Sen. Sandy O'Brien

Maddy summarySB 43 repeals the legal permission for Ohio counties to impose a special 3% lodging tax on hotel stays. This directly affects counties that previously had the authority to levy this tax, removing their ability to collect it for purposes like funding convention bureaus or public safety services. The bill eliminates the specific provision (Section 5739.09 of the Revised Code) that authorized the tax, ending the legal basis for counties to enact or maintain this tax without further legislative action.

To amend sections 5747.98 and 5751.98 and to enact sections 5747.74 and 5751.56 of the Revised Code to authorize a nonrefundable tax credit for donations to certain pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes.

To amend section 2307.70 and to enact section 309.081 of the Revised Code regarding civil actions by persons who suffer injury or loss due to vandalism or riot activity.

To amend sections 9.16, 113.40, and 2981.12 and to enact sections 135.146 and 5703.83 of the Revised Code to authorize investment of state funds in bitcoin, to require state entities to accept payment in cryptocurrency, and to name this act the Ohio Bitcoin Reserve Act.

Maddy summarySB 3 would replace Ohio's current progressive income tax system with a flat 2.75% rate over two years. It directly affects all Ohio residents and businesses earning income in the state, including individuals, trusts, and estates. The bill eliminates the current tax brackets (which tax higher incomes at increasingly higher rates) and sets a single tax rate of 2.75% on taxable income. This change aims to simplify the tax code and provide uniform tax relief for all income levels, though the bill does not alter the current tax base or exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 4), not a policy bill. The Ohio Senate adopted it on January 13, 2025, to honor Ben Espy, a former Columbus City Council member and Ohio State Senator who served for two decades. The resolution recognizes his career as an attorney, public servant, and community leader, including his work with the Columbus Youth Corps and MLK Holiday Celebration. It expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and commemorates his contributions to Ohio.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 5) honoring Phil Cummins upon his retirement from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission (LSC). It recognizes his 21-year tenure as a senior economist and nonpartisan resource for Ohio legislators, highlighting his contributions to drafting, research, and fiscal analysis. The resolution formally praises his dedication, leadership, and service to the LSC, which supports all members of the Ohio General Assembly. It does not create any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution honoring Senator Robert D. Hackett for his distinguished service to the Ohio Senate. It recognizes his contributions through various committee roles and his dedication to public service, noting his bipartisan respect among colleagues. The resolution formally applauds his tenure and directs the Senate Clerk to send an authenticated copy of the document to Senator Hackett.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the director of commerce to create a poster detailing various benefits and services available to veterans, such as mental health support, tax exemptions, and educational resources. Employers in the state are permitted to display this poster in a visible area where all employees can access it, and the director will provide copies to businesses free of charge. The legislation aims to increase awareness of veteran support programs by making this information readily available in the workplace.

Maddy summaryHB 452 updates Ohio laws regarding hospital security and concealed carry rights. The bill mandates that hospital security personnel have access to specific online training for handling violent situations and grants civil immunity to individuals acting in self-defense to protect hospital members or guests. It also clarifies where people with valid concealed handgun licenses are prohibited from carrying firearms, including schools, courthouses, and certain government buildings, while allowing institutions of higher education to set their own policies. Additionally, the legislation provides immunity to private employers from lawsuits if a licensee brings a gun onto their property, unless the employer acted with malicious intent.