Sen. George Lang

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the state's Aeronautics Law to formally include seaplane bases, heliports, vertiports, and spaceports alongside traditional airports. It requires the Department of Transportation to review and approve plans for these facilities before they are used for commercial purposes, ensuring safety and preventing exclusive operating agreements that could limit public access. The legislation also mandates that pilots operating aircraft within the state must hold a valid federal license and carry it during flights, with penalties established for violations. Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions for various aviation terms and outlines procedures for appealing departmental decisions regarding facility approvals.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows courts to issue child support orders for children over the age of 18 who have a disability, extending financial support beyond the typical age of majority. It applies to parents involved in divorce, legal separation, or annulment proceedings and ensures that support continues as long as the child's disability-related needs persist. The legislation requires courts to calculate these support amounts using existing state guidelines that account for the child's medical and care expenses. By removing the age limit for disabled minors, the bill aims to provide ongoing financial assistance for adult children with disabilities who rely on their parents for care.

Maddy summarySB 291 proposes to exempt certain items purchased by logistics businesses from Ohio's sales and use tax if those items are used to transport manufactured products, general merchandise, or grocery goods. The bill amends existing tax code to clarify how taxes apply to leases and rentals of business equipment, specifically targeting long-term agreements and preventing tax avoidance through sham transactions. Additionally, the legislation maintains a list of existing exemptions for items like food sold off-premises, newspapers, and utilities delivered through pipes. This measure directly affects logistics companies and the state's tax collection process by removing tax liability on specific transportation-related purchases.

Maddy summarySB 96 allows employers in Ohio to post certain labor law notices and required documents on the internet instead of displaying them physically in the workplace. This change applies to employers of minors, contractors working on public projects, and businesses subject to prevailing wage laws, giving employees digital access to information about their rights and wage rates. The bill also clarifies rules regarding age verification for minors and penalties for submitting false employment documents. By permitting online posting, the legislation offers a modern alternative to traditional physical postings while maintaining the requirement that the information remain accessible to employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Ohio's state education board to update high school financial literacy and entrepreneurship standards to include specific concepts about free market capitalism. The new curriculum for grades nine through twelve must teach students that raw materials, labor, and capital are privately owned, that individuals control their own work and earnings, and that market prices help consumers and producers make informed decisions. It also mandates that these standards explain how wealth is created through profit-seeking transactions and how free markets drive entrepreneurship and innovation. Additionally, the legislation directs the state board to develop these academic standards independently rather than as part of a multi-state group and to include related political features like property rights and contract enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally honors Michael A. Rulli for his service as a member of the Ohio Senate. It recognizes his leadership roles, including his committee chairmanships and his work representing constituents in Columbiana and Mahoning counties. The resolution commends his professional achievements and expresses good wishes for his future, with a copy of the document to be sent to him by the Senate Clerk.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly funding political campaigns, ballot issues, or election-related communications within the state. It also bars state political entities from accepting or using money from foreign nationals for these purposes and makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly help facilitate such transactions. Violations of these rules carry criminal penalties, including fines and potential jail time, with the attorney general responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases.

Maddy summaryHB 305 amends several Ohio Revised Code sections to update definitions and restrict how public funds can be used by local governments and legal aid organizations. The bill clarifies what constitutes a "political subdivision" and prohibits these entities from using taxpayer money to publish content that supports political candidates, promotes illegal activities, or engages in electioneering. Additionally, it limits legal aid funds to specific services for indigent clients and bars their use in criminal or fee-generating cases. The legislation also introduces new rules for public depositories, requiring them to notify governing boards if they are involved in federal regulatory corrective actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, prohibits financial institutions in Ohio from requiring merchants to use special payment codes that identify them as firearms or ammunition retailers. It prevents banks and payment processors from refusing to process credit or debit card transactions solely because a merchant sells guns or ammo. While financial institutions can still decline transactions for fraud, legal compliance, or customer requests, the law specifically bars them from using merchant category codes to distinguish firearm sellers from other businesses. The bill also establishes enforcement measures where the Attorney General can issue notices and seek court injunctions against any entity that violates these privacy protections.

Maddy summarySB 89 ratifies the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, allowing Ohio-licensed cosmetologists to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses for each location. The bill establishes a multistate licensing system where professionals holding a single license in their home state can work across participating states while maintaining oversight from their original licensing authority. To ensure public safety, the compact includes provisions for sharing disciplinary records, conducting background checks, and setting uniform standards for competency exams and background investigations. This framework aims to increase workforce mobility and support military families who relocate frequently, while still protecting consumers through coordinated regulation among member states.