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.
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Aligns and passed by House/Senate
โ๏ธ Aligns, still in committee
โ Does not Align
Check on Recent Bill Activity.
- โ HB8 Require health plan and Medicaid coverage of biomarker testing
The bill requires health benefit plans and the Medicaid program in Ohio to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring of diseases or conditions, as deemed medically necessary by qualified healthcare providers. Coverage must be based on medical or scientific evidence and aims to limit disruptions in care. It explicitly states that coverage for screening purposes is not required. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill mandates health insurance coverage, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market choices in healthcare. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and the freedom to choose without government mandates, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over healthcare decisions
- Potential for higher healthcare costs due to mandated coverage
- Limiting individual choice in healthcare options
- โ HB79 Increase penalty for assault if the victim is a sports official
The bill increases penalties for assault if the victim is a sports official or if the assault is in retaliation for the victim's actions as a sports official. It amends sections 2903.13 and 2929.13 of the Revised Code to classify such assaults under specific felony categories, depending on the circumstances of the offense. The bill also establishes mandatory fines and community service requirements for offenders. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government penalties and intervention in personal conduct, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government and individual rights. It establishes harsher penalties for specific groups, which can be seen as a form of government overreach and does not align with the Libertarian advocacy for minimal state interference in personal matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal conduct
- Potential for overreach in enforcement against individuals
- Disproportionate penalties for specific groups may lead to injustice
- โ HB78 Authorize use of a digital driver's license or state ID card
The bill authorizes the use of a digital driver's license or state identification card in Ohio. It requires individuals to have a valid physical driver's license or ID to qualify for the digital version and mandates the registrar of motor vehicles to develop a program for its implementation, including verification processes and security measures. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the use of technology for identification, which aligns with principles of personal liberty and privacy. However, it also involves government regulation and oversight, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government surveillance and data collection.
- Dependence on technology may exclude individuals without access to digital devices.
- โ HB77 Require DOH develop type 1 diabetes information for parents
The bill requires the Ohio Department of Health to develop informational materials about type 1 diabetes for parents and guardians of elementary school students. Public and chartered nonpublic schools must provide these materials to each student's parent or guardian upon enrollment. The materials will include information on type 1 diabetes, its risk factors, warning signs, screening processes, and treatment recommendations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes parental rights by providing information to parents about health issues affecting their children, which aligns with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on parental rights. However, it also involves government intervention in education and health, which may conflict with the principles of limited government and personal liberty emphasized by both the LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government involvement in health education
- Potential for government overreach in parental rights
- โ๏ธ HB76 Allow increase in membership of boards of township trustees
The bill allows the electors of certain townships in Ohio with a population of twenty thousand or more to increase the membership of their boards of township trustees from three to five members through a petition process. It also provides a mechanism for decreasing the membership back to three members if desired, contingent on a majority vote by the electors. The bill outlines the election process and voting requirements for both increasing and decreasing the board size. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill expands local governance by allowing township electors to decide on board size, which aligns with the LPO's emphasis on local control and limited government. However, it introduces additional government structure, which may conflict with LP principles of minimizing government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased bureaucracy
- Risk of local government overreach
- Possibility of voter confusion regarding board size changes
- โ HB75 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 POW/MIA flag, and the state flag. It requires that any display of these flags must comply with specific guidelines regarding size and placement. Violations of this provision are deemed against public policy and unenforceable. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual expression by allowing the display of certain flags, aligning with the LP's emphasis on personal liberty. However, it imposes restrictions on property owners' rights to regulate their properties, which conflicts with the LPO's advocacy for property rights and limited government interference.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased disputes between tenants and property owners regarding flag displays.
- Possibility of legal challenges related to property rights and individual expression.
