Sen. Hearcel Craig

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to ask residents about their willingness to become organ donors when they apply for hunting or fishing licenses. It expands the ways people can register as donors by allowing them to indicate their choice on driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, or through specific forms and online links for hunting and fishing permits. The legislation also clarifies that a donor's choice remains valid even if their driver's license is revoked or suspended and provides legal protections for state officials who follow these new procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 184 amends state laws to clarify how charitable organizations, sales promotions, and solicitation professionals are defined and regulated. The bill expands the definition of a charitable organization to include groups that hold themselves out as serving public safety or other benevolent purposes, even if their contributions are not tax-deductible. It also updates definitions for terms like "professional solicitor" and "fund-raising counsel" to better distinguish between paid agents and volunteers or in-house staff. By refining these legal categories, the legislation aims to provide clearer rules for how charities and their partners operate when asking for donations or conducting fundraising events.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for public-use airports in Ohio to sell aircraft that have been abandoned on their premises. An aircraft is considered abandoned if it has remained on the airport for at least ninety consecutive days without the owner paying any associated fees. The legislation outlines specific steps for airports to identify owners, notify them of accrued costs, and eventually sell the aircraft if those costs are not paid within thirty days. Additionally, the bill clarifies the rights of service providers to place liens on aircraft for unpaid labor, storage, or materials, while ensuring these liens do not hinder the sale of truly abandoned planes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 9th as Rutherford B. Hayes Day to honor the 19th U.S. President. The legislation requires state agencies and officials to recognize this specific date, likely through proclamations or official acknowledgments. By establishing this commemorative day, the bill aims to increase public awareness of Hayes's historical contributions and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Ohio Ireland Trade Commission to study and promote trade, investment, and business exchanges between Ohio and Ireland. The commission will be made up of nine members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and the governor with Senate approval, including representatives from higher education, the chamber of commerce, and Irish American communities. These unpaid members will meet throughout the state, elect a chair, and submit annual reports to state officials on their findings and recommendations. The commission is also authorized to raise its own funds through donations and grants to cover its administrative costs and carry out its mission.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution honoring the life of Athanasios I. "Tommy" Pappas, a beloved restaurant owner and community figure in Columbus, Ohio. It formally recognizes his contributions as the founder of Tommy's Diner and his active involvement in the Franklinton neighborhood and Greek Orthodox community. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to them.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 21 as Ameloblastoma Awareness Day to raise public recognition of this rare jaw tumor. The primary mechanism is the official proclamation of a specific date, which aims to focus attention on the condition without altering laws or funding. It directly affects individuals and organizations interested in ameloblastoma by providing a designated day for awareness campaigns. The legislation does not change medical treatment protocols or allocate resources, serving instead as a symbolic gesture to highlight the disease.

Maddy summarySB 125 creates a specialty license plate for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, allowing vehicle owners in Ohio to purchase plates that display the school's name. The money collected from these plates goes into a state fund and is distributed to various organizations, including the high school itself, which will use the funds for scholarships and educational programs. The bill also maintains funding for numerous other causes such as cancer research, special needs support, and agricultural education through existing specialty plate programs. By adding this new plate option, the legislation provides a way for drivers to support the specific high school while continuing to contribute to a wide range of charitable and educational initiatives.

Maddy summarySB 178 requires drivers to take specific actions when passing a stationary vehicle in distress or an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights. On highways with at least two lanes in the same direction, drivers must change lanes to avoid the stationary vehicle if it is safe and possible. If lane changes are not feasible or the road does not have multiple lanes, drivers must proceed with caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance. Violating these rules is classified as a minor misdemeanor, but penalties increase to higher-degree misdemeanors for repeat offenders and include additional fines if the violation occurs while the driver is distracted.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates state definitions to officially include the U.S. Space Force within the armed forces and uniformed services. It establishes a program to certify businesses that employ veterans, allowing these companies to receive bonus points when bidding on state contracts. Additionally, the legislation grants examination credit to state job applicants who have served honorably in the military, including the Space Force, to help them qualify for public employment.