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.
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Aligns and passed by House/Senate
โ๏ธ Aligns, still in committee
โ Does not Align
Check on Recent Bill Activity.
- โ 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
- โ 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
- โ 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
- โ 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
- โ 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
- โ 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
- โ 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
- โ 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
- โ 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.
- โ๏ธ 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
- โ 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
- โ 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.
- โ 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
- โ 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.
- โ 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
- โ HB597 Prohibit the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles over schools
The bill prohibits the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) over schools in Ohio. Exceptions are provided for individuals under contract with government entities, those with prior written consent from school officials, and operators using drones for legitimate commercial purposes with necessary FAA authorizations. Violations result in a minor misdemeanor for the first offense and a fourth-degree misdemeanor for subsequent offenses. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts individual rights by prohibiting the operation of drones, which may infringe on personal liberties and property rights. It also increases government control over drone usage without clear justification of harm, conflicting with core Libertarian principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Infringement on personal liberties
- Increased government control
- Potential for misuse of enforcement powers
- โ HB596 Require uninsured motorist coverage; increase minimum coverage
The bill requires all motor vehicle insurance policies in Ohio to include uninsured motorist coverage and increases the minimum auto liability insurance requirements for bodily injury or death to another person. It specifies definitions for uninsured and underinsured motorists and outlines conditions under which coverage applies. The bill mandates that these changes take effect six months after its passage. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes mandatory insurance requirements, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of individual freedom and minimal government intervention in personal choices. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for personal responsibility and oppose government mandates that restrict individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over personal financial decisions
- Imposes mandatory insurance requirements on individuals
- Limits individual choice in insurance coverage
- โ HB595 Require vehicle insurance to include uninsured motorist coverage
The bill mandates that all motor vehicle insurance policies in Ohio must include uninsured motorist coverage. This requirement applies to policies delivered or issued for vehicles registered or principally garaged in the state. The bill outlines definitions for uninsured and underinsured motorists and specifies conditions under which coverage applies. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a mandatory requirement for insurance coverage, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of individual choice and minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for personal responsibility and freedom from government mandates, leading to low alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over personal insurance choices
- Reduces individual freedom to choose insurance coverage
- Potentially raises insurance costs for consumers
- โ HB594 Require students complete a high school computer science course
The bill requires all school districts in Ohio to offer and students to complete at least one high school computer science course starting with the 2028-2029 school year. It mandates that the course be of high quality and meet state standards, with provisions for virtual offerings if in-person classes are not feasible. Schools must report on course offerings and student participation annually. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a government mandate on education, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and parental control over education. It restricts the freedom of schools to determine their own curricula and may impose costs on districts, which contradicts the LPO's emphasis on free markets and limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential financial burden on school districts
- Limitation of educational choices for parents and students
- โ HB593 Regards paid family leave insurance
The bill establishes a framework for paid family leave insurance in Ohio, defining terms such as 'paid family leave insurance,' 'family member,' and 'serious health condition.' It mandates that policies must outline coverage details, eligibility, and benefits, including a minimum of two weeks of leave within a year. Employers are not required to purchase this insurance, making participation voluntary. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-mandated insurance framework, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in employment and compensation agreements. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize free markets and oppose government-mandated benefits, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over employment contracts
- Potential for higher costs for employers
- Encouragement of dependency on government programs
- โ HB592 Regards municipal incorporation
The bill amends sections 707.02 and 707.29 of the Revised Code regarding the requirements for municipal incorporation in Ohio. It specifies criteria such as population density, assessed valuation, and territorial size for areas seeking incorporation, and repeals an existing section related to these processes. Additionally, it includes provisions for incorporating cities and restrictions on military base territories. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes specific requirements and restrictions on municipal incorporation, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy in local governance. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and free markets, which are not fully supported by the bill's regulatory nature.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local governance
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Restrictions on individual rights to self-govern
- โ HB591 Authorize use of natural organic reduction as form of disposition
This bill authorizes the use of natural organic reduction as a method for the disposition of human remains in Ohio, establishing regulations for its implementation and the operation of reduction facilities. It amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to include provisions for the licensing of reduction facility operators and the requirements for conducting natural organic reduction. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of funeral directors and operators regarding the handling and final disposition of remains. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual rights to choose alternative methods of body disposition, aligning with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and personal liberty. However, it also introduces regulatory frameworks for reduction facilities and operators, which may conflict with the Libertarian Party's stance against excessive government regulation. The mixed nature of these elements results in moderate alignment scores for both the LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation of personal choices regarding body disposition.
- Possibility of bureaucratic hurdles for individuals seeking to utilize natural organic reduction.