- โ HB74 Authorize private vendor contract for specialty license plates
HB74 authorizes a contract with a private vendor for the issuance of specialty license plates in Ohio. The registrar of motor vehicles will oversee the program, which includes fees for services and compliance with various regulations. The vendor will design and market the plates while the registrar remains responsible for issuance and tax collection. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves a private vendor in a government function, which aligns with some free market principles but also introduces potential government control and fees that may conflict with libertarian ideals of minimal government intervention. Both LP and LPO platforms support free markets but oppose government contracts that create cronyism or exceed necessary functions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over private contracts
- Introduction of fees that may burden vehicle owners
- Risk of cronyism in vendor selection process
- โ HB73 Establish deferred retirement option for OPERS law enforcement
The bill establishes a deferred retirement option plan for law enforcement officers in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) in Ohio. It outlines eligibility criteria, the process for participation, and the financial implications for both officers and the retirement system. The plan allows officers to continue working while accruing retirement benefits, with specific rules governing contributions and distributions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in retirement planning for public employees, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. While it may provide some benefits to law enforcement officers, it does not align with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on individual choice and limited government. The LPO score reflects some alignment with their focus on state sovereignty and limited government, but the bill still represents an expansion of government programs.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over retirement options
- Potential financial burden on the retirement system
- Encouragement of dependency on government-managed retirement plans
- โ HB72 Prohibit public funding for lethal injection drugs; death penalty
The bill prohibits public funding for lethal injection drugs used in executions and nontherapeutic abortions while abolishing the death penalty in Ohio. It allows exceptions for public funding under specific circumstances and sets out new procedures regarding postconviction relief and mental health treatment for defendants. The bill poses risks of increased government control over medical and judicial decisions, conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government involvement, and raises ethical concerns surrounding the death penalty and healthcare decisions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- While the bill limits public funding for lethal injection drugs, which aligns with libertarian ideals of reducing government involvement in capital punishment, it simultaneously increases state control over life-and-death decisions and healthcare choices. Both the Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of Ohio oppose the death penalty and government interference in personal medical decisions, resulting in a low alignment with core principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over medical decisions
- Impact on access to medical procedures for individuals
- Potential increase in wrongful executions
- Ethical concerns regarding state-sanctioned death penalty practices
- Greater bureaucratic oversight in criminal justice and healthcare
- โ HB71 Require certain info disclosure for wells drilled in state parks
The bill requires owners of horizontal oil and gas wells drilling in state parks to disclose the chemical components of the materials used in the drilling operation to the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management at least thirty days prior to use. The chief is then mandated to post this information on the division's website. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government regulations on private property owners regarding disclosure of drilling materials, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government control over private property and economic activities.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government oversight of private property
- May discourage investment in oil and gas operations
- Could lead to additional regulatory burdens on businesses
- โ HB70 Regards registration, titling, and use of replica motor vehicles
The bill establishes requirements for the registration, titling, and use of replica motor vehicles in Ohio. It prohibits the use of replica motor vehicles for general transportation but allows operation for specific purposes such as club activities and maintenance. Owners must register their vehicles, pay a fee, and provide an affidavit confirming the vehicle's intended use. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulations on the use of replica motor vehicles, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government interference and personal freedom. However, it does allow for certain freedoms regarding the use of these vehicles, leading to a mixed alignment with both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation on vehicle use
- Potential for overreach in vehicle classification and registration
- โ HB7 Make certain caregivers eligible for publicly funded child care
The bill amends section 5104.30 and enacts section 5104.302 of the Revised Code to make foster caregivers and kinship caregivers eligible for publicly funded child care in Ohio. It outlines the eligibility criteria for caregivers, the types of care providers that can offer this service, and the responsibilities of the department of children and youth in administering the program. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in child care funding, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It also establishes eligibility criteria that may infringe on individual rights regarding parental choice and responsibility.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over child care services
- Potential for reduced quality of care due to government regulation
- Dependency on government funding for child care
- โ HB69 Regards taxpayer deduction for depreciation, enhanced expensing
This bill amends sections of the Ohio Revised Code to allow taxpayers to deduct the full bonus depreciation and enhanced expensing allowances they claim for federal income tax purposes in a single year. It affects taxpayers who utilize pass-through entities and trusts, specifying the conditions under which these deductions can be applied. The bill outlines the definitions and calculations necessary for determining adjusted qualifying amounts and the treatment of related transactions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports tax deductions which align with free market principles, but it also involves government regulation of tax policy that could be seen as increasing state control over economic matters. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for minimal government intervention in economic affairs, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over economic decisions
- May lead to unintended consequences in tax policy
- Could create dependency on government tax incentives
- โ๏ธ HB67 Establish appointment procedures for a convention of states
The bill establishes procedures for appointing delegates to a convention of states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It outlines eligibility requirements for delegates, the appointment process by the Ohio General Assembly, and the authority and responsibilities of the delegates. Additionally, it creates an advisory committee to monitor the delegation and ensures delegates adhere to specific prohibitions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill's focus on government procedures for appointing delegates and monitoring their actions may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy. However, it aligns with the LPO's emphasis on state sovereignty and limiting federal overreach, which contributes to a higher alignment score for the LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over delegate actions
- Risk of limiting individual rights through stringent eligibility criteria
- Possibility of misuse of the convention process
- โ๏ธ HB66 Repeal H.B. 6 - 133rd GA legacy generation resource provisions
