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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ HB492 Prohibit interfering with motor vehicle-related arrests
The bill expands the prohibition against interfering with motor vehicle-related arrests and requires drivers to disclose their name, address, and date of birth to police officers upon request if reasonably suspected of a violation. Violations of these provisions result in penalties classified as a minor misdemeanor or a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional requirements on individuals during police interactions and expands the scope of law enforcement authority, which conflicts with the principles of personal liberty and limited government advocated by both the Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of Ohio.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over individual interactions with law enforcement
- Potential for abuse of power by law enforcement
- Erosion of individual privacy rights
- ❌ HB491 Make changes to Guardianship Law
HB491 amends various sections of Ohio's guardianship law, allowing non-residents to serve as guardians under certain conditions, establishing procedures for the appointment and removal of guardians, and requiring courts to conduct hearings on the necessity of guardianships. It also mandates the provision of guardianship guides to newly appointed guardians and outlines the responsibilities of guardians regarding the care and management of wards. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces more government oversight and regulation in guardianship matters, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and personal autonomy. However, it does provide some protections for individuals under guardianship, which aligns with certain aspects of the LPO platform regarding individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal affairs
- Potential for abuse of power by guardians
- Lack of clarity on the rights of wards
- ✔️ HB490 Expand postconviction relief re:DNA test showing actual innocence
HB490 amends sections 2953.21 and 2953.23 of the Revised Code to expand the availability of postconviction relief for individuals who can demonstrate actual innocence through DNA testing. It allows convicted individuals, including those sentenced to death, to file petitions for relief based on qualifying DNA evidence and outlines the procedures for such petitions, including timelines and discovery processes. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principle of justice and the right to challenge wrongful convictions, aligning with the Libertarian emphasis on individual rights and due process. However, it also involves government processes that may be seen as an extension of state power, which could conflict with libertarian ideals of minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in judicial processes
- Risk of bureaucratic delays in justice
- Possibility of misuse of the expanded provisions
- ❌ HB49 Allow for creation of water improvement districts
The bill allows for the creation of water improvement districts by county commissioners to facilitate, coordinate, fund, finance, construct, reconstruct, or repair water projects. It establishes governance structures, funding mechanisms, and procedures for appeals regarding actions taken by these districts. The districts are considered essential governmental functions and can levy special assessments for funding. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over water management and financing, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. It establishes a framework for government entities to manage resources and levy taxes, which is contrary to the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and limited government. The alignment scores reflect the significant government involvement and potential for overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over water resources
- Potential for misuse of funds and mismanagement
- Creation of bureaucratic structures that may not prioritize individual property rights
- ✔️ HB489 Eliminate state contract requirement re: jurisdictional boycott
The bill repeals section 9.76 of the Revised Code, which required state contracts to include a provision stating that the contracting company is not boycotting any jurisdiction, including Israel, and will not do so during the contract period. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the principles of both the Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of Ohio by promoting free market principles and reducing government interference in contracts. It removes a requirement that could be seen as a restriction on the freedom to contract.
- ❌ HB488 Require amusement parks provide real-time ride operation status
The bill requires amusement park operators in Ohio to implement a system that publicly communicates the real-time operational status of each amusement ride. This includes specifying whether rides are operational, temporarily closed, under maintenance, or closed for other reasons. Operators must ensure that this information is accessible through digital signage and online platforms, with penalties for non-compliance. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government mandates on amusement park operators, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO advocate for limited government involvement in business practices, suggesting that this bill may be seen as an overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation on private businesses
- Potential for excessive penalties impacting small amusement parks
- Reduced operational flexibility for amusement park operators
- ❌ HB487 Create a repeat drug offender specification
The bill establishes a repeat drug offender specification, mandating that individuals convicted of certain drug-related felonies who have prior felony drug convictions receive a mandatory prison term of one to ten years. The specification must be included in the indictment, and the court will determine if the offender qualifies as a repeat drug offender based on their criminal history. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill conflicts with Libertarian principles by imposing mandatory minimum sentences and increasing government control over individual choices regarding drug use, which is seen as a violation of personal liberty and self-ownership. The Libertarian Party of Ohio's platform also opposes mandatory minimum sentencing and laws pertaining to drug possession and use.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased incarceration rates for non-violent offenders
- Potential for racial and socioeconomic disparities in sentencing
- Encouragement of a punitive rather than rehabilitative approach to drug offenses
- ❌ HB486 Enact the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act
