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.
- ❌ SB217 Authorize conveyance of state-owned land.
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. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill's provisions for government control over land conveyance and the potential for eminent domain conflict with LP principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. However, the LPO's support for local governance and limited state intervention aligns somewhat with the bill's focus on local school districts.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over property transactions
- Risk of eminent domain implications
- Possibility of cronyism in the bidding process
- ❌ SB216 Designate Clarence "Sonny" Smith, Jr. Memorial Highway.
This bill designates a portion of State Route 7 in Mahoning County as the 'Clarence "Sonny" Smith, Jr. 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 the LP or LPO principles as it involves government action to designate a highway, which does not support individual liberty or free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ SB215 Modify homestead exemption calculation, eligibility criteria
The bill modifies the calculation and eligibility criteria for the homestead exemption in Ohio, affecting individuals who are permanently disabled, aged 65 or older, or surviving spouses of such individuals. It establishes income thresholds and adjusts tax reductions based on the applicant's income percentile relative to Ohio residents. The bill also includes provisions for disabled veterans and surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over property taxation and provides targeted tax benefits, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. It also establishes income thresholds that may be seen as a form of wealth redistribution, opposing the LPO's stance against government-imposed taxation and spending.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property taxation
- Potential for wealth redistribution through tax exemptions
- Encouragement of dependency on government benefits
- ✔️ SB214 Remove firearm mufflers, suppressors as dangerous ordnance
The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to remove firearm mufflers and suppressors from the classification of dangerous ordnance, allowing individuals with valid hunting licenses to use suppressors while hunting, provided they comply with state and federal laws regarding possession and registration. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian Party's principles of individual rights and self-defense by removing restrictions on suppressors, which are viewed as tools for lawful firearm use. Both the LP and LPO support the right to keep and bear arms without unnecessary government restrictions.
- ❌ SB213 License traffic law photo-monitoring device companies; levy a tax
The bill requires companies that sell, provide, install, or manage traffic law photo-monitoring devices in Ohio to obtain a license and imposes a tax on their gross receipts from municipal contracts. It establishes penalties for non-compliance and outlines the process for issuing tickets based on violations detected by these devices. The bill also mandates the maintenance and calibration of the devices to ensure accuracy. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government regulation and taxation on businesses involved with traffic law photo-monitoring devices, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. It imposes additional compliance burdens and taxes that are contrary to the Libertarian Party's advocacy for reduced government control and taxation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private businesses
- Potential for misuse of traffic law photo-monitoring devices
- Higher operational costs for companies due to licensing and taxes
- ❌ SB212 Create Play Golf Ohio license plate
The bill creates a 'Play Golf Ohio' specialty license plate, allowing vehicle owners to apply for registration and issuance of these plates. A contribution of $25 is required for each application, which will be deposited into a license plate contribution fund to support golf promotion in Ohio. The bill also includes provisions for the collection of regular vehicle registration fees and an administrative fee. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government action to create a specialty license plate and requires contributions from vehicle owners, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government roles and individual freedoms, which this bill does not fully support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government involvement in personal choices
- Potential for misuse of funds collected through contributions
- Encouragement of government-sponsored initiatives over private sector solutions
- ❌ SB210 Regards licensing, contracts for pharmacy benefit managers
The bill establishes a licensing process and contractual requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Ohio, effective January 1, 2027. It mandates that no person may act as a PBM without a license, outlines the application process, sets fees, and specifies record-keeping and reporting obligations. Violations of the provisions can result in penalties, including suspension or revocation of licenses. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government licensing and regulatory requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize opposition to occupational licensing and government contracts that interfere with market dynamics.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over the pharmacy benefit management sector
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism in the licensing process
- Higher costs for consumers due to increased regulatory burdens
- ❌ SB21 Designate Rutherford B. Hayes Day
This bill designates October 4 as 'Rutherford B. Hayes Day' in Ohio. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the core principles of the Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Ohio, as it involves government designation of a commemorative day, which may be seen as unnecessary government involvement in cultural matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in cultural affairs
- May set a precedent for future government designations
- ✔️ SB209 Enact the Jeff, Dave, and Angie Patient Right to Try Act
The bill enacts the Jeff, Dave, and Angie Patient Right to Try Act, allowing pharmacists and healthcare facilities to dispense drugs, including for off-label use, under certain conditions. It establishes that healthcare professionals cannot face disciplinary actions for prescribing or dispensing such drugs unless there is gross negligence. The bill also mandates that patients be informed of out-of-pocket costs for drugs not covered by insurance. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual rights to make personal health decisions and reduces government interference in medical practices, aligning with both LP and LPO principles of personal liberty and free markets. However, it includes provisions that may limit the autonomy of healthcare providers, which could be seen as a minor caveat.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for misuse of off-label drug prescriptions
