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.
These bills have been summarized only.
Recent Bill Activity
Showing activity from Feb 1, 2026 to Feb 7, 2026
No bill movement in this timeframe.
- HB544 Expand the offense of obstructing justice
Bill HB544 amends section 2921.32 of the Revised Code to expand the offense of obstructing justice, making it illegal to hinder the discovery, apprehension, arrest, prosecution, or conviction of individuals involved in criminal activities. It specifies various actions that constitute obstructing justice and outlines penalties based on the severity of the crime being aided, including misdemeanors and felonies of varying degrees. The bill also includes provisions regarding the prosecution of individuals regardless of the outcome of the underlying crime. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB543 Create a food desert elimination grant program
The bill establishes a food desert elimination grant program administered by the Department of Development to incentivize grocery stores to open in food deserts, defined as areas with limited access to healthy food. Grocery retailers can apply for grants up to $15,000 if they meet specific requirements regarding the sale of healthful foods and location. Recipients must provide quarterly reports on the use of funds and health impacts. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB542 Require all inmate pregnancy outcomes be reported to DRC
The bill requires all county, municipal, and state correctional facilities in Ohio to report the pregnancy outcomes of pregnant inmates to the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction by December 31st of each year. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB541 Designate Deputy Daniel "Weston" Sherrer Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of U.S. Route 42 in Morrow County as the 'Deputy Daniel 'Weston' Sherrer Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers along the highway indicating its name. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB540 Require payments in lieu of taxes from certain conservation orgs
The bill requires nonprofit conservation organizations with significant tax-exempt land holdings (over 15,000 acres in a single county) to make payments in lieu of taxes equal to 2.5% of the unimproved taxable value of the property to the county treasurer. Payments are due annually by June 30, starting in 2026, and if unpaid, will be collected like delinquent property taxes. The funds collected will be distributed among local taxing units. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB54 Make appropriations for transportation for FY 2026-27 biennium
HB54 makes appropriations for transportation programs for the fiscal years 2026-2027, including funding for highway construction, maintenance, public transportation, and related infrastructure projects. It outlines the allocation of funds from various sources, including federal and state funds, and establishes conditions for the operation of these programs. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB539 Designate Thaddeus Koลciuszko Day
This bill designates February 4 as Thaddeus Koลciuszko Day in Ohio, honoring the Polish general and hero of the American Revolutionary War, who was born on that date in 1746. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB538 Revise the law governing the Ohio Athletics Commission
HB538 revises the law governing the Ohio Athletics Commission by placing it within the Department of Commerce, modifying its functions, and making an appropriation of $1,000,000 for its operations. The bill outlines the appointment process for commission members, their qualifications, and the conditions under which they may be removed. It also establishes rules for conducting boxing and mixed martial arts events, including licensing requirements for promoters and participants. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB537 Regulate midwifery, birth centers; designate Day of the Midwife
HB537 regulates the practice of midwifery and establishes requirements for freestanding birthing centers in Ohio. It mandates that hospitals set standards for considering applications for staff membership from midwives and prohibits discrimination against qualified midwives in these applications. The bill also designates May 5th as the 'Day of the Midwife.' (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB536 Modify cost apportionment - municipal court civil traffic tickets
The bill modifies how current operating costs are apportioned for municipal courts handling civil traffic tickets, requiring costs to be shared among municipal corporations and townships based on their respective caseloads. Municipalities are not liable for costs exceeding the total amount of fines and fees collected from them. Auditors must meet every six months to determine and adjust the proportionate shares of costs. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB535 Regards hospital-wide nursing care comm., nursing staffing plans
The bill requires hospitals to establish a hospital-wide nursing care committee to develop and implement nursing staffing plans, ensuring a minimum number of nurses are available for direct patient care. Hospitals must evaluate and adjust these plans every two years, with provisions for public health emergencies. Compliance reports must be submitted to the Department of Health, and penalties are imposed for non-compliance. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB534 Provide for the licensure of debt services providers
The bill provides for the licensure of debt services providers in Ohio, requiring them to obtain a license from the superintendent of financial institutions before offering debt resolution services. It establishes criteria for disqualifying offenses related to licensing, outlines the application process, and mandates the maintenance of consumer rights and transparency in transactions. The bill also specifies penalties for violations and the conditions under which licenses may be suspended or revoked. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB533 Revise list of vehicles that can commit vehicular homicide
