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 HB56 Designate CPL David James Amheiser Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of State Route 421 in Medina County as the 'CPL David James Amheiser Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the core principles of the Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Ohio, as it involves government action to designate a highway, which may be seen as unnecessary government involvement and spending.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- โ HB559 Allow for the waiver of peace officer refresher training
The bill allows for the waiver of refresher training for re-appointed peace officers for one year upon request from an appointing authority, with the Executive Director of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission required to respond within thirty days. This measure is declared an emergency due to the unavailability of required training courses. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill provides flexibility in law enforcement training requirements, which aligns with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention. However, it does not fully embrace the LP or LPO's strong emphasis on individual rights and accountability in law enforcement, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential reduction in law enforcement training standards
- Increased risk of inadequate preparedness among peace officers
- โ๏ธ HB558 Designate Henrietta Lacks Day
This bill designates October 4th as 'Henrietta Lacks Day' in Ohio, recognizing the contributions of Henrietta Lacks to medical research. No penalties or specific requirements for observance are mentioned in the text. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not directly conflict with the core principles of the Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Ohio, as it does not impose restrictions on individual rights or government overreach. However, it does not actively promote libertarian values either, resulting in a neutral alignment.
- โ๏ธ HB557 Prohibit judicial release denial solely on offense classification
The bill amends section 2929.20 of the Revised Code to prohibit the denial of judicial release based solely on the classification of an offense. It allows eligible offenders to file for judicial release after serving specified portions of their nonmandatory prison terms, with certain exceptions for serious offenses. The bill outlines the process for filing motions, court hearings, and the conditions under which judicial release may be granted or denied. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on individual rights and limited government intervention in the justice system, particularly regarding the ability of offenders to seek judicial release. However, it still maintains some government oversight in the judicial process, which may conflict with the LP's principles of minimal state involvement. The Libertarian Party of Ohio's support for limiting state powers in crime and punishment aligns well with the bill's intent to provide more opportunities for judicial release.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased recidivism if offenders are released without adequate support.
- Judicial discretion may still lead to inconsistent application of the law.
- โ HB556 Revise community control sanctions for felonies and misdemeanors
HB556 amends sections of the Revised Code to revise community control sanctions for felonies and misdemeanors, changing the maximum periods of these sanctions and modifying confinement sanctions for technical violations. It specifies conditions under which individuals may avoid penalties for minor drug possession offenses if they seek medical assistance during an overdose. The bill also outlines the procedures for reporting violations and the potential penalties for offenders. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over individuals by extending community control sanctions and modifying penalties for drug-related offenses, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and limited government intervention. The Libertarian Party of Ohio's platform also opposes mandatory minimum sentencing and excessive government oversight, which this bill appears to support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over individuals
- Potential for overreach in enforcement of community control sanctions
- Risk of penalizing individuals for seeking medical assistance
- โ HB555 Create Ohio Council of Skin and Scuba Divers, Inc. license plate
The bill creates a specialty license plate for the Ohio Council of Skin and Scuba Divers, Inc., allowing vehicle owners to apply for these plates. A contribution of ten dollars is required for each application, which will be deposited into a license plate contribution fund to support the organization's scholarships, outreach, and educational activities. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government involvement in the creation of a specialty license plate and requires contributions from vehicle owners, which may be seen as a form of taxation or government intervention. This conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government and free markets. However, it does not directly infringe on personal liberties or rights, resulting in a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over personal choices regarding vehicle registration.
- Encourages a precedent for more specialty license plates, which could lead to further government involvement.
