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.
- ❌ HB621 Alter the law governing the regulation of pet stores
The bill amends section 956.181 and repeals section 956.23 of the Revised Code to change the regulation of pet stores in Ohio. It establishes a pet store license fund, which will be funded by license fees and civil penalties, and specifies that the director of agriculture will use these funds for administering related regulations. The details of the specific changes to the regulation are not specified. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a regulatory framework for pet stores, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both the LP and LPO advocate for limited government regulation, which this bill does not fully align with.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of private businesses
- Potential for cronyism in licensing processes
- Financial burden on pet store owners due to licensing fees
- ❌ HB620 Prohibit financing the purchase of a dog or cat
The bill prohibits retail sellers and lenders from financing the purchase of dogs or cats, declaring any such financing agreements void. Violators of this prohibition cannot collect any payments related to the sale or loan and may face legal actions for enforcement. The bill also allows for civil actions by borrowers who are harmed by violations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts individual freedom by prohibiting voluntary financial agreements between buyers and sellers, conflicting with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over private transactions
- Limits individual choice in financial agreements
- Potentially leads to unintended consequences in pet ownership
- ✔️ HB619 Authorize board of elections to meet by video conference
The bill authorizes boards of elections in Ohio to conduct meetings via video conference or similar electronic technology, while ensuring compliance with existing regulations regarding meeting conduct. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes the use of technology for government meetings, which aligns with principles of efficiency and transparency. However, it does not significantly advance individual liberties or reduce government control, leading to a mixed alignment with both LP and LPO principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for reduced public engagement in elections due to remote meetings.
- Concerns about transparency and accountability in virtual meetings.
- ❌ HB618 Create the Chillicothe Paints license plate
This bill creates a specialty license plate for the Chillicothe Paints, a local baseball team, allowing vehicle owners to apply for these plates. The application process includes a contribution fee that will be deposited into the license plate contribution fund, which supports various charitable organizations and programs in Ohio. The bill outlines the fees and requirements for obtaining the license plates. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government involvement in the creation and management of specialty license plates, which does not align with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It also establishes a contribution fund that could be seen as a form of taxation, which contradicts the Libertarian stance against taxation and government spending.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal vehicle registration
- Potential misuse of funds collected through contributions
- Encouragement of government favoritism towards specific organizations
- ❌ SB332 Dissolve academic distress comms; require student support teams
The bill dissolves academic distress commissions and requires the establishment of student support teams for low-performing school buildings starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The support teams will consist of various stakeholders, including school board members, teachers, and parents, and will develop recommendations to support student learning. Additionally, the bill allows law enforcement agencies to provide school resource officer services to chartered nonpublic schools. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government oversight in education through mandated support teams and the involvement of law enforcement in schools, which may conflict with LP principles of minimal government intervention. However, it does promote parental involvement and local decision-making, which aligns somewhat with LPO principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential for overreach in law enforcement presence in schools
- Mandated structures may limit flexibility for local schools
- ✔️ HB617 Enact the Ohio Capital Gains Tax Repeal Act
The bill exempts capital gains from state and municipal income taxation in Ohio, effectively repealing the taxation of such gains. It amends sections 718.01 and 5747.01 of the Revised Code and repeals section 5747.79, applying to taxable years ending on or after the effective date. A report on the fiscal impact of the act is required by June 30, 2027. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian Party and Libertarian Party of Ohio platforms by promoting economic liberty through the repeal of taxes on capital gains, which supports free market principles and individual property rights. Both platforms advocate for reduced taxation and government interference in economic matters.
