Sen. Jane Timken

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution honoring the memory of Kenneth R. Cox, a former Ohio state legislator and public official. It formally expresses the Senate's condolences to Cox's family and acknowledges his significant service in the House, Senate, and various community leadership roles. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to Cox's family, serving as a commemorative gesture rather than a change to law or policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally recognizes the City of Massillon for its 200th anniversary. It expresses the Ohio Senate's congratulations and good wishes for the city's bicentennial celebration. Additionally, the resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of the document to the City of Massillon.

Maddy summarySB 244 designates August 26th as "Abbey Gate Remembrance Day" in Ohio. This ceremonial bill creates an annual observance without changing laws or affecting specific groups, solely to honor a historical event. It requires no new state action or funding, as it is purely a commemorative designation.

To amend section 5751.98 and to enact sections 3333.46 and 5751.55 of the Revised Code to enact the Joining-Opportunities Business and Schools (JOBS) Act to authorize and offer tax incentives for qualified education partnerships between institutions of higher education and private employers.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Ohio Constitution that requires voters to present valid identification when casting their ballots in person. To vote, individuals must show a current photo ID issued by the state or federal government, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. The measure also allows for alternative verification methods, including a signature and another unique identifier, and includes an exception for voters with sincere religious objections to being photographed. If approved by voters, these identification rules would become law immediately.

To amend sections 959.21, 959.99, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2929.14, and 2950.01 and to enact section 2941.1427 of the Revised Code to make changes to various sexually oriented offenses involving juvenile victims and to create the offenses of creating or possessing material depicting sexual conduct with an animal.

To amend sections 3313.603, 3313.6020, 3313.617, 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24; to enact sections 3301.0733, 3301.14, 3301.141, 3301.142, 3313.6034, and 3313.6115; and to repeal section 3313.607 of the Revised Code regarding the Education and Workforce Return on Investment Initiative, a middle school career exploration course requirement, and student academic and career plans.

Maddy summarySB 307 amends Ohio law to permit local governments to use tax increment financing (TIF) for constructing or renovating police and firefighting facilities. This change directly affects cities and counties seeking to fund public safety infrastructure, as it allows them to leverage future increases in property tax revenue from a designated area to cover project costs. The key mechanism involves designating a specific geographic zone where new tax revenue generated by development (beyond pre-project levels) is redirected to pay for the facility construction. This expands existing TIF rules, which previously excluded public safety facilities, enabling these projects to be financed through a tool commonly used for economic development.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution honoring Jeffry Armbruster, a former mayor of North Ridgeville and community leader who passed away. It formally expresses the condolences of the Ohio Senate to his family and acknowledges his significant contributions to local and state service. The resolution also directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of the document to Armbruster's family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution honoring the memory of James E. Carnes, a former Ohio state senator and public servant. It formally expresses condolences to his family and directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of the resolution to them. The document does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a tribute to his career and community contributions.