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.
Recent Bill Activity
Showing activity from Nov 15, 2025 to Dec 15, 2025
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: SB56 revises medical and adult-use marijuana laws in Ohio, consolidates the administration of the marijuana control program, and establishes a 15% excise tax on adult-use marijuana sales. The bill also includes provisions for licensing cultivators, processors, and dispensaries, as well as regulations for the cultivation and use of marijuana. It mandates criminal records checks for applicants and sets penalties for violations of the law.
Summary: The bill regulates imitation meat and egg products by requiring educational institutions and state colleges to adopt policies that prevent the purchase of misbranded meat or egg products and cultivated-protein food products. It establishes penalties for violations and mandates compliance with labeling standards for such products.
Summary: The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to adjust age requirements for kindergarten admission, allowing children who are five years old by a specified date to enroll. It also permits admission for children younger than five under certain conditions, such as enrollment in Montessori programs, and establishes reporting requirements for community schools regarding student demographics and special education services.
Summary: The bill modifies the process for property tax sales-assessment ratio studies by requiring the tax commissioner to base these studies solely on a representative sampling of open market arms' length sales from the previous three years. It also establishes procedures for appeals regarding changes in property assessments and mandates compliance timelines for county auditors. The amendments apply to tax year 2025 and subsequent years.
Summary: The bill limits the ability of school districts in Ohio to reallocate unvoted property tax millage and includes certain property and school district income taxes in the calculation of a school district's effective millage floor. It requires the tax commissioner to determine tax reduction factors and mandates public hearings for certain tax levy changes. The amendments apply to tax years beginning on or after the effective date of the bill.
Summary: The bill prescribes limitations on contracts between intercollegiate athletes and third parties regarding the use of the athletes' name, image, or likeness. It prohibits contracts that extend beyond the athlete's eligibility and restricts compensation related to the athlete's name, image, or likeness after eligibility ends. Violations render such contracts void.
Summary: HB186 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to authorize a reduction in school district property taxes based on a millage floor that limits tax increases according to inflation, and requires adjustments in the school funding formula accordingly. The bill applies to property classified as residential/agricultural and nonresidential/agricultural within affected school districts, allowing for tax reductions over a specified period. It also includes provisions for tax commissioner determinations and adjustments related to property valuations and tax rates.
Summary: The bill requires nonresidential construction contractors, subcontractors, and labor brokers to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. It mandates record-keeping of verification for three years and imposes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential revocation of licenses. Exceptions apply if prior verification has been completed or if federal law does not require re-verification.
Summary: The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to revise laws governing dogs, particularly focusing on the registration and regulation of dangerous and vicious dogs. It establishes requirements for dog owners, including registration fees, penalties for non-compliance, and provisions for the humane treatment of dogs. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of county dog wardens and the process for designating dogs as dangerous or vicious.
Summary: The bill mandates that county and municipal correctional facilities, as well as state correctional institutions, provide female inmates with free access to feminine hygiene products and at least one shower per day, except during emergencies. Facilities must implement policies to ensure non-discriminatory access to these products and maintain sanitary disposal methods.
Summary: HB309 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code related to county budget commissions, property taxation, and the distribution of local government and public library funds. It modifies the processes for calculating and certifying funds payable to school districts and establishes requirements for tax budgets and levies by subdivisions. The bill also allows for alternative methods of apportionment for public library funds, subject to approval by local authorities.
Summary: HB335 modifies the law governing county budget commissions, property taxation, county sales taxation, and alternative apportionment formulas for local government and public library funds. It includes provisions for tax reductions, definitions of property classifications, and establishes procedures for tax levies and budget adjustments. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of county auditors and the tax commissioner in determining tax rates and reductions.
Summary: The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to require individuals applying for nursing licensure or certificates to submit to a criminal records check. It specifies the conditions under which the Board of Nursing may deny or revoke licenses based on criminal convictions and establishes confidentiality for the results of these checks. The bill also allows for disciplinary actions against nursing professionals based on findings of fraud or misconduct.
