB 544 amends Ohio Revised Code section 2921.32 to expand the legal definition of obstructing justice. This change broadens the types of conduct considered obstructive, potentially including additional actions that interfere with legal proceedings. The bill directly affects individuals who engage in conduct interfering with investigations or court processes by increasing the range of behaviors that could be classified as a criminal offense. The key mechanism is the amendment to the specific code section, which redefines the scope of what constitutes obstructing justice.

Maddy summaryHB 551 designates a specific intersection in Uhrichsville, Ohio, as the "Dale McCauley Memorial Intersection" under section 5534.971 of the Revised Code. This bill does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a commemorative measure honoring Dale McCauley. The provision affects local signage and official records for that intersection in Tuscarawas County. As a procedural resolution, it has no regulatory impact or direct effect on residents or state operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Wendy Zhan upon her retirement as director of the Ohio Legislative Service Commission. It does not create new laws or affect policy; it is solely a symbolic gesture to recognize her service. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's appreciation for her work. No concrete policy changes or direct impacts on constituents are involved.