This bill repeals the legacy generation resource provisions of H.B. 6 from the 133rd General Assembly and mandates refunds to customers for amounts collected under those provisions. It terminates any mechanisms for retail recovery of costs associated with legacy generation resources and requires that all revenues collected from customers through those mechanisms be refunded promptly. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill's focus on repealing provisions related to legacy generation resources and providing refunds aligns with the Libertarian emphasis on reducing government intervention in markets. However, the bill still involves government regulation of the energy sector, which may conflict with the LP's principles of minimal government interference. The LPO's support for free markets and opposition to government contracts that create cronyism aligns more closely with the bill's intent to eliminate certain government-imposed costs.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over energy markets
- Risk of cronyism if not managed properly
- Uncertainty in energy pricing due to regulatory changes
- โ HB65 Enact the Agriculture Appreciation Act
The bill designates specific days and weeks in Ohio to promote agriculture-related awareness and appreciation, including 'Farmer's Day,' 'FFA Week,' '4-H Week,' 'Agriculture Day,' and 'Ohio Soil Health Week.' These designations aim to celebrate and raise awareness of agricultural contributions and soil health. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government recognition of specific agricultural events, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. It does not align with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on individual rights and limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in agriculture
- Potential for cronyism in agricultural promotions
- May divert resources from more pressing issues
- โ HB64 Revise age for discounted hunting, fishing licenses and permits
This bill amends Ohio law to lower the eligibility age for discounted hunting and fishing licenses from 66 to 65 years for residents. It affects Ohio residents aged 65 and older, allowing them to qualify for these discounts. No penalties or exceptions are specified in the text. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the idea of reducing government fees for a specific age group, which aligns with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and reduced government intervention. However, it still involves government regulation of hunting and fishing licenses, which may conflict with a more libertarian approach to personal freedoms in these activities.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over recreational activities
- May set a precedent for further age-based regulations
- โ HB63 Require ODOT to install and maintain rest stop security cameras
The bill requires the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to install and maintain security camera systems at rest stops under its jurisdiction by June 30, 2031. The director of transportation must consult with the director of public safety and the attorney general regarding the installation and maintenance schedule. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill mandates government surveillance at public rest stops, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of individual privacy and limited government intervention. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government oversight and protection of individual rights, making this bill misaligned with their core values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government surveillance
- Potential violation of individual privacy rights
- Expansion of government control over public spaces
- โ HB62 Regards the College Credit Plus Program
The bill amends the College Credit Plus Program to establish requirements for public and participating private colleges regarding student admission, course placement, communication with participants and their schools, and the use of open source materials for textbooks. It mandates colleges to prioritize current students for course enrollment, provide academic advising, and ensure data collection and reporting related to the program. Additionally, it outlines funding mechanisms for participants enrolled in both public and private colleges. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces increased government oversight and requirements for educational institutions, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in education. However, it does promote the use of open source materials, aligning somewhat with free market principles. The LPO score is higher due to its emphasis on state sovereignty and local control, which is somewhat reflected in the bill's structure.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over educational institutions
- Potential for reduced educational quality due to standardized requirements
- Financial burden on secondary schools for textbook costs
- โ HB61 Modify homestead exemption, owner-occupancy tax credit amount
The bill modifies the homestead exemption and owner-occupancy property tax credit in Ohio, establishing criteria for partial exemptions based on property use and the status of the property owner, including age and disability. It requires annual reviews by county auditors to determine eligibility and outlines the process for tax reductions and adjustments. The changes apply to tax years ending on or after the effective date of the amendments. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over property taxation and does not align with the Libertarian principles of minimal government interference and the protection of individual property rights. It imposes criteria for tax exemptions that could be seen as a form of government overreach, conflicting with the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and limited taxation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property taxation
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiency in tax exemption reviews
- Disincentives for property ownership and investment
- โ HB60 Allow use of campaign funds to pay certain child care costs
This bill amends section 3517.13 of the Revised Code to allow candidates to use campaign funds to pay for certain child care costs incurred as a direct result of engaging in campaign activities. The bill specifies that the child care must be provided by a licensed individual and that the costs must be legitimate and verifiable. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-sanctioned use of campaign funds for child care, which may be seen as an expansion of government involvement in personal financial decisions, conflicting with the LP and LPO principles of minimal government interference. However, it does not significantly infringe on individual rights or economic freedoms, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for misuse of campaign funds
- Increased government regulation of campaign finance
- Encouragement of dependency on campaign funds for personal expenses
- โ HB6 Enact Advance Ohio Higher Education Act
The bill enacts the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, which amends various sections of the Revised Code related to the governance and operation of state institutions of higher education. It requires the chancellor of higher education to develop educational programs for board members of state institutions, mandates the public availability of course syllabi, and establishes guidelines for institutional policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, it includes provisions for a feasibility study on implementing three-year bachelor's degree programs. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and control over higher education institutions, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and maximum individual freedom. It imposes requirements that may restrict the autonomy of educational institutions and their governance, particularly regarding diversity and inclusion policies. The alignment scores reflect the bill's significant departure from core Libertarian values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over educational institutions
- Potential infringement on academic freedom
- Imposition of diversity and inclusion mandates that may limit institutional autonomy
- โ๏ธ HB59 Revise and streamline the state's occupational regulations
The bill aims to revise and streamline Ohio's occupational regulations to better accommodate the state's workforce. Specific details on the regulations affected, timelines, or penalties are not specified. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill's intent to streamline occupational regulations aligns with the Libertarian principles of reducing government interference in labor markets and promoting free markets. Both the LP and LPO platforms support minimizing government regulations that hinder individual and economic freedoms.