- Healthcare providers may face pressure to dispense drugs against their better judgment
- ❌ SB208 Require certain conveyance fees be allocated for housing purposes
The bill requires that any increased county real estate and manufactured home conveyance fees be allocated specifically for county housing purposes, including low-income housing, first-time home buyer assistance, disability housing, and transition housing. Counties may levy these taxes at a rate not exceeding thirty cents per hundred dollars of property value, following public hearings and resolutions by the board of county commissioners. The tax is to be paid by the grantor at the time of the deed transfer. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a tax on property transfers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and opposition to taxation. It mandates the allocation of funds for specific government purposes, which undermines individual property rights and the free market.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property transactions
- Potential for misuse of tax funds
- Discouragement of property transactions due to higher costs
- ❌ SB207 Prohibit certain health insurance cost-sharing practices
The bill prohibits certain health insurance cost-sharing practices by requiring health insuring corporations to file premium rates and copayment structures with the superintendent of insurance for approval. It mandates that copayments, cost sharing, and deductibles must be reasonable and not create barriers to necessary health care services, and it prohibits lifetime maximums on basic health care services. The bill applies to health benefit plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulations on health insurance practices, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters. It restricts the freedom of health insuring corporations to set their own terms and conditions, thereby undermining free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over health insurance practices
- Potential for reduced competition in the health insurance market
- Limitation of consumer choice in health care options
- ❌ SB206 Authorize property tax reduction for certain owner-occupied homes
The bill authorizes a property tax reduction for certain owner-occupied homes, specifically targeting individuals who are permanently disabled, aged 65 or older, or surviving spouses of such individuals. The reduction is calculated based on the property's value and the applicant's income, with specific provisions for disabled veterans and public service officers killed in the line of duty. The bill also outlines the application process and penalties for false statements regarding eligibility. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in property taxation and provides targeted tax reductions based on specific criteria, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and equal treatment under the law. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and oppose taxation policies that favor certain groups over others.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property taxation
- Potential for discrimination in tax benefits
- Administrative burden on local governments
- ❌ SB205 Authorize an income tax credit for family caregiving expenses
The bill authorizes a nonrefundable income tax credit for family caregiving expenses, allowing caregivers to claim 30% of eligible expenses incurred for eligible family members, with a maximum credit of $2,000. Eligible family members must be at least 50 years old and require assistance with at least two activities of daily living. The bill outlines specific criteria for eligible expenses and income thresholds for caregivers. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government tax credit which may be seen as an increase in government intervention in personal financial matters, conflicting with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement and reduced taxation. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced taxes and limited government interference in personal choices, which this bill does not align with.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government intervention in personal finances
- Potential for dependency on government support
- May set a precedent for further tax credits and government programs
- ❌ SB204 Allow suppression of eviction records in certain circumstances
The bill allows for the suppression of eviction records under certain circumstances, ensuring that such records are not publicly accessible until a court grants possession to the plaintiff. If possession is granted, the records may remain private if both parties agree. The bill outlines the procedures for serving eviction summons and the conditions under which records may be suppressed or made public. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill's provision for suppressing eviction records may align with privacy concerns, but it also introduces government control over public records, which conflicts with the LP's emphasis on transparency and limited government. The LPO's score reflects a more favorable view of privacy in legal matters but still recognizes potential issues with government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over public records
- Risk of abuse in the suppression of eviction records
- Lack of transparency in eviction proceedings
- ❌ SB203 Require political subdivisions to adopt a cybersecurity program
The bill requires political subdivisions in Ohio to adopt a cybersecurity program to safeguard their data and information technology resources. It mandates that these programs align with recognized best practices and includes provisions for training employees, reporting cybersecurity incidents, and handling ransom demands. Political subdivisions must formally approve any ransom payments through a resolution. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government mandates on political subdivisions, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy. It requires compliance with state-defined cybersecurity protocols, which may infringe on local governance and autonomy.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local entities
- Potential for misuse of cybersecurity data
- Financial burden on political subdivisions
- ❌ SB202 Enact the Chief Steven DiSario Act
The bill prohibits manufactured home park operators, condominium associations, neighborhood associations, and landlords from restricting the display of the thin blue line flag, the flag of the United States, the national league of families POW/MIA flag, and the state flag. It requires that any display of these flags must comply with specific guidelines regarding placement and size. Violations of this provision are deemed against public policy and unenforceable. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual expression through flag display, aligning with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and expression. However, it imposes restrictions on property owners' rights to regulate their property, which conflicts with core Libertarian values. The Libertarian Party of Ohio may find some alignment due to its emphasis on individual rights, but the imposition of regulations may still be seen as problematic.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation on property rights
