Sen. Hearcel Craig

Maddy summarySCR 8 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass the RAIL Act (H.R. 971). It does not create new law but asks federal lawmakers to adopt the RAIL Act, which would require two-person crews on freight and passenger trains, increase train inspections, strengthen hazardous material placard rules for responders, and boost penalties for safety violations. The resolution references a 2023 Ohio train derailment as context but focuses on the RAIL Act’s proposed safety mechanisms. It directly affects federal rail safety policy and would impact all Class I rail operators if enacted. Ohio’s state legislature formally requests this action through the resolution.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 40) is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Bishop Watterson High School girls soccer team for winning the 2024 Division II State Championship - their first state title. It directly recognizes the team, their coach (Scott Dempsey), and their school community for their athletic achievement and sportsmanship. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding; it simply expresses the Ohio Senate's formal congratulations and will send a copy to the school. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summarySR 39 is a Senate Resolution memorializing Alan J. Zaleski, a former Ohio State Senator and decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran. It expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and commemorates his service as a city councilman, county commissioner, and state senator, highlighting his career in business and community involvement. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a formal expression of respect and remembrance. It was adopted by the Ohio Senate on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 38) honoring Annice Carter for her 30-year service with the Ohio Legislative Service Commission (LSC), including her prior work with the Ohio Legislative Budget Office. It formally recognizes her dedication, professionalism, and contributions to the Ohio General Assembly and state government. The resolution, adopted on February 18, 2025, extends a formal tribute and well-wishes for her retirement but does not create any new laws or affect policy.

To amend sections 319.20, 1923.06, 1923.08, 1923.09, 3781.10, and 5321.17 and to enact sections 120.522, 120.531, 319.204, 1923.111, 1923.16, and 3781.181 of the Revised Code to revise the law governing eviction, residential building code enforcement, and real property transfers.

To amend sections 5747.08 and 5747.98 and to enact sections 5747.87 and 5747.88 of the Revised Code to authorize a nonrefundable income tax credit for the cost of handgun training and firearms storage and locking devices.

Maddy summarySB 76 updates Ohio's rules for excluding state vendors from government contracts. It adds specific grounds for debarment, including contract failures (like missing deadlines), criminal convictions related to contracts (e.g., fraud or bribery), submitting false information, colluding to restrict competition, and repeated justified complaints. Vendors must be notified of proposed debarment and given a hearing opportunity before exclusion. Debarment periods range from one to three years, during which vendors cannot win state contracts, and the state will maintain a public list of debarred vendors.

To amend sections 2923.13 and 2923.14 of the Revised Code to prohibit a person who is charged with or has been convicted of first degree misdemeanor domestic violence from possessing a firearm or dangerous ordnance.

To enact sections 4723.95, 4731.45, 4732.34, 4743.11, 4757.46, and 4758.73 of the Revised Code to prohibit certain licensed health care professionals from engaging in conversion therapy for minor patients.

To enact section 4112.041 of the Revised Code to require the Ohio Civil Rights Commission to establish a system for individuals to anonymously report wage discrimination.