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.
- ❌ SB134 Abolish death penalty; regards funding of lethal injection drugs
This bill abolishes the death penalty in Ohio and introduces various provisions related to juror challenges, funding for legal representation of indigent defendants, public records access, and specific procedures surrounding inmate release and legal relief for wrongful convictions. It prohibits public funds for lethal injection drugs, establishes protocols for jury instructions and communications in crisis settings, and includes stipulations for fair treatment of accused individuals, especially concerning mental health assessments. While it generally aligns with Libertarian principles of individual rights and reducing state power, concerns about increased government oversight and its effects on personal liberties persist. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by abolishing the death penalty, reflecting a commitment to individual liberty and reducing government intervention. However, various provisions may introduce regulatory complexities and government oversight that conflict with core Libertarian ideals, leading to a mixed evaluation overall for both LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential backlash from conservative constituents who support the death penalty.
- Legal challenges from those who see provisions as infringements on rights.
- Potential bureaucratic inefficiencies in new funding and procedural mechanisms.
- Concerns about public safety with provisions for inmate releases.
- Increased state control may conflict with individual freedoms.
- ✔️ SB133 Abolish the death penalty; revise number of juror challenges
This bill abolishes the death penalty in Ohio and modifies various legal procedures related to juror challenges, legal representation for indigent defendants, juvenile rights, and competency evaluations in judicial processes. While it aligns with Libertarian principles by opposing state-sanctioned killing and promoting individual rights, it introduces elements of increased governmental oversight and regulation in judicial matters, which may conflict with core Libertarian values. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The abolition of the death penalty aligns with Libertarian principles of individual rights and reducing state power. However, the introduction of regulations concerning jury selection, legal representation, and broader judicial processes may reflect an increase in government intervention, which can be seen as contradictory to libertarian ideals of minimal state control.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased life sentences without the death penalty leading to longer imprisonment durations.
- Debate over the implications for the judicial system and how juror challenges could impact case outcomes.
- Increased government involvement in mental health treatment processes.
- Risks of bureaucratic overreach in determining legal representation and credits for prison terms.
- ❌ SB132 Enact the PRESERVE Act
The bill prohibits the removal of oil or gas from under state lands via horizontal wells and mandates that no permits or leases for such extraction can be issued by state authorities. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts property rights by prohibiting the extraction of natural resources, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of property rights and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential negative impact on property rights
- Increased government control over natural resources
- Discouragement of private investment in energy sector
- ✔️ SB131 Clarify compensatory damages for damaged vehicles
This bill amends section 2315.18 of the Revised Code to clarify the criteria for compensatory damages in tort actions related to damaged vehicles. It specifies how damages for economic and noneconomic losses are to be calculated, including provisions for repair costs, loss of use, and limits on noneconomic damages. The bill also outlines exceptions for severe injuries and establishes guidelines for jury instructions regarding damage limits. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces limitations on noneconomic damages, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of individual rights and property rights. However, it does clarify compensatory damages, which aligns with the LPO's emphasis on fair market practices. The mixed nature of the bill's provisions leads to a moderate alignment score for the LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potentially limits individual rights regarding compensation for noneconomic losses.
- May create confusion in tort actions due to complex criteria for damages.
- ❌ SB13 Establish the Foster-to-College Scholarship Program
The bill establishes the Foster-to-College Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to qualifying students who have been placed in foster care or noncertified kinship care. It requires the Department of Education and Workforce to hire a full-time school foster care liaison to assist these students in maintaining their education and facilitates their transition to higher education. The program is funded through state appropriations and includes specific eligibility requirements for scholarship recipients. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in education and welfare, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and personal responsibility. It establishes a government-funded scholarship program that may be seen as a form of wealth redistribution, opposing the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and individual choice.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for dependency on state assistance
- Encouragement of government control over education
- ❌ SB129 Authorize tax credit for employer group health plan premiums
The bill authorizes a refundable tax credit for employers who purchase group health benefit plans providing basic health care services to their employees. The credit is set at 1.3% of the premiums paid during the calendar year and is applicable only to certain taxpayers, excluding those using self-insurance. The bill also outlines the order in which credits must be claimed and specifies that excess credits can be refunded. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-mandated tax credit for employer health plans, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in economic matters and the free market. Both the LP and LPO platforms oppose government-imposed benefits and taxation, leading to low alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government involvement in health care
- Potential for cronyism in tax credit allocation
- Distortion of free market principles
- ❌ SB128 Regards Ohio ABLE accounts
