Sen. Bill Blessing

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Ohio school districts to include a specific exception in their open enrollment policies for children of active-duty military members. Under the new rules, districts must allow these military children to apply for enrollment without facing the usual restrictions that apply to students from other districts. The legislation defines "active duty member" as anyone serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard on full-time duty. While the bill outlines general procedures for admitting out-of-district students, it mandates that military families be treated as a distinct category eligible for enrollment regardless of the district's standard open enrollment limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Ohio Constitution to allow the state to issue up to $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds for public infrastructure projects. The funds would be used to build or improve roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, and waste disposal facilities for cities, counties, and townships. If approved by voters, the state could borrow money over ten years to finance these projects, with the full faith and credit of the state pledged to repay the debt. The legislation also specifies that the borrowed money must be used strictly for infrastructure and that the bonds would be exempt from state taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the role of licensed pharmacists by allowing them to dispense medications remotely and administer specific long-acting injections, such as those for addiction treatment, HIV, and mental health conditions. To qualify for these expanded duties, pharmacists must complete specialized training, maintain current basic life-support certification, and operate under strict protocols established by a physician. The legislation also outlines clear procedures for obtaining patient consent, ordering and evaluating necessary drug tests, and monitoring patients for adverse reactions after administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax incentive program designed to attract and retain computer data centers in Ohio by offering exemptions from property, income, sales, and use taxes on specific equipment. To qualify for these tax breaks, a facility must invest at least one hundred million dollars and commit to paying its employees a minimum of one million five hundred thousand dollars annually in wages. The legislation establishes a review process where state officials must verify that the investment will boost local payrolls and that the company is financially stable before granting the exemption. Ultimately, the bill aims to encourage large-scale technology investments while ensuring they provide significant economic benefits to the state and its communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers from requiring workers to sign agreements that restrict their ability to work for other companies or start their own businesses after leaving a job. It specifically bans clauses that prevent workers from seeking new employment, penalize them for quitting, or force them to pay fees for terminating their relationship with an employer. The law also prevents employers from forcing workers to resolve legal disputes outside of Ohio or depriving them of state legal protections, unless the worker has their own independent legal counsel. Violations of these rules can result in civil lawsuits where workers may recover actual damages, up to $5,000 in punitive damages, and legal fees, and the state attorney general or director of commerce can investigate complaints on their behalf.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to issue identification cards to inmates in correctional facilities and juvenile detention centers upon their release. The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and the Department of Youth Services will submit applications on behalf of these individuals to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, ensuring they receive documentation of their work experience, education, and trade skills. The legislation mandates that these cards include specific personal details and allows for the inclusion of information regarding anatomical gift wishes, veteran status, and medical directives. By streamlining the application process for incarcerated individuals, the bill aims to facilitate their reintegration into society by providing necessary identification and educational records.

Maddy summarySB 37 amends laws governing driver's license suspensions and penalties for failing to provide proof of financial responsibility. The bill allows municipal, mayor's, and county courts to order community service or installment payments for individuals who cannot afford to pay fines or costs associated with a conviction. If a person fails to appear in court or does not pay the imposed fines, the court can notify the motor vehicle registrar, who will then block the registration or transfer of any vehicle owned or leased by that person until the debt is cleared. The legislation also establishes standardized forms for reporting payment failures and allows the registrar to require electronic submission of these notices.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific week in Ohio as "Ohio Black Media Week" to honor press freedom, information access, equity, and equality. The legislation does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of these values within the state. By establishing this designation, the bill aims to highlight the role of Black media in Ohio without altering existing legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs state funds to the Mount Healthy City School District to help repay a solvency assistance loan the district received in a previous fiscal year. The legislation authorizes an appropriation from the state treasury specifically for this repayment obligation, ensuring the district can meet its financial commitments without additional local funding. By allocating these resources, the bill aims to stabilize the district's finances and prevent further fiscal distress.

Maddy summarySB 340 amends the law governing Ohio's Low- and Moderate-income Housing Trust Fund to allow the Director of Development to pledge up to $10 million in unclaimed funds from the Minority Business Bonding Program for the biennium ending in June 2025. This action is contingent upon a recommendation from the Minority Development Financing Advisory Board and is intended to address potential losses within the bonding program. The bill also establishes specific funding allocations for various state initiatives, including workforce development, infrastructure projects, and community revitalization efforts across different regions of Ohio.