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 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
- โ HB532 Regards custody of children who cannot be released to a parent
The bill requires public children services agencies to take immediate custody of specified children who cannot be released to a parent, guardian, or custodian. It outlines the procedures for filing complaints regarding children who are unruly, abused, neglected, or dependent, and establishes timelines for hearings and custody determinations. The bill also specifies circumstances under which a child may be taken into custody and the responsibilities of the agencies involved. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government intervention in family matters and mandates the removal of children from their parents or guardians, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and parental rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and limited government interference in personal relationships.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over family dynamics
- Potential for abuse of power by child services
- Erosion of parental rights
- โ HB531 Enact the School Chaplain Act
The bill permits public schools in Ohio to engage volunteer chaplains to provide support services, requiring a criminal records check for volunteers. Schools may adopt policies to authorize chaplain services, which are supplementary to existing counseling services, and parental consent is required for student participation. The implementation of this act is set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces state-sanctioned religious involvement in public schools, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of separation of church and state and individual rights regarding religious freedom. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government interference in personal beliefs and practices, making the bill misaligned with their core tenets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential violation of the separation of church and state
- Increased government involvement in religious practices
- Parental rights may be undermined if schools adopt policies without adequate oversight
- โ HB530 Establish the Long-term Care Workforce Study Commission
The bill establishes the Long-term Care Workforce Study Commission to study the direct care and long-term care workforce in Ohio, make policy recommendations on workforce demand, recruitment strategies, educational needs, barriers to hiring, job quality, shared staffing opportunities, and funding mechanisms. The Commission will consist of members from the General Assembly and experts in the field, and it is required to issue a report by August 31, 2027. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government intervention in workforce management and education, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement in labor markets and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government control and interference in employment agreements and economic activities.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over labor markets
- Potential for cronyism in workforce recommendations
- Misallocation of resources due to government intervention
- โ HB53 Designate John Rankin Day
This bill designates February 4th as John Rankin Day in honor of the abolitionist John Rankin and mandates the erection of a statue in his memory on the statehouse grounds, with site preparation funded by public funds and the memorial's design and construction funded by private contributions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government action to commemorate an individual, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and fiscal responsibility, as it utilizes public funds for site preparation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential misuse of public funds
- Encouragement of government involvement in memorialization
- Diverting attention from more pressing state issues
- โ HB529 Authorize tax credit if hiring veterans, service members, spouses
HB529 authorizes refundable tax credits for employers who hire certain veterans, service members, and their spouses. The bill outlines the application process for tax credits, the conditions under which they can be claimed, and specifies the maximum amount of credits available. It also establishes a limit on the total amount of credits that can be approved in a calendar year. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government incentives for hiring specific groups, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in the labor market. While it may support veterans, it also creates a system of government favoritism and potential cronyism, which is inconsistent with free market ideals.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Encourages government intervention in employment decisions
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism in hiring practices
- Increases complexity in the tax code
- โ HB528 Require 7 year mandatory minimum prison term for forcible rape
The bill mandates a minimum prison term of seven years for individuals convicted of forcible rape, amending existing laws regarding sentencing for such offenses. It outlines specific conditions under which sexual conduct is considered rape and establishes penalties for violations. The bill also includes provisions regarding the admissibility of evidence in court related to the victim's and defendant's sexual activity. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes mandatory minimum sentencing, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles advocating against such laws. It also expands government control over criminal justice, which is contrary to the Libertarian Party of Ohio's platform that opposes laws related to mandatory minimum sentencing.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over sentencing
- Potential for unjust punishment without consideration of individual circumstances
- Encouragement of a punitive rather than rehabilitative justice system
- โ๏ธ HB527 Allow felony defendants to request indictment by open grand jury
HB527 allows felony defendants to request an indictment by an open grand jury instead of a secret grand jury. The bill outlines the procedures for such requests, including timelines for hearings and the rights of defendants during the process. It specifies that defendants can present evidence and challenge the state's case in an open setting. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principle of transparency in legal proceedings, aligning with Libertarian values of individual rights and due process. However, it still involves government oversight in the legal process, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for individual rights and due process, but the bill does not fully align with their calls for reduced government involvement in legal matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over legal processes.
- Risk of overreach in the application of grand jury procedures.