The bill amends sections 113.51 and 113.53 of the Revised Code to enhance the Ohio ABLE accounts program, allowing the state treasurer to administer the program, impose fees, and ensure compliance with federal tax benefits. It establishes procedures for account applications, contributions, and distributions, while exempting ABLE account funds from certain public assistance eligibility assessments. The bill also includes appropriations for program maintenance. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual financial autonomy through ABLE accounts, which aligns with Libertarian principles of personal responsibility and economic liberty. However, it also involves government administration and oversight, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal financial accounts
- Potential for administrative fees to burden account holders
- Complexity in compliance with federal regulations
- ❌ SB127 Regards closure requirements for poor-performing public schools
SB127 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to establish closure requirements for poor-performing public schools, including criteria for closure based on performance index scores and value-added progress dimensions. Schools that fall into the bottom rankings for three consecutive years must either close, contract with an approved entity for operation, or undergo significant staff changes. The bill also outlines reporting requirements and the role of the Department of Education in monitoring these schools. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces increased government oversight and intervention in the management of public schools, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement in education. However, it does allow for some parental choice in school management, which aligns with LPO principles of local control and accountability.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential for mismanagement of school closures
- Risk of penalizing schools without addressing root causes of underperformance
- ✔️ SB126 Exempt from sales and use tax certain logistics business items
The bill exempts from sales and use tax items purchased by logistics businesses for the transportation of manufactured products, general merchandise, and grocery products. This exemption applies to businesses classified in the transportation and warehousing sector and is intended to support their operations. The amendment will take effect on the first day of the first month following its effective date. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill provides tax exemptions for specific business operations, which may conflict with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government intervention and taxation. However, it aligns somewhat with the Libertarian Party of Ohio's support for free markets by potentially reducing operational costs for logistics businesses. The mixed nature of the bill's implications leads to moderate alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government intervention in business operations.
- Encouragement of cronyism through targeted tax exemptions.
- ❌ SB125 Require licensure of commercial roofing contractors
The bill requires commercial roofing contractors to obtain a license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board, which includes meeting specific criteria such as proof of experience, insurance, and compliance with relevant laws. Municipal corporations may impose registration fees and require proof of licensure before contractors can operate within their jurisdiction. The bill also outlines the process for issuing licenses and the responsibilities of the licensing board. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes licensing requirements on commercial roofing contractors, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both the LP and LPO platforms oppose occupational licensing as it restricts individual freedom and market competition.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over the roofing industry
- Higher costs for consumers due to licensing fees
- Barriers to entry for new contractors
- ❌ SB124 Increase assault penalty if victim is a transit system operator
This bill increases the penalty for assault when the victim is an operator of an Ohio transit system bus or rail car, and allows transit systems to post notices regarding abuse or assault of staff. It also increases penalties for evading payment of fares in public transportation systems. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases penalties for certain crimes, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and the belief that laws should only apply to violations of rights through force or fraud. Additionally, it promotes government control over public transportation systems, which may infringe on individual liberties.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over public transportation
- Potential for overreach in penalizing individuals
- Encouragement of punitive measures rather than restorative justice
- ✔️ SB123 Prohibit law enforcement from charging fees for certain videos
This bill prohibits law enforcement agencies from charging fees for preparing or producing video public records for individuals known or presumed to be depicted in the video. It amends section 149.43 of the Revised Code, detailing the definitions of public records and the circumstances under which fees may be charged. The bill also outlines the process for public records requests and the obligations of public offices in responding to such requests. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on government transparency and individual rights by eliminating fees that could restrict access to public records. However, it may introduce additional government regulation on law enforcement agencies, which could be seen as conflicting with the LP's principles of minimal government intervention. The Libertarian Party of Ohio supports measures that enhance transparency and accountability in government, thus aligning more closely with the bill's intent.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation on law enforcement agencies
- Possibility of unintended consequences affecting law enforcement operations
- ✔️ SB122 Regards local authority for agricultural land zoning resolutions
The bill amends sections 303.21 and 519.21 of the Revised Code to eliminate the authority of townships and counties to adopt zoning resolutions that prohibit agricultural land use under certain conditions. It specifies that no zoning certificate is required for agricultural buildings and structures, and outlines regulations for agricultural activities on lots of varying sizes. The bill also allows for certain agricultural-related activities, such as farm markets and biodiesel production, while limiting the regulatory power of local authorities over these uses. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports property rights and reduces government regulation over agricultural land use, aligning with the principles of both the Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of Ohio regarding free markets and individual rights. However, it retains some regulatory frameworks, which prevents a higher alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for local governments to lose necessary regulatory power over land use.
- Increased agricultural activities may lead to environmental concerns if not managed properly.
