Maddy summarySB 286 creates the Ohio River Commission, an independent state agency within the Department of Development tasked with promoting economic growth, marine cargo terminal operations, and tourism along the Ohio River and its tributaries. The commission will be composed of state officials, public representatives, and industry experts appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, with terms ranging from two to four years. Its primary duties include developing a master plan for river infrastructure, coordinating with various state and local agencies, collecting economic data, and seeking federal grants to support projects that enhance commerce and regional prosperity. Additionally, the commission is authorized to administer development funds and advocate for policies that address the decline in coal production while fostering new industries in the Appalachian region.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from knowingly installing tracking devices or apps on someone else's property without their consent. It also requires the removal of such devices if the original consent is revoked, with consent automatically considered revoked in situations like divorce filings or protection orders. The law includes specific exceptions for law enforcement, parents tracking their own children, caregivers of vulnerable adults, and licensed private investigators working on legitimate business matters.
Maddy summarySB 109 amends Ohio Revised Code sections related to sex offenses and individuals regulated by the State Medical Board to update the definition of "public record." The bill expands the list of confidential records to include various sensitive categories, such as protected health information, donor profiles, and details about children involved in traffic accidents with school vehicles. By clarifying what information remains private, the legislation aims to protect personal data held by government agencies and other public offices. This change directly affects state departments, courts, and medical boards that manage these records, ensuring they adhere to the new confidentiality standards.
Maddy summarySB 6 directs state retirement boards, the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, and state universities to invest their funds primarily to maximize financial returns for participants. The bill explicitly prohibits these entities from making investment decisions intended to influence social or environmental policies or corporate governance. While the legislation requires giving equal consideration to minority and women-owned businesses when selecting investments, it mandates that financial performance and safety remain the primary drivers of investment choices. Additionally, the law outlines specific procedures for purchasing, selling, and safeguarding assets, requiring annual publication of investment policies and compliance with standard financial reporting guidelines.
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 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 designates the 1905 Wright Flyer III as the official state airplane of the state. It achieves this by amending the state code to formally recognize the historic aircraft, which was the first successful powered flight. The legislation does not authorize the purchase of the plane or require any government agency to operate it. Instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the Wright brothers' invention and its historical significance.
Maddy summarySB 215 prohibits foreign nationals from making financial contributions or expenditures to support or oppose ballot issues in elections. The bill directly affects campaign committees, political parties, and other groups that raise funds for election-related activities by banning them from accepting money from non-citizens for these specific purposes. Key provisions define what counts as a contribution and expenditure while clarifying that voluntary services and personal expenses do not fall under this restriction. This measure aims to restrict foreign influence in ballot issue campaigns without addressing contributions to candidate races or other political entities.