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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ HB505 Restrict use of crowdfunding money for other purposes
The bill restricts the use of funds collected through crowdfunding to only the purposes specified in the solicitation. It mandates crowdfunding platforms to include terms of service that prohibit misallocation of funds and requires the return of excess funds to donors. Additionally, it establishes penalties for violations and reporting requirements for crowdfunding platforms. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government restrictions on the use of funds and mandates compliance from crowdfunding platforms, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and the freedom to contract. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and economic liberty, which this bill undermines.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over private transactions
- Restricts individual freedom to manage personal funds
- Imposes penalties that could deter crowdfunding initiatives
- ❌ HB504 Enact the Calculated Adjustments for Property Surges (CAPS) Act
The Calculated Adjustments for Property Surges (CAPS) Act allows counties to temporarily exempt a portion of increased property value from taxation following a reappraisal. This applies to real property and qualifying manufactured homes that have seen a significant increase in taxable value. The tax reduction is set at two-thirds for the current tax year and one-third for the following year, with specific procedures for resolution adoption and certification. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a temporary tax exemption which may be seen as a government intervention in property rights, conflicting with the LP's emphasis on minimal government interference. However, it does provide some relief to property owners, aligning partially with LPO's support for property rights and limited taxation. The mixed nature of the bill's provisions leads to moderate alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over property taxation
- May set a precedent for further tax exemptions that complicate tax systems
- Could lead to unequal treatment of property owners based on county decisions
- ✔️ HB503 Regards voter approval of municipal income tax reciprocity credit
HB503 requires voter approval for any modifications to municipal income tax reciprocity credits and allows voters to initiate the adoption, modification, or repeal of such credits. Municipal corporations must file petitions and conduct elections to change these credits, with specific procedures outlined for the election process. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional government oversight and requirements for municipal tax changes, which may conflict with LP principles of minimal government intervention and economic freedom. However, it allows for voter initiatives, which aligns somewhat with LPO's emphasis on local governance and individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local tax decisions
- Potential for voter manipulation in tax matters
- Complexity in tax administration
- ❌ HB502 Appropriate funds for SNAP, TANF, WIC upon lapse in federal funds
This bill appropriates funds from the Budget Stabilization Fund to continue financing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the event of a lapse in federal funding. The funding will be equivalent to the amounts that would have been received from federal sources and will expire once federal funding resumes. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government spending on welfare programs, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government intervention and economic liberty. It also does not align with the Libertarian Party of Ohio's stance against government overreach and spending.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government dependency on welfare programs
- Potential for misuse of state funds
- Encouragement of federal overreach in state matters
- ✔️ HB501 Modify and rename the wrongful incarceration law
This bill modifies and renames the wrongful imprisonment law to wrongful incarceration, detailing the process for wrongfully imprisoned individuals to seek compensation through civil actions in the court of claims. It specifies eligibility criteria, compensation amounts, and procedural requirements for filing claims, including timelines and jurisdictional details. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of state officials in managing these claims and the conditions under which compensation may be denied. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the rights of wrongfully imprisoned individuals to seek compensation, aligning with the LP and LPO principles of justice and individual rights. However, it also involves state processes and regulations that may conflict with the libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention, leading to a mixed alignment.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government bureaucracy in wrongful incarceration claims.
- Possibility of limiting individual rights through procedural requirements.