- ❌ SB121 Designate Counseling Awareness Month
This bill designates the month of April as 'Counseling Awareness Month' in Ohio, promoting awareness of counseling services and mental health issues. No specific requirements, prohibitions, penalties, or timelines are outlined in the text. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with core Libertarian principles as it involves government designation of a month for awareness, which can be seen as an unnecessary government action that does not respect individual autonomy or limit government overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in mental health advocacy
- Encourages reliance on government for awareness initiatives
- ❌ SB120 Establish the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative Pilot Program
The bill establishes the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative Pilot Program to provide agricultural programming and support for urban youth aged six to eighteen in Ohio. It amends existing building codes related to temporary greenhouses and agricultural land tax requirements. The program will operate in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with appropriations of $500,000 for each year. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government funding and intervention in education and agriculture, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement. However, it supports youth engagement in agriculture, which aligns with some aspects of community empowerment. The LPO score is higher due to its focus on state sovereignty and local initiatives.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Dependency on government programs
- ❌ SB12 Regards community foundation charitable and institutional funds
The bill allows community foundations to create component funds from charitable funds received by public schools and classifies some funds held by community foundations as institutional funds. It establishes conditions under which these funds must be returned to the community schools if certain criteria are met, such as the community foundation no longer meeting specific requirements or being liquidated. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill involves increased government control over charitable funds and education, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and free market solutions in education. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and limited government, which this bill does not support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over charitable donations
- Potential for mismanagement of funds by government entities
- Restrictions on the autonomy of community foundations
- ❌ SB119 Designate the Freedom Parkway
This bill designates a portion of U.S. Route 36 in Delaware County as the 'Freedom Parkway' 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 designate a roadway and erect signage, which could be seen as unnecessary state involvement.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over public spaces
- Potential for misuse of public funds for signage
- Encourages further government naming and designation practices
- ❌ SB118 Regards lien limits for unpaid water, sewer, disposal services
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to establish limitations on the recovery and lien imposition by municipalities against property owners for unpaid water, sewer, and disposal service charges. It requires municipalities to provide additional certification to the county auditor, including verification of unpaid amounts and attempts to collect before certifying a lien. The bill also outlines processes for property owners to appeal liens placed on their properties. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional government oversight and regulation regarding municipal liens, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of individual rights and limited government, suggesting that the bill's provisions could be seen as an infringement on these principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property rights
- Potential for abuse of lien authority by municipalities
- Additional bureaucratic processes may complicate property ownership
- ❌ SB117 Regulate the provision of earned wage access services
This bill regulates the provision of earned wage access services in Ohio, requiring companies to obtain a certificate of registration to operate. It establishes definitions for key terms, outlines application and renewal processes, mandates consumer protections, and prohibits certain practices by providers. The bill also allows for the assessment of fees to cover administrative costs associated with the regulation. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulatory requirements on businesses providing earned wage access services, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in economic activities. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for free markets and oppose government mandates that interfere with voluntary agreements between individuals and businesses.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over financial services
- Potential for reduced access to earned wage access services for consumers
- Higher operational costs for providers leading to less competition
- ❌ SB116 Reduce tangible personal property tax for pipe-line companies
This bill amends section 5727.111 of the Revised Code to reduce the tangible personal property tax assessment rate for pipeline companies from 88% to 25%. The amendment applies to tax year 2025 and every tax year thereafter. It affects pipeline companies by lowering their tax burden. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill reduces tax burdens for pipeline companies, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and taxation. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government and oppose cronyism, which this bill may represent by favoring specific industries.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for cronyism favoring pipeline companies
- Increased government intervention in tax policy
- May undermine free market principles
- ✔️ SB115 Revise the Securities Law
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code related to securities law, including definitions of securities, exemptions from registration, and qualifications for securities offerings. It establishes conditions under which certain transactions are exempt from compliance with securities regulations and outlines the responsibilities of the division of securities in overseeing these transactions. The bill also includes provisions for the suspension of registrations and the qualifications of securities. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory changes that may increase government oversight and control over securities transactions, which conflicts with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention in economic matters. However, it does contain elements that could be seen as promoting free market principles, such as exemptions for certain transactions, aligning somewhat with the LPO's platform on free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight may hinder market operations.
- Potential for regulatory overreach affecting individual rights.
- ✔️ SB114 Prohibit law enforcement from using quotas for arrests, citations
This bill prohibits law enforcement agencies in Ohio from using quotas for arrests and citations. It defines 'quota' as a mandate for a finite number of arrests or citations that officers must meet within a specified time period. The bill establishes penalties for agencies that violate this prohibition and outlines a reporting and investigation process managed by the attorney general. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by limiting government practices that may infringe on individual rights and promoting accountability in law enforcement. Both the LP and LPO support reducing government overreach in law enforcement, which this bill addresses by prohibiting quotas.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for decreased law enforcement accountability if not properly monitored.