Bill HB533 amends sections 2903.06 and 2903.08 of the Revised Code to expand the list of vehicles that can be involved in vehicular homicide or vehicular assault. It establishes penalties for causing death or serious harm while operating various types of vehicles, including mandatory prison terms and license suspensions based on prior offenses. The bill specifies conditions under which these offenses apply, particularly in construction zones. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB532 Regards custody of children who cannot be released to a parent
The bill requires public children services agencies to take immediate custody of specified children who cannot be released to a parent, guardian, or custodian. It outlines the procedures for filing complaints regarding children who are unruly, abused, neglected, or dependent, and establishes timelines for hearings and custody determinations. The bill also specifies circumstances under which a child may be taken into custody and the responsibilities of the agencies involved. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB531 Enact the School Chaplain Act
The bill permits public schools in Ohio to engage volunteer chaplains to provide support services, requiring a criminal records check for volunteers. Schools may adopt policies to authorize chaplain services, which are supplementary to existing counseling services, and parental consent is required for student participation. The implementation of this act is set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB530 Establish the Long-term Care Workforce Study Commission
The bill establishes the Long-term Care Workforce Study Commission to study the direct care and long-term care workforce in Ohio, make policy recommendations on workforce demand, recruitment strategies, educational needs, barriers to hiring, job quality, shared staffing opportunities, and funding mechanisms. The Commission will consist of members from the General Assembly and experts in the field, and it is required to issue a report by August 31, 2027. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB53 Designate John Rankin Day
This bill designates February 4th as John Rankin Day in honor of the abolitionist John Rankin and mandates the erection of a statue in his memory on the statehouse grounds, with site preparation funded by public funds and the memorial's design and construction funded by private contributions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB529 Authorize tax credit if hiring veterans, service members, spouses
HB529 authorizes refundable tax credits for employers who hire certain veterans, service members, and their spouses. The bill outlines the application process for tax credits, the conditions under which they can be claimed, and specifies the maximum amount of credits available. It also establishes a limit on the total amount of credits that can be approved in a calendar year. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB528 Require 7 year mandatory minimum prison term for forcible rape
The bill mandates a minimum prison term of seven years for individuals convicted of forcible rape, amending existing laws regarding sentencing for such offenses. It outlines specific conditions under which sexual conduct is considered rape and establishes penalties for violations. The bill also includes provisions regarding the admissibility of evidence in court related to the victim's and defendant's sexual activity. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB527 Allow felony defendants to request indictment by open grand jury
HB527 allows felony defendants to request an indictment by an open grand jury instead of a secret grand jury. The bill outlines the procedures for such requests, including timelines for hearings and the rights of defendants during the process. It specifies that defendants can present evidence and challenge the state's case in an open setting. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB526 Require orange International Symbol of Access windshield placards
The bill requires the issuance of orange removable windshield placards imprinted with the International Symbol of Access for individuals with disabilities that limit or impair their ability to walk. It establishes criteria for eligibility, application processes, and renewal requirements for these placards. Additionally, it outlines penalties for misuse of the placards and mandates the registrar to maintain records related to their issuance and expiration. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB525 Regards use of artificial intelligence in therapy services
The bill regulates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy services by licensed professionals in Ohio. It allows licensed therapy professionals to use AI for supplementary support tasks, provided they obtain informed consent from clients and adhere to confidentiality requirements. The bill prohibits AI from making therapeutic decisions or directly interacting with clients. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB524 Impose penalties for AI models suggesting harming self or another
The bill imposes penalties on developers of artificial intelligence models or applications that suggest self-harm or harm to others. It allows the attorney general to investigate violations, issue subpoenas, and impose civil penalties for non-compliance. The penalties collected will be deposited into a fund for suicide prevention and mental health crisis services. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB523 Enact the Future Educators Support Act
The Future Educators Support Act provides financial support for individuals enrolled in teacher preparation programs, including cost-of-living stipends and test fee reimbursements based on financial need. Public school districts may pay student teachers a wage and offer health care benefits. Additionally, state institutions of higher education may establish lower tuition rates for these individuals. The act also updates the list of in-demand jobs to include teachers. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference... - HB522 Regards federal mineral royalty payments
The bill amends section 1503.35 and enacts section 131.52 of the Revised Code to establish a federal mineral royalty clearing fund. It requires the treasurer of state to deposit federal mineral royalties from oil, gas, or mineral production on federal lands into this fund and mandates the distribution of these royalties to the respective counties of origin for specific public purposes. The bill also clarifies that federal mineral royalties are not considered forest products under existing law. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...