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.
โ
Aligns and passed by House/Senate
โ๏ธ Aligns, still in committee
โ Does not Align
Check on Recent Bill Activity.
- โ SB162 Regards timing of health insurer recoupment from providers
This bill amends section 3901.388 of the Revised Code to establish that payments made by health insurers to providers are considered final two years after payment, with specific conditions for recoupment of overpayments. It requires insurers to notify providers of overpayments and allows for an appeal process without fees. Any contractual provisions contrary to these rules are deemed unenforceable. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulations on health insurer practices, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention in contracts and economic freedom. However, it provides some protections for providers, aligning partially with LPO principles regarding fair treatment in economic transactions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased regulatory burden on insurers
- Potential for reduced flexibility in contract negotiations
- Possibility of unintended consequences affecting provider-insurer relationships
- โ SB161 Require ODJFS to seek permission-exclude certain items from SNAP
The bill requires the Director of Job and Family Services to seek permission from the United States Department of Agriculture to exclude specific items, including soft drinks, candy, chips, ice cream, and prepared desserts, from being purchased under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Ohio. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts individual choice regarding food consumption, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership. Both the LP and LPO advocate for minimal government interference in personal decisions, including what individuals choose to consume.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over personal choices
- May lead to further restrictions on individual rights
- Could set a precedent for additional exclusions in SNAP
- โ SB160 Regards prescription drugs and medication switching
The bill prohibits health plan issuers from increasing cost-sharing for drugs, moving drugs to more restrictive formulary tiers, or removing drugs from formularies unless specific conditions are met. It also allows for the substitution of interchangeable biological products and generically equivalent drugs, while establishing penalties for violations as unfair and deceptive practices in insurance. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulations on health plan issuers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in markets and personal choice. Both the LP and LPO emphasize free markets and individual rights, which this bill appears to restrict.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over healthcare decisions
- Potential for reduced competition in the pharmaceutical market
- Unintended consequences on drug availability and pricing
- โ SB16 Establish road rules around distressed stationary vehicles
The bill requires drivers to change lanes or proceed with caution when approaching stationary vehicles in distress or certain service vehicles. If changing lanes is not possible or safe, drivers must reduce their speed and maintain a safe speed for conditions. Violations result in penalties ranging from a minor misdemeanor to a third-degree misdemeanor, depending on prior offenses. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional regulations on drivers, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and personal responsibility. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and the reduction of government control, suggesting that this bill may be seen as an overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over individual behavior
- Potentially burdensome penalties for minor infractions
- May lead to confusion among drivers regarding compliance
- โ SB159 Regards film and theater production tax credits
The bill modifies the film and theater production tax credit in Ohio, allowing production companies to apply for tax credits based on eligible expenditures for productions certified by the director of development. It also repeals the film and theater capital improvement tax credit and establishes a program for training Ohio residents in the film industry. The bill includes provisions for application processes, credit calculations, and oversight by the director of development. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government involvement in the film industry through tax credits and training programs, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in the economy and free markets. Both the LP and LPO platforms oppose government subsidies and interventions that distort market dynamics.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over the film industry
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism in tax credit allocations
- Misallocation of taxpayer funds
- โ SB158 Prohibit student cellular telephone use in public schools
The bill prohibits student cellular telephone use in public schools, allowing school boards to adopt policies that may include exceptions for educational purposes or health concerns. It requires schools to post these policies and specify disciplinary measures for violations. The deadline for school districts to adopt such policies is set for July 1, 2025. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts individual rights by limiting students' use of personal communication devices, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of personal liberty and freedom of expression. Both platforms advocate for minimal government interference in personal choices, which this bill undermines.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Infringement on personal liberties
- Increased government control over student behavior
- Potential for inconsistent enforcement of policies
- โ SB157 Reduce statute of limitations for contract actions
This bill amends sections 2305.06 and 2305.07 of the Revised Code to reduce the statute of limitations for bringing actions upon written contracts from six years to three years, and for oral contracts from four years to two years. It also specifies the accrual of causes of action for consumer transactions. Existing sections are repealed. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill's reduction of the statute of limitations may limit individuals' ability to seek redress for contract disputes, which could conflict with the Libertarian principles of personal rights and property rights. However, it does not impose new restrictions on contracts themselves, leading to a mixed alignment with both platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potentially limits individuals' rights to seek legal recourse.
- May disproportionately affect those with less access to legal resources.