- ❌ HB500 Designate a school JROTC program as a career-technical ed program
The bill designates a junior reserve officer training corps (JROTC) program offered by a school district as part of the district's career-technical education program, allowing for state approval and funding calculations related to these programs. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports government involvement in education and military training, which conflicts with the LP's emphasis on personal liberty and minimal government interference in education. The LPO's mixed score reflects some alignment with career-technical education but concerns about government mandates.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential for militarization of educational programs
- Diverts resources from non-military career paths
- ❌ HB50 Designate PFC John Wayne Richard Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of State Route 47 in Darke County as the 'PFC John Wayne Richard Memorial Highway' and authorizes the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual rights, as it involves government action to designate a highway and erect markers, which could be seen as unnecessary state involvement.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of state resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB5 Enact the Repeat Offender Act
The bill enacts the Repeat Offender Act, which establishes a repeat offender classification, modifies firearm specifications, increases penalties for certain firearm offenses, broadens the scope of relief from firearms disability, and alters the sealing procedure for misdemeanors and fourth and fifth degree felonies. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over firearms and imposes stricter penalties, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and limited government intervention. It also creates classifications that may lead to increased surveillance and restrictions on individual rights, opposing the Libertarian Party's advocacy for personal responsibility and freedom from government overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government surveillance and control over individuals
- Potential for disproportionate penalties affecting marginalized communities
- Erosion of personal liberties related to firearm ownership
- ❌ HB499 Modify laws governing county budget commissions, property taxes
The bill modifies laws governing county budget commissions and property taxation in Ohio, including the calculation and distribution of funds to school districts based on enrollment and tax levies. It establishes requirements for school districts to levy a minimum amount for current operating expenses and outlines the role of the county budget commission in approving tax budgets and levies. The bill also introduces provisions for adjusting tax rates for qualifying fixed-sum levies. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over property taxation and school funding, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It imposes mandatory levies and restricts local autonomy in budget decisions, undermining individual property rights and fiscal responsibility.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local budgets
- Potential for reduced local autonomy in financial decisions
- Imposition of mandatory tax levies may burden taxpayers
- ✔️ HB498 Enact the Ohio Self-Defense Act
The Ohio Self-Defense Act modifies self-defense laws by allowing individuals who are not engaged in illegal activity to use reasonable force, including deadly force, without a duty to retreat from any lawful place. It establishes criteria for when self-defense is justified and outlines the conditions under which the affirmative defense of self-defense is not available. The act also provides for pretrial immunity hearings and civil immunity for individuals using force in self-defense. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by affirming the right to self-defense and reducing legal liabilities for individuals acting in defense of themselves or others. However, it includes some restrictions that may not fully align with the LP's strong advocacy for absolute self-defense rights, leading to a slightly lower score. The LPO's emphasis on the right to bear arms and self-defense laws aligns closely with the bill's provisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for misuse of self-defense claims leading to increased violence.
- Ambiguity in definitions may result in legal challenges.
- ❌ HB497 Designate PFC James Vincent PottKotter Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of State Route 49 in Darke County as the 'PFC James Vincent PottKotter 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 Libertarian Party or Libertarian Party of Ohio principles as it involves government action in naming a highway, which does not support individual rights or free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potentially diverts resources from more pressing issues
- ❌ HB496 Designate Fathers Walk Week
The bill designates the third week of September as 'Fathers Walk Week' to encourage fathers to walk their children to school. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a government-sanctioned observance which may be seen as an unnecessary government involvement in family activities, conflicting with the principles of limited government and personal responsibility emphasized by both the LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in personal family matters
- May set a precedent for further government designations and mandates
- ✔️ HB495 Enact the Freedom to Carry Act
The bill enacts the Freedom to Carry Act, which allows individuals to carry concealed deadly weapons without a license or insurance, renames concealed handgun licenses to concealed weapons licenses, and establishes legal protections against local regulations that conflict with state law regarding the carrying of deadly weapons. It also allows for civil actions against political subdivisions that impose conflicting regulations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns closely with the Libertarian Party's principles of self-ownership, individual rights, and the right to bear arms without government interference. It supports the idea of personal responsibility in self-defense and opposes unnecessary regulations on firearm ownership and carrying. The Libertarian Party of Ohio explicitly advocates for the repeal of laws restricting the right to keep and bear arms, which this bill supports.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential increase in gun violence due to less regulation.
- Challenges in law enforcement regarding identification of lawful carriers.
- Increased civil litigation against local governments.
- ❌ HB494 Designate Road Traffic Victims Day of Remembrance
This bill designates the third Sunday in November as 'Road Traffic Victims Day of Remembrance' to honor individuals killed or seriously injured in road traffic incidents in Ohio, while promoting road safety and support for victims and their families. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a government-sanctioned observance, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and individual autonomy. It does not align with the LP or LPO emphasis on personal liberty and minimal government involvement in personal matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Encourages government involvement in personal remembrance practices
- Potentially diverts resources from more pressing issues
- May set a precedent for further government-sanctioned observances
- ❌ HB493 Sunset the sale of delinquent property tax certificates
Bill HB493 amends sections 5721.32, 5721.33, and 5721.42 of the Revised Code to sunset the sale of delinquent property tax certificates effective January 1, 2027. It prohibits the sale or transfer of tax certificates after this date and establishes requirements for conducting sales prior to the deadline, including bidder registration and payment procedures. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts the sale of property tax certificates, which can be seen as limiting property rights and market freedom, conflicting with core Libertarian principles of free markets and property rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential loss of property rights for individuals
- Reduced market activity in property tax certificates
- Increased government control over property transactions
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.