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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ HB479 Regards physician supervision of imaging contrast administration
This bill requires that registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, radiographers, radiation therapy technologists, and nuclear medicine technologists administer imaging contrast only under the direct or general supervision of a physician. It outlines the qualifications and responsibilities of healthcare providers present during the administration of contrast to assist in case of adverse reactions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government regulations on healthcare practices, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and minimal government intervention in individual choices and professional practices.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over healthcare practices
- Limits professional autonomy of nurses and technologists
- May lead to higher healthcare costs due to regulatory compliance
- ❌ HB478 Create jury tampering offense; revise court intimidation offenses
The bill creates the offense of jury tampering and revises intimidation offenses related to attorneys, victims, witnesses, and public servants in criminal cases. It prohibits individuals from attempting to influence or intimidate jurors or other involved parties through threats or force. Violations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the nature of the offense. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over jury processes and introduces new criminal offenses that could infringe on individual rights, conflicting with the LP and LPO principles of limited government and personal liberty.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for abuse of power by law enforcement
- Increased government intervention in legal processes
- Chilling effect on free expression related to jury decisions
- ❌ HB477 Require state agencies compensate AG for legal representation
The bill requires state agencies to compensate the Attorney General for legal representation in contract disputes at a fair market rate. It allows the Attorney General to refuse representation if there is an outstanding reimbursement balance, and provides discretion to waive reimbursement requirements. The bill amends existing law regarding the Attorney General's role in representing state agencies. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a requirement for state agencies to reimburse the Attorney General, which could be seen as increasing government control over legal representation and financial obligations. This conflicts with the LP and LPO principles advocating for limited government intervention and free market practices. Both platforms emphasize minimal government involvement in economic matters, which this bill does not align with.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over legal representation
- Potential for cronyism in legal contracts
- May lead to higher costs for state agencies
- ❌ HB476 Authorize online raffles under the Charitable Gaming Law
This bill amends the Charitable Gaming Law to authorize online raffles, allowing charitable organizations to conduct raffles via an online platform. It specifies conditions under which these raffles can be conducted, including requirements for ticket sales and distribution of proceeds. The bill also establishes penalties for illegal conduct of raffles. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the expansion of charitable fundraising through online raffles, which aligns with the Libertarian principles of economic freedom and voluntary transactions. However, it also introduces regulatory measures that may conflict with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on minimal government intervention in personal and economic affairs, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation of charitable activities
- Risk of creating a precedent for further restrictions on gambling-related activities
- ❌ HB475 Regards municipal cybersecurity, private cybersecurity contracts
The bill requires an assessment of municipal cybersecurity infrastructure, allows the state cybersecurity strategic advisor to certify and contract with private cybersecurity firms, and establishes a toll-free secure line for the Ohio Cyber Reserve. It mandates that private firms meet specific criteria, including insurance and staff certifications, to assist in cybersecurity efforts. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of the state chief information officer regarding information technology and cybersecurity policies. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and control over cybersecurity, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and individual privacy. The requirement for state contracts with private firms and the establishment of a state office for cybersecurity further centralizes authority, opposing the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private cybersecurity practices
- Potential for misuse of personal data under government oversight
- Creation of dependency on state-certified firms may stifle competition
- ❌ HB474 Enact the Ohio Dementia Care Training Act for Nurse Aides
The Ohio Dementia Care Training Act for Nurse Aides mandates that long-term care facilities provide training and competency evaluation programs for nurse aides, specifically focusing on dementia care. Facilities must ensure that nurse aides complete these programs before providing direct care to residents with dementia, and they are required to maintain records of compliance. The act also establishes penalties for facilities that fail to comply with these training requirements. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government-mandated training and evaluation requirements on nurse aides, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in employment and personal choice. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for free markets and oppose government mandates that interfere with private employment agreements.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over employment practices
- Imposes additional costs on long-term care facilities
- Limits individual choice in training and employment
- ❌ HB473 Bar public employer from paying employee retirement contributions
This bill prohibits public employers from paying employee contributions to state retirement systems, requiring employees to contribute a specified percentage of their salary instead. It amends several sections of the Revised Code related to public employee retirement contributions and establishes penalties for late reporting and payment. The changes apply to employment contracts entered into on or after the effective date of the bill. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts employer contributions to retirement systems, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government interference in economic matters and individual rights to negotiate employment terms. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for free markets and limited government involvement in labor agreements.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential financial strain on public employees due to increased personal contributions.
- Reduced attractiveness of public sector employment.