- โ SB156 Regards the success sequence curriculum
The bill requires the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to develop a 'success sequence' curriculum for grades six to twelve, which emphasizes completing high school, obtaining full-time work, and marrying before having children to reduce poverty. School districts must provide instruction aligned with this curriculum and may modify it as necessary. The department will also establish a committee for reviewing the curriculum and adopt rules for its administration. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a government-mandated educational framework that emphasizes specific life choices, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and parental rights. Both the LP and LPO advocate for minimal government interference in personal decisions and education, leading to a low alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential infringement on parental rights
- Promotion of specific social norms
- โ SB155 Revise the real estate wholesaler law
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. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional regulatory requirements on real estate wholesalers, which may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in economic activities. However, it does provide consumer protections that align with some aspects of the LPO platform, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased regulatory burden on real estate wholesalers
- Potential for reduced market participation due to compliance costs
- Possibility of unintended consequences affecting property transactions
- โ SB154 Regards long-term care facility residentโs room monitoring
The bill allows residents of long-term care facilities, or their designated representatives, to authorize the installation and use of electronic monitoring devices in their rooms. The costs for these devices are to be borne by the residents or their representatives, and consent from co-residents is required for shared rooms. Facilities must provide a form for authorization and cannot discriminate against residents based on their decision to use monitoring devices. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual autonomy by allowing residents to choose monitoring devices, aligning with the Libertarian principle of self-ownership. However, it also imposes conditions and fees that may be seen as government interference in personal choices, leading to a mixed alignment with both LP and LPO principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased surveillance leading to privacy concerns.
- Financial burden on residents for monitoring devices.
- Consent requirements may complicate personal autonomy.
- โ SB153 Require citizenship verification before an elector may vote
SB153 requires verification of an elector's citizenship before they may vote, modifying procedures regarding voter registration, voter roll maintenance, absent voting, and election petitions. It mandates that individuals provide proof of citizenship, with penalties for non-compliance, and establishes timelines for notification and verification processes. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional requirements for voting, which can be seen as a restriction on individual rights and access to the electoral process, conflicting with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and minimal government interference. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of individual rights and oppose government overreach, which this bill exemplifies by increasing government control over the voting process.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased barriers to voting for eligible citizens
- Potential disenfranchisement of voters
- Administrative burdens on election officials
- โ SB152 Allow wild animal rehab facility to get euthanasia drug permit
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. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional government regulation and licensing for euthanasia practices, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual rights. However, it does provide a framework for humane treatment of animals, which aligns somewhat with the LPO's focus on responsible governance. The mixed nature of the bill's implications leads to moderate alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over animal rehabilitation practices
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in licensing
- Risk of misuse of euthanasia drugs if not properly regulated
- โ๏ธ SB151 Allow certain natural gas suppliers to offer carbon offsets
SB151 allows competitive retail natural gas service suppliers to offer voluntary carbon offset programs to customers, requiring suppliers to enter agreements with carbon offset registries and submit notices to the public utilities commission. The bill mandates that participation in these programs must not incur costs for non-participating customers or natural gas companies. It includes provisions for customer opt-in and opt-out options and allows for audits by the public utilities commission. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes market competition and consumer choice in the natural gas sector, aligning with some Libertarian principles. However, it introduces regulatory oversight and requirements that may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention. The LPO's score reflects a more favorable view due to its support for free markets, but the bill's regulatory aspects still present concerns.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased regulatory oversight may lead to unintended consequences.
- Potential for government interference in voluntary market transactions.
- โ SB150 Increase sports gaming tax; allocate for athletics, sports venues
The bill increases the sports gaming tax from 20% to 36% on sports gaming receipts and allocates the additional revenue to support interscholastic athletics and the renovation or construction of sports venues in Ohio. It establishes a sports venue redevelopment commission to evaluate and approve projects funded by the new tax revenue. The bill also outlines the conditions under which state funds can be used for sports facilities. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases taxation and government involvement in funding sports facilities, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and low taxation. It also promotes the allocation of tax revenue to specific sectors, which may be seen as cronyism or government favoritism, further opposing the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and individual choice.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over funding and allocation of resources
- Potential for cronyism in the approval of sports venue projects
- Higher taxes may discourage economic activity in the gaming sector
- โ SB15 Allow port authorities to establish a Common Bond Fund Program
The bill allows port authorities in Ohio to establish a Common Bond Fund Program to finance port authority facilities. It enables port authorities to issue obligations secured by a trust agreement and manage the program using credit enhancement facilities and cash reserves. The bill outlines the powers and authorizations for port authorities in relation to the program. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill expands government authority by allowing port authorities to create a financing program, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of limited government and free markets. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize minimal government intervention in economic matters, suggesting that this bill may not align with their core principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over financial mechanisms
- Potential for cronyism in port authority operations
- May divert resources from private sector solutions
- โ SB149 Enter into the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact
The bill enacts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed Respiratory Therapists in Ohio to practice in other member states, thereby improving access to respiratory therapy services. It establishes a framework for cooperation among states, maintains state regulatory authority, and includes provisions for handling adverse actions against licensees. The compact aims to streamline administrative processes and support military families. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports interstate cooperation and professional mobility, aligning with principles of free markets and individual rights. However, it also involves state regulation and oversight, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government, making the alignment score mixed.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased regulatory oversight may lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- Potential for state control over professional practices may conflict with individual rights.
