Rep. Jeff LaRe

Maddy summaryHB 981 amends state laws to allow local governments to create joint economic development districts where they can levy income taxes on businesses and employees operating within those areas. The bill defines specific rules for forming these districts, such as requiring the participating areas to be geographically connected and ensuring that no residents live inside the district boundaries. It also establishes how different local governments can share costs and revenue generated from these taxes to fund improvements and services. Additionally, the legislation clarifies which types of entities and individuals are considered businesses or owners for tax purposes and sets standards for what counts as mixed-use development.

Maddy summaryThis bill from the Ohio House of Representatives formally recognizes Dominic Knapp, a student at Bloom-Carroll High School, as the 2026 Division III State Champion in the boys pole vault. The legislation praises his athletic achievements, sportsmanship, and leadership, noting his performance at the state meet where he cleared the bar with skill and dedication. It directs the Clerk of the House to send an official copy of this resolution to Knapp as a tribute to his accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes the Bloom-Carroll High School softball team for winning the 2026 Division III State Championship in Ohio. It praises the players and their coach, Chris Lucas, for their athletic achievements and dedication, while also highlighting the value of sports in teaching discipline and perseverance. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to send an official copy of the tribute to the team as a mark of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHB 967 designates the third week of January as "Security Technician Week" to honor the work of security technicians in the state. This bill adds a new section to the Revised Code that formally recognizes these professionals for their role in designing, installing, maintaining, and servicing electronic security and life safety systems. The legislation does not change laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to acknowledge the contributions of this specific workforce.

Maddy summaryHB 345 amends Ohio's Revised Code section 2907.08 to increase penalties for voyeurism offenses. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of secretly recording or observing others in private settings without consent. Key provisions raise the severity of criminal penalties under existing voyeurism laws, though specific penalty levels (e.g., fines or prison terms) are not detailed in the abstract. This change modifies the legal consequences for perpetrators but does not alter the definition of voyeurism itself. The summary is based solely on the official abstract provided.

Maddy summaryHB 830 creates a new grant program within the Department of Public Safety to help police departments and county sheriff's offices reduce violent crime. The program provides funding for evidence-based strategies such as focused deterrence, hot spot policing, and improved forensic capabilities like DNA and ballistics analysis. Eligible agencies must submit applications to the Division of Criminal Justice Services, which will evaluate and award grants based on the effectiveness of the proposed strategies. Funds can be used for investigative staffing, technology purchases, training, and expanding specific gang intervention models, with strict rules requiring agencies to report on outcomes and ensuring grants do not replace existing local budgets.

To enact section 5534.929 of the Revised Code to designate a portion of State Route 750 in Delaware County as the "Anastasia Jehorek Memorial Highway."

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring L. Helen Rankin, a former Ohio state representative who passed away. It formally expresses condolences to her family and acknowledges her 16 years of public service, during which she served on the Finance and Appropriations and Human Resources committees. The resolution highlights her advocacy for women's health, children, and social services, and directs the House Clerk to send a copy of the document to her family.

To enact sections 3301.96 and 3333.89 of the Revised Code to establish the Foster-to-College Scholarship Program, to require the Department of Education and Workforce to hire a full-time school foster care liaison, and to make an appropriation for the Foster-to-College Scholarship Program.

To amend sections 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24, 3701.132, and 3715.60 and to enact sections 3313.8110, 3345.88, 3715.601, 3715.602, 3715.603, 3715.604, 3715.605, and 5101.548 of the Revised Code to regulate imitation meat and egg products.