- Increased administrative burden on public employers.
- ❌ HB472 Waive ID, birth certificate fees for homeless individuals
The bill waives fees for obtaining identification cards and birth certificates for individuals experiencing homelessness in Ohio. It requires verification of homelessness from designated officials or agencies. The bill amends existing sections of the Revised Code to implement these changes. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual rights by facilitating access to identification for homeless individuals, aligning with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and support for marginalized groups. However, it introduces government intervention in fee waivers, which may conflict with strict free market principles. The LPO's support for individual rights and social responsibility aligns well with the bill's intent.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government bureaucracy in verifying homelessness.
- Dependency on government services may not align with libertarian ideals of self-sufficiency.
- ❌ HB471 Designate Deputy Larry Henderson Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of Interstate 275 in Hamilton County as the 'Deputy Larry Henderson 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, which may be seen as unnecessary government involvement in public spaces.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in public naming conventions
- Misallocation of government resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB470 Create an automatic voter registration system
HB470 establishes an automatic voter registration system in Ohio, requiring the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Department of Medicaid to provide electronic records of eligible individuals to the Secretary of State for voter registration purposes. The bill mandates that individuals will be registered unless they decline, and it includes provisions for updating registration information and ensuring compliance with federal laws. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in the voter registration process, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government interference and individual autonomy. The automatic registration system may lead to individuals being registered without explicit consent, undermining the LP's emphasis on self-ownership and personal liberty. The LPO's concerns about federal overreach and state sovereignty are also relevant, as the bill involves federal compliance.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over individual voter registration.
- Risk of individuals being registered without their explicit consent.
- Increased administrative burden on state agencies.
- ❌ HB47 Enact the Human Trafficking Prevention Act
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to enact the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, which increases penalties for human trafficking of minors or persons with developmental disabilities, kidnapping, and abduction. It establishes definitions for violent offenders and outlines penalties, including indefinite prison terms for certain offenses. The act also mandates registration in a violent offender database for those convicted of specified offenses. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government intervention in criminal justice by imposing harsher penalties and mandatory registration, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of limited government and personal liberty. It also does not address the Libertarian Party's support for decriminalization of consensual activities, including sex work, which is relevant to human trafficking discussions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal freedoms
- Potential for overreach in enforcement and penalties
- Neglect of rehabilitation in favor of punitive measures
- ❌ HB469 Declare A.I. systems nonsentient; prohibit legal personhood
The bill declares artificial intelligence (AI) systems as nonsentient and prohibits them from obtaining legal personhood. It specifies that AI systems cannot be recognized as legal entities capable of owning property, entering into personal relationships, or bearing liability. Owners and developers of AI systems are held responsible for any harm caused by their operation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts the recognition of AI systems as legal entities, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of individual rights and property rights. However, it does not impose significant government control over personal liberties or economic activities, leading to a mixed alignment with both platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for overregulation of AI development
- Liability concerns may stifle innovation in AI technology
- Ambiguity in defining responsibilities may lead to legal challenges
- ❌ HB468 Exempt specified OEPA, PUCO vehicles from certain traffic laws
This bill exempts specified vehicles operated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) and the Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) from certain traffic laws, designating them as public safety vehicles. It includes provisions for the appropriation of funds for emergency response equipment. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government authority by exempting specific government vehicles from traffic laws, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government and individual rights. Both the LP and LPO oppose government overreach and the expansion of state power.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over traffic regulations
- Potential for misuse of exemptions by government agencies
- Erodes individual rights by prioritizing government vehicles
- ❌ HB467 Prohibit public utilities from recovering political expenditures
HB467 prohibits public utilities from recovering costs associated with political expenditures from their customers. It defines political expenditures broadly, including contributions to political candidates and lobbying expenses. Violations can result in fines and require refunds to customers. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on public utilities, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of free markets and minimal government intervention. It also involves government oversight and penalties, which are contrary to the Libertarian Party's advocacy for limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over utility operations
- Potential for cronyism in enforcement of the bill
- Undermining of free market principles
- ❌ HB466 Require certain approval before subdivision levies a property tax
HB466 requires certain subdivisions to obtain approval from the body that created the subdivision before levying a property tax. This applies specifically to township park districts that contain only unincorporated territory and mandates a resolution stating the annual rate and reason for the levy request. The approval process includes a vote from the board of township trustees or other relevant authorities. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over property tax levies, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government and oppose unnecessary regulations that infringe on personal and economic freedoms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local taxation
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in tax levies
- Reduction in local autonomy for tax decisions
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.