Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the state's criminal justice procedures to allow individuals to request a new trial or postconviction relief if they present new evidence that would likely change the original verdict. It specifically mandates that courts hold resentencing hearings for offenders whose death sentences are overturned due to specific legal errors, intellectual disability findings, or changes in the law. Under the new rules, if a death penalty is vacated, the court must resentence the individual to life imprisonment or a term of at least thirty years, unless the person previously waived the right to parole. Additionally, the legislation requires the State Criminal Sentencing Commission to monitor the impact of these changes on local government costs and the state correctional system.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 595, titled the Universal Preschool Act, directs the state Department of Education and Workforce to conduct surveys and hold meetings with school districts and education organizations to assess the feasibility of implementing universal preschool and all-day kindergarten programs. The bill requires the department to compile findings into a report detailing implementation challenges and estimated costs, which must be shared with legislative committees and state officials by March. While the legislation outlines a framework for these new programs, it does not currently appropriate specific funding, instead proposing a potential one-time grant if the legislature decides to provide it. Additionally, the bill allows school districts to request waivers from the new requirements through a public hearing process, with the state Board of Education having the final authority to approve or deny such requests. To help offset the costs associated with these initiatives and sports gaming enforcement, the act also increases the sports gaming tax rate for certain operators.
Maddy summaryHB 589 prohibits the state of Ohio from executing death sentences by administering nitrogen gas. The bill mandates that executions must be carried out using lethal injections, which involve administering a specific drug or combination of drugs to cause death. If lethal injection is later ruled unconstitutional, the law allows for alternative execution methods as long as they do not involve nitrogen gas. This legislation directly affects the procedures used by the state correctional system to carry out capital punishment.
Maddy summaryHB 543 updates the rules for handling property tax payments and records when land is divided, transferred, or inherited. It requires owners to submit specific affidavits to the county auditor to prove inheritance details before transferring real estate through descent. The bill also mandates that unpaid taxes and penalties be fairly split between the new owner and the remaining part of a property when a parcel is subdivided. Additionally, it prevents individuals who owe back taxes from buying properties that have been seized due to tax delinquency. These changes aim to streamline tax record-keeping and ensure fair allocation of tax liabilities during property transactions.
Maddy summaryHB 541 amends state labor laws to require school employees to report suspected violations involving minors under sixteen years of age. The bill also mandates that employers maintain accurate lists of minor employees and provides enforcement officials with the authority to verify the age of workers who appear to be under eighteen. Key provisions include creating a dedicated enforcement fund to hire staff, increasing penalties for violations, and allowing for the detention of minors who refuse to provide their age and residence information to officials.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes county auditors to create local programs that test the quality of gasoline and diesel sold at retail stations. Under the new rules, designated inspectors would check fuel for water, sediment, and octane levels, requiring dealers to provide access to their pumps and storage tanks for these checks. If a station fails to meet specific standards, such as having too much water in the fuel or incorrect octane levels, the inspector can issue an order to stop sales and potentially impose civil penalties. The bill also mandates that all test results be shared with the state director of agriculture and made available to the public online, while allowing counties that already have such programs to continue operating them.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in the state to cover prostate cancer screenings for men who are at least forty years old and considered high-risk. Eligibility for this coverage is based on having a family history of prostate cancer or a personal diagnosis of a genetic alteration linked to increased risk. The law mandates that these screenings, which include tests like prostate-specific antigen checks and digital rectal examinations, be provided without any cost-sharing requirements such as copayments or deductibles. Additionally, the state insurance superintendent must create specific rules to define the types of tests covered and ensure screenings occur at least once every year.