The bill permits teachers in public schools and state institutions of higher education to provide instruction on the influence of Christianity on history and culture, emphasizing the positive impacts of religion on American history. It outlines specific historical accounts and figures that may be included in the curriculum. The bill does not specify penalties or timelines for implementation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a specific religious perspective in education, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of individual rights and freedom from government endorsement of religion. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for the separation of church and state and oppose government actions that favor any religion.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential violation of the separation of church and state
- Encouragement of religious bias in public education
- Increased government control over educational content
- ❌ HB485 Enact the Baby Olivia Act
The Baby Olivia Act mandates the inclusion of human growth and development instruction in health education for grades three through twelve in public schools. The curriculum must include specific materials such as ultrasound videos and educational videos on human development. Schools must comply with audits conducted by the Department of Education to ensure adherence to these requirements. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government-mandated educational content, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of parental rights and educational freedom. It restricts the ability of parents to choose educational content for their children, thereby undermining individual rights and parental authority.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over educational content
- Potential infringement on parental rights
- Limited educational choices for families
- ❌ HB484 Create Workforce Investment Now (WIN) Child Care pilot program
The bill establishes the Workforce Investment Now (WIN) for Child Care pilot program, which provides publicly funded child care to child care staff members who work at least twenty hours per week. The program will operate during fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with eligibility for funding determined by excluding family income for qualifying applicants. A report on the program's findings is required six months after its conclusion. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government funding and intervention in the child care sector, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement in personal and economic matters. It establishes a publicly funded program that could be seen as an expansion of government control over child care services.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government dependency on public funding for child care.
- Potential for misallocation of resources in the child care sector.
- Encouragement of government intervention in private employment agreements.
- ❌ HB483 Allow partial property tax deferral for eligible homeowners
HB483 allows eligible homeowners to defer the payment of a portion of their property taxes. To qualify, homeowners must meet certain income thresholds and own a qualifying homestead valued at no more than $750,000. The deferral applies to current taxes and interest accrues on deferred amounts, which must be paid upon the homeowner's death or sale of the property. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government program that provides tax deferrals, which may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and taxation. It creates additional regulations and oversight, which may be seen as contrary to the goals of reducing government control over individual property rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property taxation
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Encouragement of dependency on government programs
- ❌ HB482 Designate Bill Powell Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of U.S. Route 30 in Stark County as the 'Bill Powell 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 highway, which could be seen as unnecessary state involvement and a misallocation of resources.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public naming
- Potential misuse of state resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB481 Allow public body executive session for employee performance
This bill amends section 121.22 of the Revised Code to allow public bodies to meet in executive session to discuss the performance of a public employee or official. It specifies that such sessions must be held in compliance with existing laws regarding public meetings and transparency. The bill does not apply to certain specified public bodies and maintains requirements for open meetings and public access to minutes. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill allows for executive sessions which may limit transparency and public access to government proceedings, conflicting with the Libertarian principles of government transparency and individual rights. Both the LP and LPO emphasize the importance of open government and accountability, which this bill undermines.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government secrecy
- Reduced public accountability
- Potential for misuse of executive sessions
- ❌ HB480 Revise the Unclaimed Funds Law
The bill revises the Unclaimed Funds Law in Ohio, amending various sections and enacting new ones to update the definitions, reporting requirements, and procedures related to unclaimed funds. It establishes penalties for non-compliance and mandates the creation of an online reporting system within two years. The bill also specifies conditions under which unclaimed funds can be claimed by heirs of deceased owners without requiring formal estate administration. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces increased government oversight and regulation regarding unclaimed funds, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual property rights. However, it also includes provisions that could facilitate the return of funds to rightful owners, aligning somewhat with the LPO's focus on individual rights and property.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private property
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Risk of mismanagement of unclaimed funds
- ❌ HB48 Modify tax deductions for 529 plan and ABLE account contributions
This bill modifies the income tax deductions for contributions to 529 plans and ABLE accounts in Ohio. It allows taxpayers to deduct contributions up to a specified annual limit and provides for the carryforward of excess contributions. The bill also outlines conditions under which distributions or refunds may affect the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces modifications to tax deductions, which may be seen as an increase in government involvement in personal financial decisions, conflicting with the LP and LPO principles of minimal government interference and reduced taxation. However, it does not directly infringe on individual rights or freedoms, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal finances
- Potential for future tax increases or restrictions
- Encouragement of reliance on government programs
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.