- ❌ SB331 Allow certain public hospitality employees to accept gratuities
The bill allows certain public hospitality employees, defined as those working in publicly owned facilities such as parks, swimming pools, golf courses, and hotels, to accept gratuities in addition to their regular compensation. It prohibits public agencies from counting these gratuities towards minimum wage requirements or paying less than the customary compensation for similar positions. The bill also classifies accepted gratuities as earnable salary for various compensation purposes. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the ability of public employees to receive gratuities, aligning with the Libertarian principles of economic freedom and voluntary transactions. However, it still involves government regulation of employment practices, which may conflict with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on minimal government interference in labor markets. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government involvement in economic matters, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation in employment practices
- May create dependency on gratuities rather than fair wages
- ❌ SB330 Enact the Student Wellness Act
The bill allows school districts in Ohio to adopt policies that permit students to take mental health days as excused absences. The policies must define what qualifies as a mental health day, limit the number of such days per school year, and establish a method for determining if the student will receive or be referred to school health or support services. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-sanctioned policy for mental health days, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in personal choices and parental rights. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and the importance of parental control over children's education and welfare, which this bill partially undermines by introducing state-defined policies.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal health decisions
- Potential for misuse or overreach in defining mental health days
- Limits on parental rights regarding children's health and education
- ✔️ HB616 Require BMV translate the Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws
The bill requires the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to translate the Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws into additional languages, ensuring that the material is publicly available in every language used for administering driver examinations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes accessibility and communication for non-English speakers, which aligns with the LP and LPO's emphasis on individual rights and personal responsibility. However, it may also imply increased government involvement in language services, which could be seen as contrary to the principles of limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential increase in government spending for translation services
- May lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Could set a precedent for further government mandates on language services
- ❌ HB615 Enact the Retail Theft Prevention Act
The Retail Theft Prevention Act prohibits individuals from participating in retail theft in groups, defining penalties based on the value of stolen property and the number of participants involved. It establishes various degrees of theft offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with specific penalties for theft involving protected classes such as the elderly or disabled. The act also includes provisions for restitution and driver's license suspension for offenders under certain conditions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over individual behavior by imposing stricter penalties for theft and group criminal activity, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and personal responsibility. The LPO's platform also emphasizes limiting state powers in crime and punishment, suggesting a mixed alignment due to the bill's focus on enforcement and penalties.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government surveillance and enforcement related to theft prevention.
- Potential for overreach in prosecuting individuals involved in minor thefts.
- Encouragement of punitive measures that may not address root causes of theft.
- ✔️ HB614 Enact the Second Chance Safety Act
The bill enacts the Second Chance Safety Act, which provides civil immunity to federally licensed firearm dealers or law enforcement agencies that enter into a firearm hold agreement with the owner of a firearm. The agreement allows the dealer or agency to take possession of the firearm for a specified period and return it afterward. It also requires the dealer or agency to provide the owner with a pamphlet containing mental health resources and firearm safety device information. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principles of individual rights and self-defense by facilitating firearm ownership and providing legal protections for firearm dealers and law enforcement. However, it introduces some regulatory measures that may not align perfectly with the Libertarian platforms, leading to a slightly lower alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in firearm transactions
- Possibility of misuse of the firearm hold agreements
- ❌ HB613 Modify tax enforcement authority
The bill modifies the tax enforcement authority of the Ohio Department of Taxation and the Board of Tax Appeals by establishing problem resolution officers, requiring annual reports on tax audits and appeals, and setting timelines for hearings and determinations related to tax assessments and refunds. It also includes provisions for correcting assessments and managing appeals, with specific procedures for taxpayer communications and performance monitoring of tax agents. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces more bureaucratic processes and oversight within the tax system, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. However, it does not significantly increase taxes or restrict individual rights, leading to a mixed alignment with both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government bureaucracy
- Potential for inefficiencies in tax resolution
- Limited taxpayer autonomy in appeals process
- ❌ HB612 Regards credit union share guaranty corporations
The bill amends section 1761.10 of the Revised Code to establish requirements for credit union share guaranty corporations, including maintaining a guarantee fund at a minimum level, requiring capital contributions from participating credit unions, and allowing for special assessments and distributions based on the fund's status. It also outlines procedures for reporting defaults and the dissolution of the corporation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulatory requirements on credit unions and establishes government oversight of financial practices, which conflicts with the LP and LPO principles advocating for minimal government intervention in economic matters and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over financial institutions
- Potential for cronyism in the approval processes
- Restrictions on credit unions' operational flexibility
- ✔️ HB611 Issue medical marijuana processor cultivation, dispensary license
The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to issue cultivation and dispensary licenses for medical marijuana processors, allowing licensed processors to obtain and sell medical marijuana, and establishes a framework for the issuance of adult use cannabis licenses. It mandates compliance with specific requirements for applicants and sets a timeline for the issuance of licenses. The bill also includes provisions for the review of licenses and the establishment of an electronic database to monitor medical marijuana. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principles of personal liberty and economic freedom by allowing individuals and businesses to engage in the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana, aligning with the Libertarian Party's advocacy for personal choice and minimal government interference. However, it still involves regulatory oversight, which may be seen as a limitation on full market freedom.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation of the cannabis market
- Possibility of creating barriers to entry for small businesses
- Dependence on state licensing may limit personal freedom
- ❌ HB610 Dissolve existing academic distress commissions and repeal law
