Rep. Jon Cross

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Ohio's state income tax rules to allow residents to deduct contributions made to 529 college savings plans and ABLE disability savings accounts. It sets a yearly deduction limit of $8,000 for married couples filing jointly or $4,000 for individual filers, with any unused amount carried forward to future years. The legislation also adjusts how refunds and non-qualified withdrawals are taxed and includes a mechanism to automatically update the annual contribution limits based on inflation.

Maddy summaryHB 66 allows wholesale dealers and distributors of cigarettes, tobacco, and vapor products to request refunds for state taxes paid on inventory that becomes uncollectible. To qualify for a refund, the business must prove the debt was uncollected for at least six months, that the products were delivered, and that reasonable collection efforts were made. The bill sets a three-year limit for filing these claims and requires the tax commissioner to verify documentation before issuing refunds from the state's tax refund fund. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that if a bad debt is later paid off, the business must repay the prorated portion of the tax refund it previously received.

Maddy summaryHB 308 introduces three main changes to state regulations. First, it updates oil and gas lease forms to require written agreements for surface land use and sets a one-eighth royalty rate for landowners. Second, the bill adjusts reimbursement limits for the broadband pole replacement and undergrounding program to ensure costs are covered efficiently. Finally, it expands the use of disposal fees from construction and demolition debris to fund health districts. These provisions directly affect state agencies, landowners, broadband providers, and waste management facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for first responders, EMTs, and paramedics to petition the state board for the inclusion of new topics in their training and continuing education programs. It also updates regulations for medication aides working in nursing homes and residential care facilities by clarifying which prescription medications they can administer under nurse supervision. Specifically, the law allows aides to give oral, topical, and certain other medications, including Schedule II controlled substances and insulin, while prohibiting them from performing injections other than insulin, calculating dosages, or splitting pills. Additionally, the bill sets rules requiring the board to base training program durations on calendar days and to restrict clinical practice in facilities facing real and present dangers until safety issues are resolved.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies that issue professional licenses to accept applications submitted electronically through their chosen digital systems. While agencies may still offer paper applications, they cannot mandate that applicants submit physical copies if an electronic option is available. The rule applies to all state departments and offices granting licenses for trades and professions, but it excludes the state supreme court when issuing judicial licenses.

Maddy summaryHB 688 designates September 20 as "Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Day" to honor Jo Ann Davidson, the first female speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. This legislative measure officially recognizes her historic achievement and birth date within the state government. The bill does not alter existing laws or policies but serves as a commemorative designation to acknowledge her legacy.

Maddy summaryHB 683 provides additional funding to soil and water districts and the Farm Financial Management Institute through the Department of Agriculture. The bill allocates specific operating appropriations for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years to support these entities' ongoing work, including analysis of the upcoming federal farm bill. It also authorizes a $500,000 cash transfer from the Controlling Board Emergency Purposes/Contingencies Fund to the OSU Extension Fund. These financial resources are intended to supplement existing budgets and ensure continued operations for the affected agricultural programs.

Maddy summaryHB 296 increases the mandatory contributions that employers of full-time municipal police officers and members of the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund must make to the pension system. The bill establishes a schedule where employee contributions rise gradually from 12.5% to 15% between 2025 and 2030, while employer contributions increase from 19.5% to 23.25% over the same period. To help fund these higher payments, the legislation requires certain municipalities to levy a new property tax of three-tenths of one mill, with revenues prioritized for the pension fund and related liabilities. Additionally, the bill allows the pension fund board to adjust contribution rates in the future if an actuarial study determines such changes are needed to maintain the fund's financial health.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution honoring the memory of Barbara C. Pringle, a former Cleveland City Council member and long-serving Ohio state representative. It formally acknowledges her contributions to public service and directs the House Clerk to send a copy of the tribute to her family. The measure does not enact new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial gesture to express sympathy and respect for her life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to clarify the authority of advanced practice registered nurses, specifically allowing them to provide medical certificates that justify the use of sick leave by public employees. It defines rape crisis programs and sexual assault for the purpose of creating a new trust fund to support victim services, while also updating sick leave policies for various public sector workers. The legislation ensures that unused sick leave can be carried over and transferred between agencies, and it permits appointing authorities to set alternative sick leave schedules under certain conditions. Additionally, the bill specifies that medical certification for sick leave may be provided by licensed physicians, certified nurse-midwives, clinical nurse specialists, or certified nurse practitioners.