- Conflicts with property owners' rights to control their premises
- May lead to legal disputes over flag display compliance
- ❌ SB201 Revise milk inspection fees, agricultural commodity handler law
The bill revises milk inspection fees, requiring the milk sanitation board to set fees based on the estimated costs of enforcement. It mandates large agricultural commodity handlers to execute a surety bond to protect against failure and establishes a grant program for dairy processing plants, with specific eligibility criteria and funding limits. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government regulation and oversight in the agricultural sector, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. The requirement for surety bonds and the establishment of a grant program represent increased government control and spending, which are opposed by both the LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over agricultural practices
- Potential for cronyism in grant distribution
- Financial burden on agricultural commodity handlers
- ❌ SB200 Create Ohio Israel Trade and Innovation Partnership
The bill establishes the Ohio Israel Trade and Innovation Partnership, which aims to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and collaboration between Ohio and Israel across various sectors, including business, academia, and technology. It creates a partnership consisting of appointed members from the Ohio Senate, House of Representatives, and various organizations, with a budget appropriation of $5 million for its activities. The partnership is required to report its findings and recommendations annually. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government involvement in trade and economic partnerships, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in the economy and free markets. It also establishes a government-funded partnership, which may be seen as an unnecessary use of taxpayer funds, further diverging from Libertarian ideals.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for cronyism in trade partnerships
- Encouragement of government intervention in private markets
- ❌ SB20 Designate Ohio Stroke Awareness Week
This bill designates the first week of May as 'Ohio Stroke Awareness Week' to promote awareness of stroke prevention and treatment. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a government-mandated awareness week, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in health awareness
- May set a precedent for more government-mandated health initiatives
- ❌ SB2 Increase power generation; improve Ohio’s electric grid
The bill aims to increase power generation and improve the affordability and reliability of Ohio's electric grid. It does not specify the methods or technologies to be used, nor does it outline any penalties or timelines for implementation. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government involvement in energy generation and regulation, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government interference in markets and individual choices.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over energy markets
- Potential for cronyism in energy contracts
- Reduction in market competition
- ❌ SB199 Levy a fee on gross sports gaming wagers; specify revenue use
The bill levies a 2% fee on gross sports gaming wagers in Ohio, with the revenue designated to support publicly owned professional sports facilities and interscholastic athletics. It establishes a sports venue redevelopment commission to evaluate and approve projects funded by this fee. The bill also outlines the administrative processes for tax collection and penalties for non-compliance. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a new fee on sports gaming, which contradicts the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and taxation. It also allocates funds to government-controlled sports facilities, which may be seen as supporting cronyism and government spending, conflicting with both LP and LPO platforms that advocate for reduced government involvement in economic matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over sports and gaming industries
- Potential for misuse of tax revenue
- Encouragement of cronyism in public funding for sports facilities
- ❌ SB198 Prohibit certain actions re: reimbursing 340B covered entities
The bill prohibits drug manufacturers, repackagers, and third-party logistics providers from denying, restricting, or limiting the acquisition and delivery of 340B drugs to 340B covered entities. It also prevents these entities from requiring claims or utilization data from 340B grantees as a condition for drug acquisition or delivery. Violations can result in civil penalties and administrative actions. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on drug manufacturers and health plan issuers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of free markets and minimal government intervention. It also creates potential government overreach in regulating the pharmaceutical industry, which is contrary to both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over the pharmaceutical industry
- Potential for unintended consequences affecting drug availability
- Creation of a precedent for further regulatory measures
- ❌ SB197 Legalize, tax internet gambling; make other Gambling Law changes
SB197 legalizes and regulates internet gambling in Ohio, establishing licensing and taxation frameworks, while also mandating compliance measures for operators. It allows for various gambling activities, including lottery and sports betting, but imposes extensive regulations that may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government interference. While the bill aligns with personal freedom in gambling, the taxation and regulatory aspects introduce potential conflicts with libertarian views on government overreach. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual choice and market freedom by legalizing gambling, aligning with Libertarian values. However, the aspects of taxation and increased government regulation create misalignment with core principles favoring minimal government intervention, leading to moderate alignment scores for both parties.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over gambling activities
- Dependency on gambling revenue for state funding
- Regulatory burdens may stifle competition and limit market entry for small operators
- Increased oversight could infringe on individual liberties and personal choices
- ❌ SB196 Limit the amount of fees charged in connection with ticket sales
