The Ohio Assembly can have bills in process across all committees in both the House of Representatives and Senate. Here is a list of the bills the LPO political team are tracking.
If you are aware of a bill in committee that you would like to see added, reach out.
Items with icons have been reviewed on whether they align with the Libertarian Party of Ohio Platform and/or National Libertarian Platform.
✅ Aligns and passed by House/Senate
✔️ Aligns, still in committee
❌ Does not Align
Check on Recent Bill Activity.
- ❌ SB335 Make Election Day a holiday
The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to designate Election Day as a legal holiday in Ohio. This change affects public offices, schools, and employees who will receive holiday pay on this day. The bill does not specify any penalties or exceptions. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports increased participation in elections by making Election Day a holiday, which aligns with the LPO's emphasis on individual rights and civic engagement. However, it introduces a government-mandated holiday, which may conflict with LP principles of minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential increase in government control over private sector scheduling
- May lead to unintended economic impacts on businesses
- ❌ HB633 Enact the The Fee Transparency Act
The Fee Transparency Act prohibits suppliers from advertising, displaying, or offering prices for goods or services without including all mandatory fees and charges in a clear and conspicuous manner. Exceptions include certain financial transactions, broadband services, and food delivery platforms. Violations are considered unconscionable acts in consumer transactions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulations on how prices are advertised, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of free markets and minimal government intervention. Both the LP and LPO advocate for limited government control over economic transactions, and this bill introduces additional restrictions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of advertising practices
- Potential for unintended consequences in market pricing
- Reduced consumer choice in how prices are presented
- ❌ HB632 Allow driver's license or ID card to show Gold Star Family status
The bill allows a driver's license or state identification card to indicate that the holder is a Gold Star Family member, defined as an immediate family member of a person who died in a combat zone while serving in the U.S. armed forces. The registrar of motor vehicles will implement this change, requiring documentation to verify the Gold Star Family status. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government designation that could be seen as a form of special recognition or privilege, which conflicts with the LP's emphasis on individual rights and limited government intervention. The LPO's mixed score reflects some alignment with their support for individual rights but also acknowledges the potential for government overreach in designating certain groups.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in defining special statuses
- Increased bureaucracy in the issuance of identification
- Possibility of discrimination against non-Gold Star Family members
- ❌ HB631 Regards underage possession, consumption, purchase of marijuana
HB631 amends sections 3796.06 and 3796.99 of the Revised Code to modify prohibitions regarding underage possession, consumption, and purchase of marijuana. It establishes penalties for violations, including misdemeanors for underage possession and consumption, and allows for diversion programs for minors. The bill also sets limits on the tetrahydrocannabinol content of marijuana products. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on the consumption and possession of marijuana by individuals under 21, which conflicts with the Libertarian principle of self-ownership and the right to make personal choices regarding consumption. The Libertarian Party of Ohio's platform supports the removal of laws pertaining to drug possession and use, indicating a mixed alignment with the bill.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal choices
- Potential for criminalization of youth behavior
- Inconsistent application of justice for drug-related offenses
- ❌ HB630 Regards police escorts for farm equipment, agricultural vehicles
The bill amends section 4513.34 of the Revised Code to provide regulations for police escorts for farm equipment and agricultural vehicles. It allows for the issuance of special permits for vehicles exceeding weight limits and specifies conditions under which law enforcement escorts are not required. The bill also establishes permit fees and conditions for the movement of these vehicles on state highways. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional regulations and permit requirements for agricultural vehicles, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention and free markets. However, it does facilitate the movement of agricultural equipment, which aligns somewhat with LPO's support for economic development.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over agricultural operations
- Potential for cronyism in permit issuance
- Administrative burden on farmers due to permit requirements
- ❌ SB334 Designate Officer Jacob J. Derbin Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of I-480 in Cuyahoga County as the 'Officer Jacob J. Derbin Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with core Libertarian principles as it involves government action to designate a highway, which can be seen as an unnecessary use of state resources and an imposition on individual autonomy.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of state resources for memorials
- May set a precedent for further government designations
- ❌ SB333 Establish the Statewide Youth Council in the Governor’s Office