Summary: This bill allows natural gas companies to implement alternative rate plans specifically for large load customers, modifies the process for valuating natural gas company property, and establishes criteria for settlements in public utility commission proceedings. It includes provisions for the approval of commercial agreements with large load customers and ensures that such agreements do not negatively impact non-large load customers financially.
Summary: This bill designates a portion of State Route 2 in Lake County as the 'Specialist Lloyd Andrew Sellers Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name.
Summary: This bill designates March 9th as '6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day' to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black women's unit to serve overseas during World War II.
Summary: The bill authorizes the Governor to convey state-owned land in Greene and Tuscarawas counties, as well as property to the Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical School District and the Groveport Madison Local School District. The conveyance includes all improvements and is subject to existing leases, easements, and restrictions. The sale process involves sealed bids, with a requirement for the purchaser to pay associated costs and a deposit upon acceptance of the bid.
Summary: The bill requires all marked absent voter's ballots to be delivered to the board of elections by the close of the polls on Election Day to be counted. It specifies the identification requirements for voters and outlines the procedures for returning ballots, including the use of secure receptacles monitored by video surveillance. Ballots received after the deadline will not be counted but will be preserved until destruction is permitted.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: The bill amends sections 3331.02 and 4109.07 of the Revised Code to modify the requirements for age and schooling certificates and work hour regulations for minors under sixteen years of age. It specifies documentation needed for employment, limits work hours during school days, and establishes conditions under which minors may work. The bill also mandates the creation of a minor work hour notification form by the director of commerce.
Summary: The bill establishes an escaped convict alert program to assist law enforcement in locating individuals who have escaped from incarceration while awaiting adjudication or after being convicted of a felony. Law enforcement agencies can activate the alert program in the area surrounding the escape location. The bill also provides immunity from liability for participating media outlets regarding the broadcast of information related to the alert.
Summary: This bill designates the bridge spanning the Grand River in Lake County as the 'Specialist Jacob A. Ashton Memorial Bridge' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name.
Summary: The bill designates a portion of State Route 87 in Geauga County as the 'Dr. Steven Takacs Veteran Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name.
Summary: This bill designates a portion of State Route 421 in Medina County as the 'CPL David James Amheiser Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name.
Summary: 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.
Summary: The bill revises the law related to real estate wholesalers in Ohio, requiring wholesalers to provide a written disclosure statement to property owners before entering into contracts for residential real property. It establishes penalties for wholesalers who fail to comply with these disclosure requirements, allowing property owners to cancel contracts if disclosures are not made. The bill also outlines disciplinary actions against real estate licensees for various violations.
Summary: 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.
Summary: The bill prohibits sex offenders and child-victim offenders from residing within 2,000 feet and loitering within 1,000 feet of the victim's residence. It allows for legal action against offenders who violate these restrictions and specifies penalties for non-compliance. Exceptions are made if the victim resides near the offender's residence.
Summary: HB338 enacts Andy's Law, which increases penalties for assaulting or causing the death of specific victims in state or local correctional institutions. It amends various sections of the Revised Code related to assault and establishes new sections concerning the treatment of correctional officers and other specified individuals. The law mandates increased penalties and changes to rehabilitation and correction policies.
Summary: The bill requires community-based correctional facilities and programs to assist inmates in obtaining state identification cards prior to their release. Facilities must verify the inmate's age and identity and submit applications for those without valid ID cards to the registrar of motor vehicles. The bill outlines the process for application submission and the responsibilities of the registrar.
Summary: The bill amends section 341.25 of the Revised Code to expand the allowable uses of profits from jail commissary funds. Profits can be used for various purposes including purchasing supplies and equipment, providing life skills training, paying salaries for commissary employees, and covering emergency expenses for jail facilities. The sheriff is required to adopt rules for the operation of the commissary fund.
Summary: The bill exempts certain military-related limited term driver's license applicants from the driver's education requirements in Ohio. This exemption applies to applicants under twenty-one years of age and those twenty-one years of age or older who have completed a driver training course administered by the armed forces. The bill also declares an emergency for immediate effect due to the inability of certain foreign government officials and contractors associated with the military to drive in Ohio without completing the full driver's education courses.