The bill limits the total fees charged by online ticket marketplaces and operators to no more than five dollars per transaction for ticket sales to entertainment events in Ohio. It defines various terms related to ticket sales and establishes penalties for violations as unfair and deceptive acts under existing consumer protection laws. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on the fees that can be charged in ticket sales, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of free markets and voluntary transactions. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for minimal government interference in economic activities, which this bill contradicts.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over pricing in the market
- Limits the ability of businesses to set their own fees
- May lead to reduced services or options for consumers
- ❌ SB195 Revise volunteer fire department and volunteer firefighter law
The bill revises laws concerning volunteer fire departments and firefighters, allowing state employees who are volunteer firefighters to receive paid leave for emergency services or training. It also establishes a tuition waiver program for volunteer firefighters attending state institutions of higher education and provides tax credits for employers offering volunteer firefighting leave benefits. The bill includes provisions for appropriations to support these changes. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports volunteer firefighting through paid leave and educational benefits, which aligns with the LPO's emphasis on community support and local governance. However, it introduces government involvement in employment practices and financial incentives that may conflict with LP principles of minimal government intervention and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over employment practices
- Potential for cronyism in grant distribution
- Dependency on government funding for volunteer services
- ❌ SB194 Make various changes to public assistance benefits programs
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to update public assistance benefits programs, including eligibility determination processes, training for caseworkers, and the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It establishes mechanisms for tracking application information, requires timely certification of benefits for eligible households, and mandates reporting on public assistance programs. Additionally, it outlines procedures for handling lost or stolen electronic benefit transfer cards and includes provisions for monitoring account balances. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill expands government oversight and control over public assistance programs, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy. It imposes regulations and requirements that may infringe on personal liberties and economic freedom, aligning poorly with both the LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over individual lives
- Potential for misuse of personal data
- Stigmatization of public assistance recipients
- ❌ SB193 Designate Captain Joshua Michael McClimans Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of State Route 241 in Summit County as the 'Captain Joshua Michael McClimans 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 the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and individual rights, as it involves government action to name a highway and erect markers, which can be seen as unnecessary government expenditure and intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- Encourages government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- ❌ SB192 Declare intent to provide funding re: housing in rural counties
The bill declares the intent of the Ohio General Assembly to provide funding for developing, repairing, or upgrading infrastructure that services housing in rural counties with populations not exceeding 75,000 and where the number of privately owned housing units is below the state average. The funding is specifically aimed at single-family residential dwellings located on parcels no larger than a quarter of an acre and situated in areas zoned exclusively for such dwellings. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government funding for housing infrastructure, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and free markets. It imposes restrictions on property use and zoning, undermining property rights and individual choice.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over housing markets
- Potential for cronyism in funding allocation
- Restrictions on property rights and individual freedoms
- ❌ SB191 Regards disadvantaged pupil impact aid for certain schools
The bill establishes a program for disadvantaged pupil impact aid for chartered nonpublic schools participating in state scholarship programs. It requires the Department of Education and Workforce to calculate and distribute funds based on the number of economically disadvantaged scholarship students enrolled. Participating schools must use the funds for specific initiatives such as reading improvement, mental health services, and school safety measures, and report on their expenditures annually. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government funding for private education, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in education and free market solutions. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize parental control and free market education, suggesting that government aid may not align with their ideals.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education funding
- Potential for cronyism in the allocation of funds
- Dependency on government funding for private schools
- ❌ SB190 Enact A Good Deal for Ohio Act
The proposed bill encompasses a range of tax-related modifications under the 'Good Deal for Ohio Act', which includes tax exemptions for specific industries (e.g., data centers, agriculture, and medical equipment), alterations in property tax processes, government-imposed funding for student meals, infrastructure projects, and the establishment of community college districts. These initiatives and regulations signify a considerable increase in government involvement in economic activities, diverging from Libertarian principles that advocate for minimal interference, individual liberties, and free-market dynamics. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes tax exemptions and increased government regulation, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of limited government and individual rights. While some provisions might support certain beneficiaries, the overall increase in governmental oversight and complexity in tax liabilities undermines both Libertarian parties' platforms advocating for reduced taxation and intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for tax burdens on non-exempt entities
- Encouragement of crony capitalism
- Complexity and bureaucratic processes may deter engagement
- Favoritism towards specific industries leading to market distortions
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.