Maddy summarySB 226, titled the Ohio Property Protection Act, expands existing laws that restrict certain governments, businesses, and individuals from acquiring specific types of property in Ohio. The bill requires anyone transferring real estate or manufactured homes to submit a detailed statement declaring the property's value and affirming whether the transferor or transferee is legally prohibited from buying such land. If the property was previously used for agricultural purposes, the statement must also address potential tax recoupment charges that may apply when that status changes. Furthermore, the act mandates that county auditors refuse to process the transfer of protected property unless the required declarations are included, and it directs auditors to refer suspicious transactions to law enforcement for investigation.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "regulatory relief office" within the Department of Commerce to manage a universal regulatory sandbox program designed for businesses testing innovative products or services. Under this program, the office can temporarily waive specific state laws and regulations that would normally require a license or authorization, allowing companies to operate in a controlled environment to demonstrate their offerings. The bill also establishes an advisory committee composed of business representatives, state agency officials, and legislators to guide the office and assess risks to consumer safety and financial well-being. Additionally, the office is tasked with identifying laws that hinder new industries, proposing changes to the General Assembly, and exploring agreements with other states that have similar sandbox programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for companies offering earned wage access services, which allow workers to receive some of their unpaid earnings before their scheduled payday. It directly affects businesses providing these services and the workers who use them by requiring companies to obtain a state registration certificate before operating. To get this certificate, providers must pay specific fees and undergo an investigation that includes background checks on key officers for criminal, civil, and credit history. The legislation also mandates the use of a nationwide multistate licensing system for applications and renewals to streamline the registration process across different states.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution from the Ohio Senate that urges federal agencies to implement policies protecting innovation and ensuring access to products. It emphasizes the importance of intellectual property rights and the Bayh-Dole Act, which allows private companies to license government-funded research for commercialization. The resolution specifically states that any government action regarding product access should not undermine these incentives or be used to set prices. Ultimately, it calls for collaboration between state and federal officials to maintain a favorable environment for technological development.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that honors Susan Elizabeth Burkey for her nearly thirty years of service to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission. It recognizes her contributions to the agency's drafting, fiscal analysis, and research functions, highlighting her role in supporting fourteen legislative sessions. The resolution formally salutes her professional achievements and directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to her.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution honoring the memory of Jo Ann Davidson, a former Ohio politician and public servant. It formally expresses the state legislature's condolences to her family and pays tribute to her career achievements, including her historic role as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. The resolution also directs the Senate Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to Davidson's family.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Ohio to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, a national agreement that lets licensed physician assistants practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses for each location. Under the new rules, a physician assistant can provide care to patients in any participating state as long as they hold a valid license from their home state and meet specific requirements like passing a criminal background check and completing a jurisprudence exam. While the license remains tied to the state where the physician assistant is originally licensed, the compact simplifies the process for military families and others who need to move frequently by recognizing their existing credentials. State licensing boards retain the authority to discipline physician assistants who practice in their state, regardless of where the professional originally obtained their license.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates September as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day to highlight the issue of suicide among military veterans. The legislation amends the state code to officially recognize this specific month for awareness and prevention efforts, replacing any previous designations. By establishing this annual observance, the bill aims to increase public focus on mental health resources and support systems for veterans. The change is administrative and does not alter existing funding or create new programs, serving primarily as a symbolic gesture to promote dialogue on the topic.
Maddy summarySB 156 amends the laws governing the designation and management of wild, scenic, and recreational rivers in Ohio. The bill primarily affects landowners, developers, and mining operations near these protected waterways by establishing specific buffer zones where surface and in-stream mining activities are prohibited. It sets strict distance limits from the highwater mark of designated rivers, ranging from 50 to 120 feet, depending on the size of the watershed the river drains. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that clearing snow or debris from undedicated roads in these areas does not constitute official approval of those roads by the township.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens protections against fraudulent business filings and deceptive mailings by requiring third-party service providers to clearly label their communications as advertisements and provide specific contact information. It prohibits these entities from including names or addresses on official documents without the explicit consent of the individuals involved and bans any language that makes filings appear to be issued by a government agency. The legislation also establishes a formal complaint process where affected individuals can report violations to the secretary of state, who is then authorized to investigate and refer potential criminal cases to prosecutors.