Summary: This bill amends various sections related to the operation of public schools and the Department of Education in Ohio, including establishing academic standards, managing assessments, and increasing government oversight on educational practices. It sets requirements for school reporting, mandates training for peace officers, and outlines conditions for chartered nonpublic schools. While it aims to improve educational accountability and quality, the extensive requirements may conflict with Libertarian principles of limited government and individual freedom.
Summary: This bill amends the Charitable Gaming Law to authorize online raffles, allowing charitable organizations to conduct raffles via an online platform. It specifies conditions under which these raffles can be conducted, including requirements for ticket sales and distribution of proceeds. The bill also establishes penalties for illegal conduct of raffles.
Summary: The Baby Olivia Act mandates the inclusion of human growth and development instruction in health education for grades three through twelve in public schools. The curriculum must include specific materials such as ultrasound videos and educational videos on human development. Schools must comply with audits conducted by the Department of Education to ensure adherence to these requirements.
Summary: The bill permits teachers in public schools and state institutions of higher education to provide instruction on the influence of Christianity on history and culture, emphasizing the positive impacts of religion on American history. It outlines specific historical accounts and figures that may be included in the curriculum. The bill does not specify penalties or timelines for implementation.
Summary: The bill expands the prohibition against interfering with motor vehicle-related arrests and requires drivers to disclose their name, address, and date of birth to police officers upon request if reasonably suspected of a violation. Violations of these provisions result in penalties classified as a minor misdemeanor or a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
Summary: The bill prohibits possession of an electronic device under circumstances indicating an intent to steal a motor vehicle. It defines 'electronic device or tool' and establishes prima-facie evidence of criminal purpose related to such possession. Violators may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony depending on the intent and circumstances.
Summary: The bill aims to revise and streamline Ohio's occupational regulations to better accommodate the state's workforce. Specific details on the regulations affected, timelines, or penalties are not specified.
Summary: The bill requires public bodies to allow public commentary and testimony before taking formal action on any item. It mandates that all meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with specific exceptions outlined. Additionally, it establishes penalties for violations, including civil forfeitures and the potential removal of public officials who knowingly violate the provisions.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: HB88 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to increase penalties for drug trafficking, specifically for fentanyl and related substances, and prohibits organized trafficking of persons. It mandates educational institutions to include fentanyl awareness and abuse prevention in their curricula and designates August as 'Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month.' The bill also establishes penalties for violations related to trafficking in persons.
Summary: This bill designates October 4th as 'Henrietta Lacks Day' in Ohio. It establishes a specific day to honor Henrietta Lacks, recognizing her contributions to medical research. No penalties or specific requirements for observance are outlined in the bill.
Summary: The bill mandates public schools and community schools to implement academic intervention services for students demonstrating limited skills in mathematics. Schools must develop and submit improvement plans if less than 51% of students achieve proficiency on state assessments, and they are required to create individualized plans for students needing additional support within 60 days of assessment results. The bill also establishes guidelines for data collection and reporting related to student performance and intervention services.
Summary: The bill revises the law governing oil and gas wells in Ohio, including definitions, permitting processes, and regulatory authority of the division of oil and gas resources management. It establishes requirements for liability insurance, bonding, and the management of orphaned wells, while also detailing the application process for drilling permits and the conditions under which they may be issued or denied. The bill aims to ensure safe and regulated oil and gas production while addressing environmental and public health concerns.
Summary: This bill designates February 20th as 'Black Ohioan Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient Day' to honor Black soldiers from Ohio who received the congressional medal of honor for their actions during the American Civil War.