- Ambiguity in enforcement and reporting mechanisms may lead to inconsistent application.
- ❌ SB113 Prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools
The bill prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public schools by mandating school boards to adopt policies that ban related training, offices, and hiring practices. It requires the establishment of a complaint process for violations and outlines penalties for non-compliance. The bill applies to all city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school districts in Ohio. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts educational content and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty, freedom of expression, and parental rights in education. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and oppose government interference in personal and educational matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential infringement on individual rights and freedoms
- Increased government control over educational content
- Negative impact on the inclusivity and diversity of educational environments
- ✔️ SB112 Establish appointment procedures for constitutional convention
The bill establishes procedures for appointing delegates to a convention of the states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It outlines eligibility criteria for delegates, the appointment process by the Ohio General Assembly, and the authority and responsibilities of the delegates. The bill also includes provisions for the recall of delegates and the creation of an advisory committee to oversee the delegation. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the concept of state sovereignty and the ability to amend the Constitution, which aligns with some Libertarian principles. However, it imposes restrictions on delegate eligibility and oversight that may conflict with the LP's emphasis on individual rights and limited government. The LPO's support for state sovereignty aligns with the bill's intent, but the restrictions could be seen as excessive.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over delegate actions
- Restrictions on individual rights related to delegate eligibility
- Possibility of misuse of the recall process
- ❌ SB111 Designate Henrietta Lacks Day
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. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with core Libertarian principles 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 recognition
- May set a precedent for further government designations
- ❌ SB110 Modify tax credits under the rural business growth program
The bill modifies the availability and eligibility for tax credits under the rural business growth program in Ohio. It establishes criteria for certification of rural business growth funds, outlines the application process, and specifies the investment requirements and penalties for non-compliance. The bill also sets limits on the total eligible investment authority and credit-eligible contributions for different programs within the rural business growth initiative. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in economic activities by providing tax credits and establishing regulations for rural business growth funds, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Additionally, it imposes restrictions on businesses and funding that may not align with the Libertarian Party of Ohio's emphasis on free market principles and limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over business operations
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism in tax credit allocation
- Distortion of market dynamics through government intervention
- ✔️ SB11 Prohibit post-employment agreement restraining career or business
The bill prohibits employers from entering into agreements that restrict workers from engaging in lawful professions or businesses after their employment ends. It voids any such agreements made after the bill's effective date and allows workers to bring civil actions against employers for violations. Exceptions include agreements negotiated with legal counsel. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the principles of personal and economic liberty by removing restrictions on workers' post-employment opportunities, supporting free market principles and individual rights. However, it introduces some regulatory oversight which may be seen as a minor caveat.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased litigation against employers
- Employers may face challenges in enforcing legitimate business interests
- ❌ SB109 Provide no-cost breakfast and lunch to students
The bill provides breakfast and lunch at no cost to public and chartered nonpublic school students by amending sections 3301.91 and 3313.819 of the Revised Code. It requires the Department of Education and Workforce to reimburse participating schools for the cost of meals provided to students eligible for reduced-price meals. The bill includes appropriations of $300 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support these reimbursements. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in education and food provision, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It imposes financial obligations on the state, which contradicts the LPO's stance against government spending and taxation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for dependency on government programs
- Reduced incentives for private sector solutions
- ✔️ SB108 Regards entities providing behind-the-meter utility services
The bill exempts certain entities providing behind-the-meter utility services from regulation as public utilities and allows the Public Utilities Commission to register these providers. It establishes requirements for registration, including disclosure of information, and sets penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, it limits the charges that behind-the-meter utility service providers can impose on tenants for electricity resale. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports deregulation and allows for more market participation in utility services, aligning with the Libertarian emphasis on free markets. However, the requirement for registration and penalties for non-compliance may be seen as government overreach, which could conflict with core LP principles. The LPO's support for free markets and limited government aligns more closely with the bill's intent to reduce regulatory burdens.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government oversight through registration requirements.
- Risk of creating a regulatory framework that could be expanded in the future.
- ❌ SB107 Include state, district school board members on partisan ballot
The bill requires that candidates for state and school district board positions appear on the ballot with a political party designation. It amends various sections of the Revised Code to implement this requirement, affecting the election process for these positions. The bill does not specify penalties or timelines for implementation. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill mandates party affiliation on ballots, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of individual choice and minimal government interference in personal and political matters. Both the LP and LPO advocate for reduced government control over personal and political expression.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over political processes
- Limits voter choice by emphasizing party affiliation
- Potentially discourages independent candidates
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.