- โ๏ธ HB554 Require government, private sellers to accept cash as payment
The bill requires governmental entities and private sellers to accept cash as payment for transactions totaling five hundred dollars or less. It prohibits charging higher prices for cash payments compared to other payment methods. Exceptions include transactions at airports. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual choice in payment methods and promotes cash transactions, aligning with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and free markets. However, it imposes a requirement on businesses, which could be seen as a minor government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased regulatory burden on businesses
- Possibility of unintended consequences in cash handling logistics
- โ HB553 Require landlord to notify tenant of rent default before eviction
HB553 requires landlords to notify tenants of rent defaults within sixty days before initiating eviction proceedings. If the landlord fails to provide this notice, they cannot commence eviction until they notify the tenant, ninety days have passed, and a payment plan has been offered. The bill also stipulates that landlords must not evict tenants who comply with agreed payment plans. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional requirements on landlords, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in property rights and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of property rights and oppose government mandates that interfere with voluntary agreements between landlords and tenants.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of landlord-tenant relationships
- Potential for reduced rental property availability due to increased landlord liabilities
- Encouragement of non-compliance by tenants who may exploit the notification requirement
- โ HB552 Regards Medicaid reimbursement for hospice providers
The bill amends section 5164.16 of the Revised Code to change Medicaid reimbursement for hospice providers, allowing reimbursement for room and board for hospice patients in nursing facilities or ICF/IID at a rate equal to 100% of the established rate for those facilities, effective no later than January 1, 2028. It also allows Medicaid recipients to receive certain home and community-based services without undergoing a level of care determination. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in healthcare through Medicaid reimbursement changes, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and limited government, which this bill does not support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over healthcare
- Potential for reduced quality of care due to government reimbursement rates
- Encouragement of dependency on government programs
- โ HB551 Designate the Dale McCauley Memorial Intersection
This bill designates the intersection of United States route 250 and McCauley drive in Uhrichsville, Ohio, as the 'Dale McCauley Memorial Intersection.' The director of transportation is authorized to erect suitable markers indicating the name of the intersection. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the core principles of the Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Ohio, as it involves government action to designate a memorial, which does not support individual rights or free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in local matters
- Potential misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- โ HB550 Require compensatory parenting time for parenting time violation
The bill requires courts to order compensatory parenting time for parents whose visitation rights have been violated or interfered with. It outlines the conditions under which compensatory time can be granted, including circumstances of unsubstantiated abuse reports and willful violations of parenting schedules. The bill also mandates courts to consider various factors when determining parenting time and visitation rights. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional government oversight on parental rights and visitation, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in personal relationships. However, it does provide mechanisms for parents to seek redress, aligning somewhat with the LPO's focus on individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government involvement in family matters
- Potential for misuse of the compensatory time provisions
- Complexity in legal proceedings regarding parenting rights
- โ HB55 Revise fees for the administration of a probate estate
The bill amends sections 2127.38 and 5721.10 of the Revised Code to revise the fees associated with the administration of a probate estate, including the distribution of sale proceeds from real property sold by an executor, administrator, or guardian. It specifies the order of payment for costs, expenses, and fees related to the sale and administration of the estate, as well as the state's lien on delinquent taxes. The bill also repeals existing sections related to these fees. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government regulation of probate estate administration and fees, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market practices. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government control over economic transactions, suggesting a mixed alignment with the bill.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over estate administration
- Potential for higher fees imposed by government regulations
- Reduced autonomy for individuals in managing their estates
- โ HB549 Regulate cigar bars; create cigar sales and use tax exemption
The bill regulates cigar bars in Ohio, requiring them to obtain a license and adhere to specific operational guidelines, including prohibiting the sale of products other than premium cigars and restricting entry to individuals under 21. It also exempts cigars smoked on the premises from sales and use tax. Local municipalities may impose additional regulations or prohibit cigar bars altogether. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government regulation of cigar bars, which conflicts with LP principles of minimal government intervention and individual freedom regarding personal choices. However, the tax exemption for cigars may align with LPO's support for reducing taxation, leading to a mixed alignment score for LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of personal choices
- Potential for local ordinances to further restrict personal freedoms
- Licensing requirements may create barriers to entry for small business owners
- โ HB548 Require alcohol, drug testing after officer use of force incident
The bill requires peace officers and corrections officers to submit to alcohol and drug testing within three hours after an incident involving the use of force. If the test indicates a prohibited concentration of substances, the officer's employer must report the results to the prosecutor and take corrective actions. Exceptions apply for officers who test positive for prescribed substances used according to a health professional's directions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes mandatory drug and alcohol testing on officers, which can be seen as a government overreach into personal rights and autonomy, conflicting with the LP and LPO principles of self-ownership and limited government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Infringement on individual rights
- Potential for misuse of testing results
- Increased government control over law enforcement
- โ HB547 Enact the Kid Influencer Protection Act