The bill establishes a Statewide Youth Council in the Office of the Governor, consisting of twenty appointed youth members aged 14 to 18. The council will advise on youth-related legislation and issues, submit annual policy recommendations, and may engage in legislative advocacy and public engagement. Members will not receive compensation but may be reimbursed for approved expenses. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in youth affairs through a state council, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government and individual autonomy. It establishes a formal structure for government advocacy, which may infringe on the rights of individuals to self-organize without state interference.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over youth advocacy
- Potential for misuse of government resources
- Encouragement of state-sponsored lobbying
- ✔️ HB629 Enact the Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act
The bill authorizes pharmacists to treat minor health conditions and prescribe medications for specific conditions, including influenza, urinary tract infections, and HIV prevention, among others. It establishes protocols for pharmacists to follow, requires training for certain tests, and mandates coordination with primary health care providers for follow-up care. The bill also includes provisions for insurance reimbursement for services provided by pharmacists. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill expands the role of pharmacists in healthcare, aligning with the LP's support for personal liberty and self-ownership by allowing individuals more access to healthcare options. However, it introduces some regulatory frameworks that may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention. The LPO aligns with the bill's intent to enhance healthcare access while maintaining a focus on state sovereignty and individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation of healthcare practices
- Risk of over-reliance on pharmacists for healthcare without adequate oversight
- ❌ HB628 License artificial intelligence risk mitigation organizations
The bill establishes a licensing framework for independent verification organizations that assess artificial intelligence models and applications for risk mitigation. It outlines the application process, requirements for verification, and the authority of the attorney general to license and revoke these organizations. The bill also mandates ongoing monitoring and reporting by the licensed organizations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government regulation and oversight of artificial intelligence, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual freedom. It imposes requirements on developers and deployers, which may hinder free market operations and personal liberties. The alignment scores reflect significant opposition to core Libertarian values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over technology
- Potential stifling of innovation in AI development
- Imposition of regulatory burdens on businesses
- ✔️ HB627 Allow county commissioners to disapprove scenic river designation
The bill allows county commissioners to disapprove the designation of certain watercourses as scenic rivers. It requires public notice and a resolution from the board of county commissioners to prevent the designation. The bill also stipulates that the director of natural resources must be notified if such a resolution is adopted. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian Party of Ohio's emphasis on local governance and property rights, allowing local authorities to have a say in environmental designations. However, it introduces a level of government intervention that may conflict with the broader Libertarian principle of minimal government involvement in individual and property rights, leading to a mixed alignment score for the LP.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for local government overreach in environmental management
- Conflicts with broader environmental protections
- May lead to inconsistent environmental standards across counties
- ✔️ HB626 Require courts to supply electronic notification of hearings
The bill requires Ohio courts to implement an electronic notification system to remind defendants in criminal and traffic cases of their scheduled court appearances. This system will send multiple reminders via text or email, ensure compliance with consent laws, and provide information on how to resolve missed appearances. Courts must also document the effectiveness of the program and collect relevant data. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes individual accountability by reducing failures to appear in court, which aligns with the Libertarian emphasis on personal responsibility. However, it also involves government intervention in communication and data collection, which may conflict with the principles of minimal government and privacy. Both the LP and LPO platforms express concerns about government overreach, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in data collection
- Increased reliance on government systems for personal reminders
- Privacy concerns regarding the handling of personal contact information
- ❌ HB625 Enact the Student Athlete Mobility (SAM) Act
The Student Athlete Mobility (SAM) Act allows students enrolled in high schools that do not offer certain team sports to petition to participate in those sports at neighboring public high schools. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, each school district must adopt a policy outlining the petition process, which requires approval from both the student's current school and the organization regulating interscholastic athletics. Students may not participate in the same sport at more than one school in a school year. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes student choice in athletic participation, aligning with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and parental rights. However, it also introduces regulatory requirements that may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention in personal decisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased bureaucratic processes in schools