The bill dissolves existing academic distress commissions and repeals the law that creates new commissions, allowing school districts to reassume all powers previously held by these commissions. It also declares an emergency for immediate effect, preventing the formation of new commissions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian principles of reducing government control over education and restoring authority to local school districts, which supports individual rights and local governance. However, it does not fully embrace the LP's emphasis on free markets in education, as it does not eliminate government involvement entirely. The LPO score is higher due to the focus on local control and reduced state intervention, which aligns with their platform.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential lack of oversight for struggling schools
- Risk of inadequate educational standards without commissions
- ❌ HB609 Require public body to allow public comment before taking action
The bill requires public bodies to allow public commentary and testimony before taking formal action on any item. It mandates that all meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with specific exceptions outlined. Additionally, it establishes penalties for violations, including civil forfeitures and the potential removal of public officials who knowingly violate the provisions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes transparency and public participation in government, aligning with the LP's support for individual rights and government accountability. However, it introduces some government mandates that may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention. The LPO's focus on individual rights and transparency aligns more closely with the bill's intent.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in regulating public commentary
- Possibility of misuse of penalties against public officials
- ❌ HB608 Modify the law governing property taxes and other local taxes
HB608 modifies the law governing property taxes and local taxes in Ohio, including provisions for tax payment deadlines, extensions for tax payments on real property and manufactured homes, and the handling of delinquent taxes. It establishes criteria for tax exemptions for pre-residential development properties and outlines the responsibilities of county auditors and treasurers in managing tax assessments and collections. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over property taxation and does not align with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. It establishes additional regulations and processes for tax collection and management, which contradicts the Libertarian Party's advocacy for reduced taxation and government oversight.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property taxation
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Higher compliance costs for property owners
- ❌ HB607 Name Spc. 4th Class Frank A. Herda, Medal of Honor Rec. Mem Hwy
This bill designates a portion of State Route 94 in Cuyahoga County as the 'Specialist Fourth Class Frank A. Herda, Medal of Honor Recipient, Memorial Highway.' The Director of Transportation is authorized to erect suitable markers along the highway to indicate its name. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with Libertarian principles as it involves government action to designate a highway, which can be seen as an unnecessary use of state resources and intervention. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and individual rights, which this bill does not support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- Encourages further government involvement in naming and memorializing public spaces
- ❌ SB329 Prohibit road surface application of brine from oil, gas wells
SB329 prohibits the surface application of brine from oil and gas wells on roads in Ohio. It amends existing regulations related to the management of oil and gas resources, including the adoption of rules for the administration and enforcement of these regulations. Violations of this prohibition may result in civil penalties. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on the use of property and increases government regulation over the oil and gas industry, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of property rights and minimal government intervention. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of free markets and oppose government regulations that infringe on individual rights and property ownership.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private property
- Potential for cronyism in regulatory enforcement
- Economic impact on the oil and gas industry
- ❌ SB328 Regards Education and Workforce Return on Investment Initiative
The bill establishes the Education and Workforce Return on Investment Initiative, requiring the Department of Education and Workforce to develop professional skills standards and a statewide career coaching framework by September 30, 2026. It mandates schools to offer a career exploration course for middle school students starting in the 2026-2027 school year and outlines compliance measures, including audits and reporting requirements for schools. The initiative aims to enhance the utility of education and workforce data for various stakeholders. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in education and workforce development, which may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government interference in personal and economic matters. However, it does provide for some local control and flexibility in educational approaches, which aligns somewhat with Libertarian views on education.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Risk of data privacy concerns
- ❌ SB327 Enact PEACE Act
The bill enacts the Protecting Elected Officials Against Coercion and Extremism (PEACE) Act, which generally prohibits the disclosure of an elected official's residential and familial information under the Public Records Law. It amends existing sections of the Revised Code to include specific definitions and exceptions related to public records. The bill requires public offices to adopt policies for responding to public records requests and outlines penalties for non-compliance. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts public access to information about elected officials, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of government transparency and individual rights to access public records. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for minimal government interference and maximum transparency, making this bill largely opposed to their core principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government secrecy
- Reduced accountability of elected officials
- Potential for misuse of public records exemptions
- ❌ HB606 Designate Marjorie Whiteman Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of State Route 109 in Henry County as the 'Marjorie Whiteman 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 to designate a highway, which could 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 memorials
- ❌ HB605 Codify the Spearin doctrine in public construction contracts
This bill codifies the Spearin doctrine in public construction contracts, establishing an implied warranty by the owner that the plans and specifications provided are accurate and sufficient for project completion. It limits contractor liability for damages arising from defects in the plans if certain conditions are met, including reasonable reliance on the provided plans. Additionally, it voids any contractual clauses that contradict this section. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principles of contract enforcement and liability limitations, which align with the Libertarian emphasis on property rights and voluntary agreements. However, it also introduces government-defined standards that may conflict with the Libertarian preference for minimal government intervention in contracts.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in private contracts
- May create ambiguity in contractor responsibilities
- ❌ HB604 Modify the laws related to transportation network companies
Bill HB604 modifies the laws related to transportation network companies in Ohio, requiring companies to conduct background checks, verify driver qualifications, and establish statewide regulations that preempt local ordinances. It specifies conditions under which a transportation network company driver may be authorized or terminated and limits the liability of transportation network companies for actions of their drivers. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulatory requirements on transportation network companies and their drivers, which may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in business. However, it does not significantly infringe on individual rights, leading to a mixed alignment score for the Libertarian Party of Ohio.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation may stifle competition.