The bill requires vloggers to hold a portion of their compensation earned from content featuring minors in a trust account, ensuring that minors receive a share of the earnings. It mandates record-keeping and reporting requirements for vloggers regarding the minors featured in their content. The bill also allows minors to take legal action against vloggers for non-compliance. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government regulations on vloggers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual freedom. It restricts the ability of individuals to freely engage in contracts and manage their earnings without government oversight.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of online content creation
- Potential for overreach in monitoring and enforcement
- Limitation on the freedom of contract for vloggers
- โ HB546 Address minors working as performers in entertainment industry
HB546 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to regulate the employment of minors as performers in the entertainment industry. It establishes requirements for age and schooling certificates, limits working hours for minors under sixteen, mandates parental supervision, and requires medical certification for minors not of compulsory school age. Additionally, it mandates that a trust account be established for minors' earnings if they exceed a specified amount. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government regulations on the employment of minors, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters. It restricts the freedom of individuals and parents to make decisions regarding work and education for minors, which is contrary to the Libertarian emphasis on self-ownership and personal liberty.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal and economic decisions
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Restrictions on parental rights and individual freedoms
- โ HB545 Enact the School Busing Improvement Act
The School Busing Improvement Act mandates city, local, and exempted village school districts to provide transportation for qualifying riders, including students in community schools and nonpublic schools, and establishes a funding mechanism for transportation costs. It requires districts to report ridership data and allows for efficiency adjustments based on ridership density. The act also includes provisions for bus purchasing grants to replace older buses. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in education and transportation, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It mandates transportation services and funding, which can be seen as an expansion of government control over education. The LPO's score reflects a slightly more favorable view due to its focus on state sovereignty, but the bill still imposes regulations that contradict their platform.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education and transportation
- Potential inefficiencies in government-managed transportation systems
- Financial burden on taxpayers through mandated funding
- โ HB544 Expand the offense of obstructing justice
Bill HB544 amends section 2921.32 of the Revised Code to expand the offense of obstructing justice, making it illegal to hinder the discovery, apprehension, arrest, prosecution, or conviction of individuals involved in criminal activities. It specifies various actions that constitute obstructing justice and outlines penalties based on the severity of the crime being aided, including misdemeanors and felonies of varying degrees. The bill also includes provisions regarding the prosecution of individuals regardless of the outcome of the underlying crime. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill expands the scope of criminal offenses and increases penalties, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limiting government force and protecting individual rights. It may lead to overreach in law enforcement and prosecutorial practices, which the Libertarian Party and Libertarian Party of Ohio oppose.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government overreach in law enforcement
- Risk of wrongful convictions due to expanded definitions of obstructing justice
- Encouragement of prosecutorial misconduct and overcharging
- โ HB543 Create a food desert elimination grant program
The bill establishes a food desert elimination grant program administered by the Department of Development to incentivize grocery stores to open in food deserts, defined as areas with limited access to healthy food. Grocery retailers can apply for grants up to $15,000 if they meet specific requirements regarding the sale of healthful foods and location. Recipients must provide quarterly reports on the use of funds and health impacts. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government intervention in the market by providing grants to grocery stores, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of individual rights and free markets, opposing government programs that interfere with these principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over the market
- Potential for cronyism in grant distribution
- Misallocation of taxpayer funds
- โ HB542 Require all inmate pregnancy outcomes be reported to DRC
The bill requires all county, municipal, and state correctional facilities in Ohio to report the pregnancy outcomes of pregnant inmates to the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction by December 31st of each year. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a reporting requirement on correctional facilities, which may be seen as an increase in government oversight and control over individuals' personal circumstances, conflicting with the principles of personal liberty and self-ownership advocated by both the LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight of personal health outcomes
- Potential violation of inmate privacy rights
- Administrative burden on correctional facilities
- โ HB541 Designate Deputy Daniel "Weston" Sherrer Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of U.S. Route 42 in Morrow County as the 'Deputy Daniel 'Weston' Sherrer Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers along the highway indicating its name. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the Libertarian Party or Libertarian Party of Ohio principles as it involves government action to designate a memorial highway, which may be seen as unnecessary government involvement and spending.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- Encourages further government involvement in local affairs
- โ HB540 Require payments in lieu of taxes from certain conservation orgs
The bill requires nonprofit conservation organizations with significant tax-exempt land holdings (over 15,000 acres in a single county) to make payments in lieu of taxes equal to 2.5% of the unimproved taxable value of the property to the county treasurer. Payments are due annually by June 30, starting in 2026, and if unpaid, will be collected like delinquent property taxes. The funds collected will be distributed among local taxing units. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a tax-like requirement on nonprofit organizations, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and protection of property rights. It represents an increase in government control over private entities, which is contrary to both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased financial burden on conservation organizations
- Potential reduction in conservation efforts due to financial constraints
- Encouragement of government overreach in private property matters
- โ HB54 Make appropriations for transportation for FY 2026-27 biennium