Summary: The Keep Them Safe Act provides guidelines and civil immunity for the voluntary storage of firearms with federally licensed firearms dealers or law enforcement agencies. It allows individuals to store firearms under specific conditions and establishes immunity from civil liability for dealers and agencies involved in the storage process. The act does not require any dealer or agency to accept firearms for storage.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: The bill requires each school district in Ohio to display certain historical educational documents in classrooms and may erect monuments on school grounds. Schools must comply by July 1, 2026, and can fund displays through donations without being required to spend their own funds. The documents include foundational texts such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Summary: The bill allows wild animal rehabilitation facilities to obtain a limited license to administer euthanasia drugs under specific conditions, including certification requirements for personnel and adherence to approved methods of euthanasia. The bill outlines the application process for licensure and stipulates that only approved drugs may be used for euthanasia. It also mandates that facilities must comply with state regulations regarding the handling and administration of these drugs.
In Senate Committee (Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety)
Summary: The bill enacts the School Bus Safety Act, designating August as 'School Bus Safety Awareness Month' and creating a school bus safety fund to provide grants to school districts for improving safety features on school buses. It establishes penalties for violations related to stopping for school buses and outlines the administration of the grant program by the Department of Education and Workforce. The bill also includes provisions for public education on school bus safety laws.
Summary: This bill allows students in Ohio schools to possess and use nasal epinephrine delivery devices to treat anaphylaxis, provided they have written approval from a prescriber and a parent or guardian. It outlines the necessary conditions for possession and use, including training requirements and emergency procedures. The bill also limits liability for school employees regarding the use of these devices under specified conditions.
Reported By Committee (House) (Children and Human Services)
Summary: The bill waives fees for obtaining identification cards and birth certificates for individuals experiencing homelessness in Ohio. It requires verification of homelessness from designated officials or agencies. The bill amends existing sections of the Revised Code to implement these changes.
Summary: This bill designates a portion of State Route 13 in Knox County as the 'Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Vance M. Andrews Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name.
Summary: The bill ratifies the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, allowing licensed school psychologists to practice across member states without redundant licensing requirements. It establishes a framework for cooperation among states to ensure the availability of qualified professionals and mandates compliance with local laws. The compact also facilitates the relocation of military members and their spouses who are licensed school psychologists.
Summary: The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to establish a timeline for the restoration of competency in criminal cases. It outlines procedures for defendants found incompetent to stand trial, including treatment requirements, evaluation timelines, and conditions under which charges may be dismissed or civil commitment pursued. The bill also specifies the maximum duration for treatment based on the severity of the offense charged.
Summary: This bill allows individuals aged 18 to 21 to purchase handguns from federally licensed firearms dealers in Ohio, amending existing laws that prohibit such sales to this age group. Exceptions are made for law enforcement officers and active military personnel who meet certain training requirements. The bill also outlines penalties for violations related to the sale and purchase of firearms.
Summary: The bill revises various sections of the Ohio Uniform Commercial Code to modernize and clarify the law governing commercial transactions, including definitions, scope, and provisions related to security interests, chattel paper, and electronic records. It aims to enhance the uniformity and efficiency of commercial law in Ohio, impacting businesses and individuals engaged in commercial transactions. Specific changes include provisions for the control of electronic records and updates to the rules governing security interests.
Summary: This bill designates a portion of Interstate 275 in Hamilton County as the 'Deputy Larry Henderson Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name.
Summary: The bill creates the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund in the state treasury, which will receive voluntary contributions from individuals when registering motor vehicles or filing state income tax returns. The fund will provide financial support to hospitals for pediatric cancer research and cover administrative costs associated with the fund's management. Hospitals seeking funding must submit requests to the director of health, who will approve or disapprove these requests.
Summary: The bill authorizes law enforcement agencies to provide school resource officer services to chartered nonpublic schools in Ohio, requiring a memorandum of understanding between the school and the law enforcement agency. It establishes training requirements for school resource officers and outlines their roles and responsibilities within the school environment. The bill also allows for certain exemptions regarding training for officers appointed before a specified date.
Summary: The bill establishes that county departments of job and family services have the authority to receive and investigate reports of exploitation of adults residing in long-term care or residential care facilities. If an investigation finds that protective services are needed, the department must provide those services. This authority is in addition to existing duties of the long-term care ombudsman program.
