The Ohio Assembly can have bills in process across all committees in both the House of Representatives and Senate. Here is a list of the bills the LPO political team are tracking.
If you are aware of a bill in committee that you would like to see added, reach out.
Items with icons have been reviewed on whether they align with the Libertarian Party of Ohio Platform and/or National Libertarian Platform.
✅ Aligns and passed by House/Senate
✔️ Aligns, still in committee
❌ Does not Align
Check on Recent Bill Activity.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ✔️ 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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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.
- ❌ HB519 Prohibit specified actions with intent to steal a motor vehicle
The bill prohibits possession of an electronic device under circumstances indicating an intent to steal a motor vehicle. It defines 'electronic device or tool' and establishes prima-facie evidence of criminal purpose related to such possession. Violators may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony depending on the intent and circumstances. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over individual actions by criminalizing possession of tools that could be used for theft, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and limited government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government surveillance and control over personal property
- Potential for overreach in enforcement and prosecution
- Criminalizes possession of tools without evidence of intent to commit a crime
- ❌ HB518 Regards truancy, contributing to delinquency of a child
Bill HB518 amends sections related to truancy and contributing to the delinquency of a child. It allows courts to impose various dispositions on children adjudicated as unruly or delinquent, including community service, counseling, and driver's license suspensions. The bill also holds parents accountable for their child's truancy, potentially requiring them to participate in community service or mediation programs. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional government control over children and parents, mandating participation in programs and imposing penalties for truancy, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of personal liberty and parental rights. The alignment scores reflect the significant opposition to the bill's provisions that infringe on individual rights and parental authority.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government intervention in family matters
- Potential criminalization of parental actions
- Strain on judicial resources due to increased court involvement
- ❌ HB517 Regards special assessments for shade trees
The bill amends section 727.011 of the Revised Code to allow municipalities to establish districts for the control, planting, maintenance, trimming, and removal of shade trees in public rights-of-way. It permits the levy of special assessments on real property within these districts to cover costs, with exemptions for certain nonprofit land conservation organizations. The ordinance must be published and can involve the issuance of bonds for anticipated assessments. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government-imposed special assessments for tree maintenance, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. It establishes a mandatory financial obligation on property owners, undermining the Libertarian stance against government overreach and taxation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property
- Potential for misuse of funds raised through assessments
- Encouragement of cronyism in municipal contracts
- ❌ HB516 Designate 83rd Ohio Division Memorial Highway
The bill designates a portion of State Route 5 in Portage County and Trumbull County as the '83rd Ohio Division 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 memorial highway, which does not support individual rights or free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB515 Regards ADAMH boards and board contracts
The bill amends sections 340.02 and 340.036 of the Revised Code to establish guidelines for the composition and size of boards of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services in Ohio. It specifies the appointment process, membership requirements, and conditions for board contracts, including stipulations on conflicts of interest and training for board members. The bill also outlines the process for changing board size and the requirements for contracting with service providers. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over the composition and operation of mental health boards, which conflicts with LP principles of individual liberty and minimal government intervention. The LPO's concerns about government contracts and cronyism are partially relevant, but the bill does not fully align with their platform due to its regulatory nature.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over mental health services
- Potential for cronyism in board appointments
- Restrictions on individual choice in service providers
- ❌ HB514 Regards public records of minors, sex offender library boxes
The bill specifies that videos taken by public offices depicting minors at public recreational facilities with water activities are not public records and are subject to restricted release. It also prohibits individuals convicted of sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offenses from establishing or maintaining library boxes, with violations classified as a misdemeanor of the first degree. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts access to public records and imposes penalties on individuals based on their criminal history, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty, privacy, and limited government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Infringement on individual rights to access public information
- Potential for discrimination against individuals with past offenses
- Increased government control over personal actions
- ❌ HB513 Let certain entities apply Prevailing Wage to public projects
HB513 allows political subdivisions, special districts, and state institutions of higher education to elect to apply the Prevailing Wage Law to public improvement projects and increases the threshold amount that triggers the application of the law for certain state public improvements. The bill modifies existing sections of the Revised Code related to public improvements and prevailing wages. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government-mandated wage requirements on public projects, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for free markets and minimal government interference in employment agreements. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of voluntary contracts and oppose government-imposed wage standards.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over labor markets