- โ HB58 Create recovery housing residences certificate of need program
The bill establishes a certificate of need program for recovery housing residences in Ohio, requiring annual inspections by the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services. It mandates a process for receiving and investigating complaints regarding these residences and outlines the criteria for issuing certificates of need for various activities related to recovery housing. The bill also includes provisions for application fees and penalties for non-compliance. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government regulations and oversight on recovery housing residences, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy. It establishes a bureaucratic process that could hinder personal freedom and property rights, aligning poorly with both the LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal recovery choices
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Imposition of fees that could limit access to recovery housing
- โ HB579 Regulate the use of artificial intelligence by health insurers
This bill regulates the use of artificial intelligence by health insurers in Ohio. It requires health plan issuers to report their use of AI in utilization review processes and prohibits decisions regarding care based solely on AI results. Additionally, it mandates that medical necessity determinations must involve a licensed physician and consider individual clinical circumstances. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government regulation over health insurers and mandates specific procedures for medical necessity determinations, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over health insurance practices
- Potential for reduced innovation in AI applications in healthcare
- Higher operational costs for health insurers due to compliance requirements
- โ HB578 Require tick-related disease reporting to Department of Health
The bill requires health care providers and certain officials to report tick-related diseases and conditions to the Ohio Department of Health. The diseases included are various tick-related illnesses such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Failure to comply with the reporting requirements is prohibited. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes mandatory reporting requirements on health care providers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize personal liberty and limited government, suggesting that such mandates are an overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over health care providers
- Potential violation of individual privacy rights
- Administrative burden on health care providers
- โ HB577 Require photo ID for absent voting; revise voter registration law
HB577 requires voters to present photo identification when casting absent ballots by mail and modifies voter registration laws. It mandates that designated agencies provide free copies of photo identification to voters upon request and establishes procedures for voter registration and absentee voting. The bill also includes provisions for individuals with religious objections to being photographed. (Introduced In House) 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. The Libertarian Party of Ohio's platform also emphasizes the importance of protecting individual rights and opposing government overreach, which this bill appears to contradict.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased barriers to voting for individuals without photo ID.
- Potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
- Administrative burden on designated agencies to comply with new requirements.
- โ HB576 Designate Veterans' month
This bill designates the month of November as 'Veterans' month' in Ohio to encourage observance of events recognizing the contributions of Ohio veterans. It amends section 5.21 of the Revised Code, which currently includes provisions for Labor Day and Columbus Day, and establishes November as a month dedicated to veterans. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a government-sanctioned observance which may be seen as an unnecessary expansion of government involvement in recognizing specific groups, conflicting with the Libertarian principles of limited government and individual liberty.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government recognition of specific groups over others
- Potential for government overreach in defining observances
- May lead to further government involvement in cultural matters
- โ HB575 Revise property taxation of farmland
Bill HB575 revises property taxation laws for farmland in Ohio, amending various sections of the Revised Code to change how agricultural land is valued and taxed. It includes provisions for tax bills to display specific information regarding tax rates and exemptions, and establishes requirements for county auditors to notify landowners about their agricultural use value and any changes in tax assessments. The bill also outlines penalties for failure to report inaccuracies in tax exemptions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces more government regulation and oversight in property taxation, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government interference in property rights. However, it does provide some benefits to agricultural landowners, which aligns partially with the LPO's support for free markets and property rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property taxation
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Penalties for non-compliance may disproportionately affect small landowners
- โ HB574 Create Political Subdivision Consolidation Incentive Grant pilot
The bill establishes the Political Subdivision Consolidation Incentive Grant Pilot Program, which provides grants to political subdivisions that merge. Eligible townships and municipal corporations can receive grants based on population and budget calculations, with a maximum grant amount of $2.5 million for townships and $1 million for other political subdivisions. The program is funded by state appropriations and is administered by the Secretary of State. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government intervention in local governance through financial incentives for mergers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government and free markets. It also establishes a program that could lead to increased government control over local entities, opposing the core tenets of both the LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local governance
- Potential for cronyism in grant distribution
- Misallocation of state funds
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.