- โ SB326 Require students complete a high school computer science course
The bill requires all school districts in Ohio to offer at least one high school computer science course, which students must complete to graduate. The requirement begins with students entering ninth grade in the 2028-2029 school year. Schools must provide in-person instruction unless they submit an action plan for virtual offerings due to resource constraints. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a government mandate on education, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and parental control over education. It limits educational freedom by requiring specific courses, which may not align with individual or family preferences. The Libertarian Party of Ohio also opposes government mandates that interfere with personal choice in education.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Reduced parental choice in curriculum
- Potential for ineffective implementation of mandated courses
- โ๏ธ SB325 Authorize CAT exclusion for contractor payments to subcontractors
This bill amends section 5751.01 of the Revised Code to authorize a commercial activity tax exclusion for contractor payments made to subcontractors, with an exclusion amount of three million dollars beginning in 2024 and six million dollars beginning in 2025. The amendment applies to tax periods ending on or after the effective date of the section. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports economic liberty by reducing tax burdens on contractors, aligning with the Libertarian Party's principles of free markets and minimal government interference in economic activities. Both the LP and LPO advocate for reduced taxation and support free market principles, which this bill promotes by excluding certain payments from taxation.
- โ SB324 Revise X-ray machine operator and radiation technician law
The bill revises the licensing requirements for general x-ray machine operators and other radiation technicians in Ohio. It mandates that individuals must obtain a valid license to practice in these roles, outlines the application process, and specifies exceptions for certain licensed professionals and students. The bill also establishes conditions for license renewal and reinstatement. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory requirements for licensing in the medical field, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual freedom in occupational choices. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government control and the elimination of unnecessary occupational licensing.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over professions
- Restricts individual freedom to choose occupations
- Imposes additional costs and barriers to entry for practitioners
- โ SB323 Provide for the natural organic reduction of remains
The bill provides for the natural organic reduction of human remains, allowing for the conversion of bodies into soil through a specific process. It establishes regulations for reduction facilities, including licensing requirements, operational standards, and the rights of individuals regarding the disposition of their remains. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of funeral directors and facilities in managing the remains and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual rights regarding the disposition of remains, aligning with Libertarian principles of self-ownership and personal liberty. However, it also introduces regulatory frameworks that may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation of personal choices regarding remains.
- Possibility of bureaucratic inefficiencies in the management of reduction facilities.
- โ SB322 Dissolve academic distress comms; require student support teams
The bill dissolves academic distress commissions in Ohio and requires the establishment of student support teams for low-performing school buildings, specifically those rated less than two stars on the state report card for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. The student support teams will be composed of various stakeholders, including school board members, teachers, and parents, and will develop recommendations to improve student support and learning outcomes. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government intervention in education by mandating the formation of support teams, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government involvement in personal and educational choices. However, it does not significantly expand government control compared to existing structures, leading to a mixed alignment with LPO principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over educational processes
- Potential for inefficiencies in mandated support teams
- Limited parental choice in educational interventions
- โ๏ธ SB321 Regards carrying of firearms by certain special police officers
This bill allows certain special police officers to carry firearms while on duty at institutions under the jurisdiction of the departments of behavioral health and developmental disabilities. It specifies that these officers may carry firearms when escorting patients or residents, operating metal detectors, or patrolling the institution's grounds. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian principles of self-defense and the right to bear arms, as it permits special police officers to carry firearms in specific circumstances. Both the LP and LPO platforms support the right to keep and bear arms without unnecessary restrictions.
- โ SB320 Enter into the Athletic Trainer Compact
The bill enacts the Athletic Trainer Compact, allowing licensed athletic trainers to practice in member states without needing multiple licenses. It aims to improve public access to athletic training services, enhance workforce mobility, and maintain state regulatory authority over public health and safety. The compact includes provisions for mutual recognition of licenses, streamlined administrative processes, and adherence to uniform licensure requirements. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes mobility and access to services, aligning with libertarian principles of free markets and individual choice. However, it also involves state regulation and oversight, which may conflict with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on minimal government intervention. The mixed nature of the bill's implications for individual rights and state authority results in moderate alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased state regulation may lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- Potential for overreach in enforcement of compact rules.
- Interstate cooperation may complicate local regulatory frameworks.
- โ HB590 Modify law governing tax appeals and property tax complaints
The bill modifies the law governing tax appeals and property tax complaints in Ohio, including the filing process, eligibility for complaints, and the roles of various parties in the complaint process. It establishes deadlines for filing complaints and counter-complaints, outlines the conditions under which complaints can be filed, and specifies the responsibilities of county auditors and legislative authorities in these processes. The bill also includes provisions for notifying property owners and handling complaints related to property valuation and assessment. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional regulations and requirements for property tax complaints, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both the LP and LPO emphasize the importance of individual rights and limited government, and the bill's provisions could be seen as increasing government control over property rights and taxation processes.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property tax processes
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Restrictions on individual property rights
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.