HB54 makes appropriations for transportation programs for the fiscal years 2026-2027, including funding for highway construction, maintenance, public transportation, and related infrastructure projects. It outlines the allocation of funds from various sources, including federal and state funds, and establishes conditions for the operation of these programs. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill primarily involves government appropriations and funding for transportation infrastructure, which may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and spending. The Libertarian Party opposes government spending and control over markets, while the Libertarian Party of Ohio expresses concerns over government overreach and taxation, both of which are relevant to this bill's provisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for cronyism in contracting
- Expansion of government control over transportation
- โ HB539 Designate Thaddeus Koลciuszko Day
This bill designates February 4 as Thaddeus Koลciuszko Day in Ohio, honoring the Polish general and hero of the American Revolutionary War, who was born on that date in 1746. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with core Libertarian principles as it involves government action to designate a commemorative day, which could be seen as unnecessary government involvement in cultural matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in cultural recognition
- Diverts attention from more pressing legislative issues
- โ HB538 Revise the law governing the Ohio Athletics Commission
HB538 revises the law governing the Ohio Athletics Commission by placing it within the Department of Commerce, modifying its functions, and making an appropriation of $1,000,000 for its operations. The bill outlines the appointment process for commission members, their qualifications, and the conditions under which they may be removed. It also establishes rules for conducting boxing and mixed martial arts events, including licensing requirements for promoters and participants. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and regulation of athletic events, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and the deregulation of markets. It imposes licensing requirements and government control over private competitions, which contradicts the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and personal liberty.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private activities
- Potential for cronyism in the appointment of commission members
- Regulatory burdens on promoters and participants
- โ HB537 Regulate midwifery, birth centers; designate Day of the Midwife
HB537 regulates the practice of midwifery and establishes requirements for freestanding birthing centers in Ohio. It mandates that hospitals set standards for considering applications for staff membership from midwives and prohibits discrimination against qualified midwives in these applications. The bill also designates May 5th as the 'Day of the Midwife.' (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory measures that could be seen as increasing government control over midwifery practices, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy. While it does support some aspects of personal choice in birthing practices, the overall regulatory framework is inconsistent with Libertarian ideals.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal health choices
- Potential for over-regulation of midwifery practices
- Restrictions on the ability of midwives to operate independently
- โ HB536 Modify cost apportionment - municipal court civil traffic tickets
The bill modifies how current operating costs are apportioned for municipal courts handling civil traffic tickets, requiring costs to be shared among municipal corporations and townships based on their respective caseloads. Municipalities are not liable for costs exceeding the total amount of fines and fees collected from them. Auditors must meet every six months to determine and adjust the proportionate shares of costs. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a structured cost-sharing mechanism for municipal court operations, which may be seen as increasing government involvement in local finances, conflicting with LP and LPO principles of minimizing government intervention and promoting individual autonomy. Both platforms advocate for limited government functions, which this bill does not align with.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local finances
- Potential for misallocation of resources
- Encouragement of bureaucratic processes
- โ HB535 Regards hospital-wide nursing care comm., nursing staffing plans
The bill requires hospitals to establish a hospital-wide nursing care committee to develop and implement nursing staffing plans, ensuring a minimum number of nurses are available for direct patient care. Hospitals must evaluate and adjust these plans every two years, with provisions for public health emergencies. Compliance reports must be submitted to the Department of Health, and penalties are imposed for non-compliance. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government mandates on hospitals regarding staffing levels and operational procedures, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in private enterprise and labor markets. It also introduces penalties for non-compliance, which further aligns with government overreach rather than individual or market freedoms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over healthcare operations
- Potential for reduced flexibility in hospital staffing decisions
- Financial penalties may lead to increased costs for hospitals
- โ HB534 Provide for the licensure of debt services providers
The bill provides for the licensure of debt services providers in Ohio, requiring them to obtain a license from the superintendent of financial institutions before offering debt resolution services. It establishes criteria for disqualifying offenses related to licensing, outlines the application process, and mandates the maintenance of consumer rights and transparency in transactions. The bill also specifies penalties for violations and the conditions under which licenses may be suspended or revoked. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a licensing requirement for debt services providers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. It imposes regulations that could be seen as unnecessary government control over private contracts and services, thus undermining individual rights and economic freedom.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private financial services
- Potential for reduced competition in the debt services market
- Higher costs for consumers due to regulatory compliance
- โ HB533 Revise list of vehicles that can commit vehicular homicide
Bill HB533 amends sections 2903.06 and 2903.08 of the Revised Code to expand the list of vehicles that can be involved in vehicular homicide or vehicular assault. It establishes penalties for causing death or serious harm while operating various types of vehicles, including mandatory prison terms and license suspensions based on prior offenses. The bill specifies conditions under which these offenses apply, particularly in construction zones. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government regulation and penalties related to vehicular offenses, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and personal responsibility. It imposes mandatory sentencing and expands the scope of criminal liability, undermining the LP and LPO's advocacy for reducing government overreach in criminal justice.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over individual actions
- Potential for overreach in law enforcement practices
- Imposition of mandatory minimum sentences may lead to unjust outcomes
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.