- May lead to unequal access based on administrative decisions
- ❌ HB624 Regards employment under Ohio's overtime and minimum wage laws
The bill amends Ohio's overtime and minimum wage laws, specifically clarifying the distinction between employees and independent contractors. It establishes provisions for overtime pay, exemptions for certain employees, and requirements for employers regarding record-keeping and employee information. The bill also allows for alternative overtime policies by local authorities and outlines the process for employee complaints regarding wage violations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government regulations on employment and compensation, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government intervention in labor markets. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for free markets and oppose government-mandated wage controls, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over employment contracts
- Potential for reduced flexibility in employer-employee agreements
- Encouragement of bureaucratic processes that may hinder business operations
- ❌ HB623 Require religious dietary food options in certain facilities
The bill requires school districts, hospitals, and correctional facilities to provide religious dietary food options that meet specific religious dietary requirements. It also prohibits the misrepresentation of halal foods and establishes penalties for violations related to kosher and halal labeling. Facilities must accommodate these dietary requests upon reasonable notice. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill mandates government facilities to provide specific dietary options based on religious requirements, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of individual choice and limited government intervention. It imposes regulations on food labeling and dietary provisions, which contradicts the Libertarian Party's advocacy for free markets and minimal government involvement in personal choices.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of food services
- Potential for discrimination against non-religious dietary preferences
- Administrative burden on facilities to comply with dietary requirements
- ❌ HB622 Enact the Mental Health and Community Wellness Act
The bill enacts the Mental Health and Community Wellness Act, which amends laws regarding competency to stand trial, establishes a pilot program for community-based correctional facilities focused on mental health and substance abuse treatment, and requires prosecutors to seek civil confinement for defendants found incompetent to stand trial for violent offenses. It includes provisions for treatment, evaluation, and potential civil commitment of defendants based on their mental health status. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government intervention in mental health treatment and criminal justice processes, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government and individual autonomy. It mandates civil confinement and treatment, which may infringe on personal liberties and self-ownership. The LPO's platform also opposes excessive government involvement in crime and punishment, aligning with the concerns raised by the bill.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over individual mental health treatment decisions
- Potential for abuse in civil confinement processes
- Erosion of personal liberties and self-ownership rights
- ❌ HB621 Alter the law governing the regulation of pet stores
The bill amends section 956.181 and repeals section 956.23 of the Revised Code to change the regulation of pet stores in Ohio. It establishes a pet store license fund, which will be funded by license fees and civil penalties, and specifies that the director of agriculture will use these funds for administering related regulations. The details of the specific changes to the regulation are not specified. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a regulatory framework for pet stores, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both the LP and LPO advocate for limited government regulation, which this bill does not fully align with.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of private businesses
- Potential for cronyism in licensing processes
- Financial burden on pet store owners due to licensing fees
- ❌ HB620 Prohibit financing the purchase of a dog or cat
The bill prohibits retail sellers and lenders from financing the purchase of dogs or cats, declaring any such financing agreements void. Violators of this prohibition cannot collect any payments related to the sale or loan and may face legal actions for enforcement. The bill also allows for civil actions by borrowers who are harmed by violations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts individual freedom by prohibiting voluntary financial agreements between buyers and sellers, conflicting with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over private transactions
- Limits individual choice in financial agreements
- Potentially leads to unintended consequences in pet ownership
- ✔️ HB619 Authorize board of elections to meet by video conference
The bill authorizes boards of elections in Ohio to conduct meetings via video conference or similar electronic technology, while ensuring compliance with existing regulations regarding meeting conduct. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes the use of technology for government meetings, which aligns with principles of efficiency and transparency. However, it does not significantly advance individual liberties or reduce government control, leading to a mixed alignment with both LP and LPO principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for reduced public engagement in elections due to remote meetings.
- Concerns about transparency and accountability in virtual meetings.
