Sen. Bob Hackett

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Gabby Woods, a student at The University of Findlay, for winning the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship in women's golf. The bill formally commends her athletic achievement and character, recognizing her as an exemplary young athlete from Ohio. It directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of this resolution to Woods to acknowledge her success.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly funding political campaigns, ballot issues, or election-related communications within the state. It also bars state political entities from accepting or using money from foreign nationals for these purposes and makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly help facilitate such transactions. Violations of these rules carry criminal penalties, including fines and potential jail time, with the attorney general responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases.

Maddy summarySB 269 prohibits drug manufacturers and wholesalers from denying, restricting, or discriminating against 340B covered entities when they attempt to acquire discounted drugs. The bill also bans these entities from requiring utilization data as a condition for purchasing these drugs unless such data sharing is already mandated by federal law. Violations of these rules are classified as unlawful practices, allowing the attorney general to impose civil penalties of up to $50,000 per package and refer complaints to the state board of pharmacy for further sanctions. This legislation aims to ensure that specific healthcare organizations can access reduced-price medications without facing additional barriers or data requirements from suppliers.

Maddy summaryHB 305 amends several Ohio Revised Code sections to update definitions and restrict how public funds can be used by local governments and legal aid organizations. The bill clarifies what constitutes a "political subdivision" and prohibits these entities from using taxpayer money to publish content that supports political candidates, promotes illegal activities, or engages in electioneering. Additionally, it limits legal aid funds to specific services for indigent clients and bars their use in criminal or fee-generating cases. The legislation also introduces new rules for public depositories, requiring them to notify governing boards if they are involved in federal regulatory corrective actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, prohibits financial institutions in Ohio from requiring merchants to use special payment codes that identify them as firearms or ammunition retailers. It prevents banks and payment processors from refusing to process credit or debit card transactions solely because a merchant sells guns or ammo. While financial institutions can still decline transactions for fraud, legal compliance, or customer requests, the law specifically bars them from using merchant category codes to distinguish firearm sellers from other businesses. The bill also establishes enforcement measures where the Attorney General can issue notices and seek court injunctions against any entity that violates these privacy protections.

Maddy summarySB 179 creates a specialty license plate in Ohio featuring the "Hilliard Davidson Wildcats" design for motor vehicle registrants. Money collected from owners who choose this plate is directed to various organizations, including cancer research groups, special needs foundations, and universities that offer scholarships to Ohio residents. The bill also establishes specific rules for how these funds must be used, such as prohibiting certain organizations from using the money for abortion-related activities. Once passed, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will manage the collection and distribution of these contributions to the designated entities.