- Potential for local governments to lose autonomy over transportation regulations.
- ✔️ HB603 Prohibit certain clauses from conservancy district contracts
The bill prohibits conservancy districts from including certain clauses in contracts for goods or services, specifically indemnification clauses, venue clauses, liability limitation clauses, unknown terms, and inconsistent provisions with public records law. If such clauses are included, they are deemed void, but the rest of the contract remains enforceable. Exceptions apply as required by state or federal law. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aims to limit certain contractual obligations of conservancy districts, which aligns with the Libertarian principles of property rights and contract freedom. However, it may also impose restrictions that could be seen as government interference in contractual agreements, leading to a mixed alignment with both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over contracts
- Unintended consequences affecting contractual relationships
- ❌ HB602 Limit the types of flags that a state agency may display
The bill amends section 123.30 of the Revised Code to limit the types of flags that state agencies may display, allowing only the official state flag, the United States flag, the POW/MIA flag, and flags containing the official logo of a state agency with prior approval from the governor. It prohibits any other flags from being displayed on the grounds or buildings of state agencies, with an exception for the Ohio statehouse and its grounds. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts the freedom of expression by limiting the types of flags that can be displayed by state agencies, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and freedom of expression.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in regulating expression
- Exclusion of diverse viewpoints and symbols
- Increased censorship by state agencies
- ❌ HB601 Revise the Election Law
HB601 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to revise laws related to voter roll maintenance, provisional voting, the return of absent voter's ballots, and the membership of the Ohio Election Integrity Commission. It includes provisions for voter registration verification, photo identification requirements, and the handling of provisional ballots. The bill also establishes a process for the cancellation of voter registrations under certain conditions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional requirements for voter identification and registration verification, which may restrict access to voting and increase government oversight, conflicting with LP and LPO principles of individual rights and minimal government intervention. The emphasis on voter verification and potential penalties for non-compliance may be seen as an infringement on personal liberty and an increase in government control over the electoral process.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased barriers to voting for individuals without proper identification.
- Potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
- Expansion of government oversight in the electoral process.
- ❌ HB600 Designate PFC Wetzel Eldridge USMC Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of State Route 41 in Clark County as the 'PFC Wetzel Eldridge USMC Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers along the highway indicating its name. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the Libertarian Party or Libertarian Party of Ohio principles as it involves government action to designate a memorial highway, which may be seen as an unnecessary use of state resources and government involvement in naming public infrastructure.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- Encourages government involvement in personal memorialization
- ❌ HB599 Designate Charlie Kirk Memorial Day
This bill designates October 14 as 'Charlie Kirk Memorial Day' in recognition of Charles James Kirk, a political activist born on that day in 1993. (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 recognition of an individual, which may be seen as an unnecessary government action that does not promote individual liberty or free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in designating memorial days.
- Encourages state involvement in personal or political recognition.
- ❌ HB598 Authorize local governments to create residential stability zone
The bill authorizes local governments in Ohio to create residential stability zones where homeowners may qualify for a partial property tax exemption. It establishes eligibility criteria based on household income, ownership duration, and asset limitations, and outlines application procedures and penalties for false statements. The exemptions can last up to ten years, with provisions for renewal. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government intervention in property taxation and creates exemptions that could lead to increased government control over property rights, conflicting with Libertarian principles of minimal government interference and free markets. The Libertarian Party of Ohio may find some alignment due to the focus on local governance, but the overall impact on property rights and taxation is contrary to their platform.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property rights
- Potential for cronyism in tax exemption processes
- Encouragement of dependency on government assistance
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.