- ❌ HB618 Create the Chillicothe Paints license plate
This bill creates a specialty license plate for the Chillicothe Paints, a local baseball team, allowing vehicle owners to apply for these plates. The application process includes a contribution fee that will be deposited into the license plate contribution fund, which supports various charitable organizations and programs in Ohio. The bill outlines the fees and requirements for obtaining the license plates. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government involvement in the creation and management of specialty license plates, which does not align with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It also establishes a contribution fund that could be seen as a form of taxation, which contradicts the Libertarian stance against taxation and government spending.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal vehicle registration
- Potential misuse of funds collected through contributions
- Encouragement of government favoritism towards specific organizations
- ❌ SB332 Dissolve academic distress comms; require student support teams
The bill dissolves academic distress commissions and requires the establishment of student support teams for low-performing school buildings starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The support teams will consist of various stakeholders, including school board members, teachers, and parents, and will develop recommendations to support student learning. Additionally, the bill allows law enforcement agencies to provide school resource officer services to chartered nonpublic schools. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government oversight in education through mandated support teams and the involvement of law enforcement in schools, which may conflict with LP principles of minimal government intervention. However, it does promote parental involvement and local decision-making, which aligns somewhat with LPO principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential for overreach in law enforcement presence in schools
- Mandated structures may limit flexibility for local schools
- ✔️ HB617 Enact the Ohio Capital Gains Tax Repeal Act
The bill exempts capital gains from state and municipal income taxation in Ohio, effectively repealing the taxation of such gains. It amends sections 718.01 and 5747.01 of the Revised Code and repeals section 5747.79, applying to taxable years ending on or after the effective date. A report on the fiscal impact of the act is required by June 30, 2027. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian Party and Libertarian Party of Ohio platforms by promoting economic liberty through the repeal of taxes on capital gains, which supports free market principles and individual property rights. Both platforms advocate for reduced taxation and government interference in economic matters.
- ❌ SB331 Allow certain public hospitality employees to accept gratuities
The bill allows certain public hospitality employees, defined as those working in publicly owned facilities such as parks, swimming pools, golf courses, and hotels, to accept gratuities in addition to their regular compensation. It prohibits public agencies from counting these gratuities towards minimum wage requirements or paying less than the customary compensation for similar positions. The bill also classifies accepted gratuities as earnable salary for various compensation purposes. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the ability of public employees to receive gratuities, aligning with the Libertarian principles of economic freedom and voluntary transactions. However, it still involves government regulation of employment practices, which may conflict with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on minimal government interference in labor markets. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government involvement in economic matters, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation in employment practices
- May create dependency on gratuities rather than fair wages
- ❌ SB330 Enact the Student Wellness Act
The bill allows school districts in Ohio to adopt policies that permit students to take mental health days as excused absences. The policies must define what qualifies as a mental health day, limit the number of such days per school year, and establish a method for determining if the student will receive or be referred to school health or support services. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-sanctioned policy for mental health days, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in personal choices and parental rights. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and the importance of parental control over children's education and welfare, which this bill partially undermines by introducing state-defined policies.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal health decisions
- Potential for misuse or overreach in defining mental health days
- Limits on parental rights regarding children's health and education
- ✔️ HB616 Require BMV translate the Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws
The bill requires the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to translate the Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws into additional languages, ensuring that the material is publicly available in every language used for administering driver examinations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes accessibility and communication for non-English speakers, which aligns with the LP and LPO's emphasis on individual rights and personal responsibility. However, it may also imply increased government involvement in language services, which could be seen as contrary to the principles of limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential increase in government spending for translation services
- May lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Could set a precedent for further government mandates on language services
- ❌ HB615 Enact the Retail Theft Prevention Act
The Retail Theft Prevention Act prohibits individuals from participating in retail theft in groups, defining penalties based on the value of stolen property and the number of participants involved. It establishes various degrees of theft offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with specific penalties for theft involving protected classes such as the elderly or disabled. The act also includes provisions for restitution and driver's license suspension for offenders under certain conditions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over individual behavior by imposing stricter penalties for theft and group criminal activity, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and personal responsibility. The LPO's platform also emphasizes limiting state powers in crime and punishment, suggesting a mixed alignment due to the bill's focus on enforcement and penalties.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government surveillance and enforcement related to theft prevention.