- โ SB148 Designate Specialist Lloyd Andrew Sellers Memorial Highway
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. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and personal liberty, as it involves government action to designate a highway and erect markers, which may be seen as unnecessary state involvement.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of government resources for memorials
- โ SB147 Revise solid waste and construction and demolition debris laws
The bill revises laws governing the transfer and disposal of solid waste and construction and demolition debris, requiring counties to establish solid waste management districts and outlining procedures for counties to withdraw from joint districts. It mandates the creation of solid waste management plans, imposes fees on waste disposal, and sets conditions for the acceptance of out-of-district waste. The bill also includes provisions for the management of funds collected from these fees. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government regulation over waste management, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual property rights. It imposes fees and mandates that could be seen as government overreach, particularly in the management of private property and the imposition of taxes/fees. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government control and increased personal freedoms, which this bill does not support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over waste management
- Potential for higher costs for individuals and businesses due to imposed fees
- Restrictions on property rights related to waste disposal
- โ SB146 Codify the common law action for piercing the corporate veil
The bill codifies the common law action for piercing the corporate veil, defining the conditions under which a covered person can be held liable for the obligations of a covered entity. It specifies the burden of proof required for such claims and outlines exceptions where liability cannot be imposed. The bill applies to all claims initiated on or after its effective date. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a legal framework that may increase liability for individuals associated with corporations, which could be seen as a restriction on economic freedom and property rights. Both LP and LPO principles emphasize minimal government interference in economic matters, suggesting a mixed alignment with the bill.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased litigation against business owners
- May discourage entrepreneurship due to liability concerns
- Could lead to government overreach in corporate governance
- โ SB145 Rename the Department of Development; modify the housing law
The bill, SB145, amends Ohio's housing law, primarily through the renaming of the Department of Development and various provisions that increase government oversight over housing and economic development. It introduces processes for tax credits, grants, and compliance requirements targeting affordable housing and minority business support while adjusting various bureaucratic frameworks associated with property and development. Overall, it exhibits a significant increase in state intervention in economic matters, conflicting with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government control, free-market dynamics, and individual autonomy. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill fundamentally increases government involvement in housing and economic development through an array of programs and regulatory frameworks, contradicting Libertarian principles that promote individual freedom and market autonomy. The emphasis on tax credits, grants, and oversight measures reflects a significant expansion of bureaucratic interference, undermining core ideals of both the LP and LPO focused on personal liberties and limited governmental power.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over housing and economic development
- Potentially burdensome compliance requirements for businesses
- Creation of additional bureaucracy may lead to inefficiencies
- Dependency of minority businesses on government financial assistance
- Misallocation of public resources due to state-intervention
- Erosion of property rights through mandated regulatory compliance
- โ SB144 Regards educator license grade bands
The bill amends sections 3319.079 and 3319.22 of the Revised Code to modify the specifications for educator licenses regarding grade bands. It allows holders of valid educator licenses to renew their licenses with either the previous or current grade band specifications, and it establishes standards for the issuance and renewal of various educator licenses. The bill also includes provisions for local professional development committees to oversee coursework for license renewal. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional regulations and requirements for educator licenses, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in personal and professional affairs. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government control and interference in education, suggesting that this bill's regulatory nature does not align with their core principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Restrictions on educator flexibility
- โ SB142 Phase out subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities
The bill phases out the subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities over five years, prohibits new licenses for subminimum wage employment, and establishes a tax credit for purchases from nonprofit organizations that employ these individuals. It requires employers to submit transition plans to support individuals with disabilities in obtaining competitive employment. The act is named the Ohio Employment First and Greater Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government mandates on wages and employment practices, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of free markets and minimal government intervention in economic matters. It also establishes a tax credit, which may be seen as a form of government intervention that the Libertarian Party opposes. The Libertarian Party of Ohio's platform similarly opposes government contracts that require pay above fair market price, indicating a misalignment with the bill's provisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over employment practices
- Potential for reduced job opportunities for individuals with disabilities due to increased costs for employers
- Dependence on government tax credits may undermine nonprofit sustainability
- โ SB141 Authorize tax levies supporting pre-kindergarten programs
The bill authorizes counties and other political subdivisions in Ohio to place tax levies on the ballot to support pre-kindergarten programs. It establishes conditions for the use of funds derived from these levies, requiring that they be allocated to nonprofit entities that provide early learning services to children aged four and above, with a focus on assisting families with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty line. The bill includes provisions for accountability and recovery of improperly used funds. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill involves the imposition of tax levies to fund government-supported education programs, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and reduced taxation. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and limited government, opposing increased taxation and government control over education.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased taxation on residents