- โ HB526 Require orange International Symbol of Access windshield placards
The bill requires the issuance of orange removable windshield placards imprinted with the International Symbol of Access for individuals with disabilities that limit or impair their ability to walk. It establishes criteria for eligibility, application processes, and renewal requirements for these placards. Additionally, it outlines penalties for misuse of the placards and mandates the registrar to maintain records related to their issuance and expiration. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government regulations on individuals with disabilities, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government intervention and personal liberty. While it aims to assist a specific group, it does so through increased government oversight and requirements, which the Libertarian Party generally opposes. The Libertarian Party of Ohio's score reflects a mixed view, as it supports individual rights but may see some value in accessibility measures.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal mobility aids
- Potential for misuse and overreach in enforcement
- Administrative burden on individuals with disabilities
- โ HB525 Regards use of artificial intelligence in therapy services
The bill regulates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy services by licensed professionals in Ohio. It allows licensed therapy professionals to use AI for supplementary support tasks, provided they obtain informed consent from clients and adhere to confidentiality requirements. The bill prohibits AI from making therapeutic decisions or directly interacting with clients. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulations on the use of AI in therapy, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and personal autonomy. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and limited government, and the bill's regulatory nature may be seen as an infringement on professional autonomy and client choice.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation on therapy practices
- Potential limitations on client choice regarding therapy methods
- Risk of overreach in defining the scope of AI use in therapy
- โ HB524 Impose penalties for AI models suggesting harming self or another
The bill imposes penalties on developers of artificial intelligence models or applications that suggest self-harm or harm to others. It allows the attorney general to investigate violations, issue subpoenas, and impose civil penalties for non-compliance. The penalties collected will be deposited into a fund for suicide prevention and mental health crisis services. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts the development and deployment of AI technologies, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of individual rights and freedom of expression. It imposes government oversight and penalties that undermine personal responsibility and freedom in technological innovation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over technology development
- Potential chilling effect on free speech and innovation
- Unclear definitions may lead to arbitrary enforcement
- โ HB523 Enact the Future Educators Support Act
The Future Educators Support Act provides financial support for individuals enrolled in teacher preparation programs, including cost-of-living stipends and test fee reimbursements based on financial need. Public school districts may pay student teachers a wage and offer health care benefits. Additionally, state institutions of higher education may establish lower tuition rates for these individuals. The act also updates the list of in-demand jobs to include teachers. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in education and mandates financial support, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions in education. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of free markets and oppose government-mandated benefits.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential for cronyism in funding allocation
- Undermining of free market principles in labor
- โ HB522 Regards federal mineral royalty payments
The bill amends section 1503.35 and enacts section 131.52 of the Revised Code to establish a federal mineral royalty clearing fund. It requires the treasurer of state to deposit federal mineral royalties from oil, gas, or mineral production on federal lands into this fund and mandates the distribution of these royalties to the respective counties of origin for specific public purposes. The bill also clarifies that federal mineral royalties are not considered forest products under existing law. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government management and distribution of federal mineral royalties, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in economic matters. However, it does not impose direct restrictions on individual rights, leading to a mixed alignment score for both the LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over resource management
- Potential for cronyism in fund distribution
- Limited private sector involvement in mineral resource management
- โ HB521 Enact the Ohio Nurse Workforce and Safe Patient Act
The bill requires hospitals to establish and comply with registered nurse staffing plans to ensure patient safety, creates a Nursing Student Loan-to-Grant Program for nursing students with a service obligation, and mandates penalties for non-compliance. It also includes provisions for monitoring and reporting on staffing levels and allows for deviations during public health emergencies. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government mandates on staffing and funding for nursing education, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It restricts the autonomy of hospitals and may lead to increased government control over healthcare practices, which is contrary to the Libertarian emphasis on individual rights and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over healthcare
- Potential for reduced hospital autonomy
- Financial burden on taxpayers through funding programs
- โ HB520 Establish Blue Ribbon Comm. in each county to improve efficiency
The bill establishes a Blue Ribbon Committee in each Ohio county to review and assess taxing units and county programs to identify duplication of services and improve efficiency. The committee will consist of local officials and residents, and is required to submit a report with recommendations within one year of its establishment. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government efficiency and consolidation, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and the protection of individual rights. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and free markets, suggesting that this bill may not align with their core tenets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local services
- Potential for reduced individual autonomy in local governance
- Risk of inefficiency in implementation despite intended goals
- โ HB52 Revise the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists
This bill revises the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in Ohio, establishing new definitions and regulations regarding their scope of practice, supervision requirements, and collaboration with physicians, podiatrists, and dentists. It specifies that CRNAs may administer anesthesia under supervision and outlines conditions under which they may perform certain nursing care activities. The bill also repeals existing sections related to CRNA practices. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases regulatory oversight and supervision of CRNAs, which may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in personal and professional choices. However, it does not impose significant restrictions on individual rights or economic freedoms, leading to a mixed alignment with the LPO platform.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation may limit the autonomy of healthcare professionals.
- Potential for reduced access to anesthesia services due to heightened supervision requirements.
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.