- Potential for overreach in prosecuting individuals involved in minor thefts.
- Encouragement of punitive measures that may not address root causes of theft.
- ✔️ HB614 Enact the Second Chance Safety Act
The bill enacts the Second Chance Safety Act, which provides civil immunity to federally licensed firearm dealers or law enforcement agencies that enter into a firearm hold agreement with the owner of a firearm. The agreement allows the dealer or agency to take possession of the firearm for a specified period and return it afterward. It also requires the dealer or agency to provide the owner with a pamphlet containing mental health resources and firearm safety device information. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principles of individual rights and self-defense by facilitating firearm ownership and providing legal protections for firearm dealers and law enforcement. However, it introduces some regulatory measures that may not align perfectly with the Libertarian platforms, leading to a slightly lower alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in firearm transactions
- Possibility of misuse of the firearm hold agreements
- ❌ HB613 Modify tax enforcement authority
The bill modifies the tax enforcement authority of the Ohio Department of Taxation and the Board of Tax Appeals by establishing problem resolution officers, requiring annual reports on tax audits and appeals, and setting timelines for hearings and determinations related to tax assessments and refunds. It also includes provisions for correcting assessments and managing appeals, with specific procedures for taxpayer communications and performance monitoring of tax agents. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces more bureaucratic processes and oversight within the tax system, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. However, it does not significantly increase taxes or restrict individual rights, leading to a mixed alignment with both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government bureaucracy
- Potential for inefficiencies in tax resolution
- Limited taxpayer autonomy in appeals process
- ❌ HB612 Regards credit union share guaranty corporations
The bill amends section 1761.10 of the Revised Code to establish requirements for credit union share guaranty corporations, including maintaining a guarantee fund at a minimum level, requiring capital contributions from participating credit unions, and allowing for special assessments and distributions based on the fund's status. It also outlines procedures for reporting defaults and the dissolution of the corporation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulatory requirements on credit unions and establishes government oversight of financial practices, which conflicts with the LP and LPO principles advocating for minimal government intervention in economic matters and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over financial institutions
- Potential for cronyism in the approval processes
- Restrictions on credit unions' operational flexibility
- ✔️ HB611 Issue medical marijuana processor cultivation, dispensary license
The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to issue cultivation and dispensary licenses for medical marijuana processors, allowing licensed processors to obtain and sell medical marijuana, and establishes a framework for the issuance of adult use cannabis licenses. It mandates compliance with specific requirements for applicants and sets a timeline for the issuance of licenses. The bill also includes provisions for the review of licenses and the establishment of an electronic database to monitor medical marijuana. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principles of personal liberty and economic freedom by allowing individuals and businesses to engage in the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana, aligning with the Libertarian Party's advocacy for personal choice and minimal government interference. However, it still involves regulatory oversight, which may be seen as a limitation on full market freedom.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation of the cannabis market
- Possibility of creating barriers to entry for small businesses
- Dependence on state licensing may limit personal freedom
- ❌ HB610 Dissolve existing academic distress commissions and repeal law
The bill dissolves existing academic distress commissions and repeals the law that creates new commissions, allowing school districts to reassume all powers previously held by these commissions. It also declares an emergency for immediate effect, preventing the formation of new commissions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian principles of reducing government control over education and restoring authority to local school districts, which supports individual rights and local governance. However, it does not fully embrace the LP's emphasis on free markets in education, as it does not eliminate government involvement entirely. The LPO score is higher due to the focus on local control and reduced state intervention, which aligns with their platform.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential lack of oversight for struggling schools
- Risk of inadequate educational standards without commissions
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Ohio House Bills with summary.
Ohio Senate Bills with summary.
For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of all bills, please refer to the official Ohio Legislature website.