- Expansion of government control over education
- Potential misuse of tax funds
- โ SB140 Regards freestanding birthing centers
The bill establishes regulations for freestanding birthing centers in Ohio, requiring each center to have a written plan for transferring patients to hospitals in case of emergencies. Accredited centers are exempt from needing a transfer agreement with hospitals, while non-accredited centers must have such an agreement. The bill does not specify penalties or timelines for compliance. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory requirements for birthing centers, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy in healthcare decisions. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize personal liberty and free markets, suggesting that such regulations may be seen as government overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of healthcare
- Potential limitations on individual choice in birthing options
- Creation of barriers for non-accredited birthing centers
- โ SB14 Designate Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Day
This bill designates September 28 as 'Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Day' in recognition of Jo Ann Davidson, the first female speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, who was born on that day in 1927. (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 promotes a state-sanctioned recognition that does not pertain to individual rights or economic liberty, which are central to both platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government recognition and celebration of individuals may lead to cronyism.
- Encourages state involvement in commemorative practices that do not align with libertarian values.
- โ SB139 Designate Judge Nathaniel R. Jones Day
This bill designates May 13 as 'Judge Nathaniel R. Jones Day' in honor of the attorney, judge, and professor of law who was born on that day in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1928, and who committed his life to the advancement of civil rights. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with core Libertarian principles as it involves government action to designate a day, which may be seen as unnecessary state involvement in commemorating individuals, conflicting with the LP's emphasis on limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in personal or historical recognition
- Encourages state-sanctioned recognition which may not align with individual liberties
- โ SB138 Modify alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services laws
This bill modifies laws regarding boards of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services in Ohio, establishing a unified system for treatment and support for individuals with mental illnesses and addictions. It requires boards to develop community plans, ensure minimum service standards, and imposes penalties for not registering recovery housing residences. The bill also mandates the establishment of a data sharing and integration plan for better management of addiction and mental health services. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and regulation of addiction and mental health services, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy. While it aims to protect personal liberty in treatment settings, the overall structure promotes government control over personal choices regarding health and recovery.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal health decisions
- Potential for overreach in enforcement of penalties
- Limited individual autonomy in choosing treatment options
- โ SB137 Require hospitals to provide overdose reversal drugs
The bill requires hospitals to provide overdose reversal drugs to patients who present with symptoms of an opioid overdose or related conditions at the time of discharge from the emergency department, with certain exceptions. Hospitals are not required to provide the drug if the treating practitioner deems it inappropriate, if the patient already possesses the drug, if the hospital lacks supply, or if the patient refuses it. Additionally, hospitals must provide information on opioid use disorder and related services. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a requirement on hospitals to provide specific medical treatment, which may conflict with the LP and LPO principles of individual choice and minimal government intervention in healthcare. However, it also includes provisions for patient autonomy and exceptions, leading to a mixed alignment.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over healthcare practices
- Potential liability issues for hospitals
- Possible strain on hospital resources
- โ SB136 Establish process to regulate carbon capture, storage technology
The bill establishes a regulatory framework for carbon capture and storage technologies in Ohio, granting the division of oil and gas resources management exclusive authority over these activities. It requires storage operators to obtain permits, adhere to safety and monitoring regulations, and ensures public notice and compliance with environmental standards. The bill also outlines the financial responsibilities of storage operators and the conditions for project completion certification. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government regulation over carbon capture and storage, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It imposes fees and permits that could be seen as government overreach, particularly in the context of property rights and economic freedom.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private property rights
- Potential for cronyism in permit issuance
- Financial burdens on storage operators may deter investment
- โ SB135 Regards real property foreclosures and estate sales
This bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code related to real property foreclosures and estate sales, detailing the distribution of sale proceeds, the roles of private selling officers, and the procedures for public auctions. It establishes requirements for appraisals, sale notifications, and the handling of unsold properties, including provisions for online auctions and remote bidding. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the sheriff and private selling officers in conducting these sales. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional regulations and procedures for property sales and foreclosures, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. However, it does not significantly infringe on individual rights, leading to a mixed alignment with the Libertarian Party and a somewhat clearer alignment with the Libertarian Party of Ohio's focus on property rights and local governance.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of property sales
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Restrictions on private property transactions
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.