- Potential for cronyism in public contracts
- Higher costs for public projects due to mandated wages
- ✔️ HB512 Modify law re: project labor agreements in public contracts
The bill modifies the law regarding project labor agreements in public improvement contracts by prohibiting public authorities from requiring contractors to enter into agreements with labor organizations or from discriminating against contractors based on their labor organization affiliations. It also stipulates that state funds cannot be distributed to municipalities or counties that impose such requirements. Complaints regarding violations can be filed in court within two years. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principle of voluntary agreements between employers and employees without government interference, aligning with both LP and LPO platforms that advocate for free markets and individual rights in labor relations. However, it does not fully eliminate government involvement in labor agreements, which slightly lowers the alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for reduced worker protections
- Increased tension between labor organizations and employers
- ❌ HB511 Increase appropriations for Campus Student Safety Grant Program
HB511 increases appropriations for the Campus Student Safety Grant Program from $1,000,000 to $11,000,000 for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. It amends Section 381.10 of H.B. 96 of the 136th General Assembly to reflect these changes. The bill does not specify any penalties or exceptions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government funding for a specific program, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of limited government and reduced state spending. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize minimal government intervention and fiscal responsibility, which this bill does not support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for cronyism in grant distribution
- Expansion of government programs
- ✔️ HB510 Prohibit requiring employees to join, pay dues to employee org.
HB510 prohibits any requirement for employees to join or pay dues to an employee organization as a condition of employment. It amends existing laws related to collective bargaining and establishes penalties for violations. The bill applies to public officers and employees in Ohio. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by promoting individual choice regarding union membership and financial contributions, reflecting a commitment to personal liberty and free markets. Both the LP and LPO platforms support the right of individuals to engage in voluntary agreements without government interference.
- ❌ HB51 Designate Lt. James A. Kirkendall Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of U.S. Route 33 in Auglaize County as the 'Lt. James A. Kirkendall 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 core Libertarian principles as it involves government action to designate a memorial highway, which may be seen as unnecessary government involvement and expenditure.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public naming conventions
- Potential misuse of state resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB509 Exclude certain financial records in criminal record expungement
Bill HB509 amends section 2953.32 of the Revised Code to exclude certain financial records held by clerks of court from destruction upon ordered expungement of a criminal record. It specifies which convictions are not eligible for expungement and outlines the application process and timelines for sealing or expunging records. The bill also details the court's responsibilities during the hearing process for such applications. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional government oversight and restrictions on the expungement process, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and individual rights. However, it does provide a mechanism for individuals to seek expungement, which aligns somewhat with the LPO's focus on individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal records
- Potential for misuse of financial records
- Complexity in the expungement process may deter applicants
- ❌ HB508 Enact the Better Access to Health Care Act
The bill modifies laws governing the practice of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Ohio, specifically regarding maternity care coverage, allowing for a minimum of 48 hours of inpatient care after a normal vaginal delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean delivery. It also mandates coverage for follow-up care directed by APRNs and prohibits health insurers from penalizing providers for recommending necessary care. Additionally, it allows APRNs to practice without a standard care arrangement after meeting specific experience requirements. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports increased access to healthcare and the autonomy of APRNs, aligning with Libertarian principles of personal responsibility and choice in healthcare. However, it also involves government regulation of healthcare practices, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention. The LPO's support for healthcare access and professional autonomy aligns more closely with the bill's provisions, resulting in a higher alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of healthcare practices
- Potential for unintended consequences in healthcare delivery
- ❌ HB507 Prohibit a person from receiving proceeds of prostitution
The bill prohibits any person from receiving proceeds from prostitution, defining 'proceeds' as money or any other thing of value earned from sexual activity for hire. Exceptions are made for prostitutes receiving money from their own engagement in such activities. Violations are classified as felonies, with increased penalties if the prostitute is under eighteen years of age. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of personal liberty and the decriminalization of prostitution, as it restricts individual rights and criminalizes consensual transactions without victims. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for the rights of individuals to engage in consensual sexual activities without government interference.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased criminalization of consensual adult behavior
- Potential for abuse of law enforcement powers
- Negative impact on sex workers' safety and rights
- ❌ HB506 Designate George Walker Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of I-71 in Franklin County as the 'George Walker 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 can 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
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.