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.
- ❌ HB451 Designate CPL Lindsey William Mitchell Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of Interstate 70 in Franklin and Fairfield counties as the 'CPL Lindsey William Mitchell 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 principles of minimal government intervention and individual rights, as it involves government action to designate a highway and erect markers, which may be seen as unnecessary state involvement.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public spaces
- Potentially diverts funds from more critical needs
- May set a precedent for further government naming and memorialization efforts
- ❌ HB450 Grant accessible parking privileges to pregnant women
The bill amends sections 4503.44 and 4511.69 of the Revised Code to create a removable windshield placard that grants accessible parking privileges to pregnant women. It establishes criteria for eligibility, application processes, and the issuance of placards, which can be temporary or permanent based on the individual's needs. The bill also outlines penalties for misuse of the placards and mandates accessible parking provisions in public areas. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government program that expands state control over parking privileges, which conflicts with the LP's emphasis on personal liberty and minimal government intervention. The LPO's score reflects a mixed stance due to potential concerns about government overreach, but it does not completely oppose the idea of supporting pregnant women.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal mobility choices
- Potential for misuse of placards leading to enforcement issues
- Administrative burden on state agencies
- ❌ HB45 Prohibit certain firearm transfers without a background check
This bill prohibits federally licensed firearms dealers from transferring firearms to any person unless the transferee passes a background check, which requires a minimum waiting period of ten days after contacting the national instant criminal background check system. It applies to all firearm transfers and includes provisions for individuals with a license or permit to carry firearms. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on the transfer of firearms, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of individual rights and the right to bear arms without government interference. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate against laws that restrict, register, or monitor firearm ownership and transfers.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over firearm ownership
- Potential for infringement on individual rights
- Creation of a bureaucratic process for lawful firearm transfers
- ❌ HB449 Enact the Better Access to Health Care Act
The bill modifies laws governing the practice of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Ohio, allowing them to provide maternity care and follow-up services, including inpatient care coverage for mothers and newborns. It establishes requirements for health insurance policies to cover specified inpatient and follow-up care, and allows APRNs to practice without a standard care arrangement under certain conditions. The bill also includes provisions for the Medicaid program to cover similar services. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports increased autonomy for APRNs, aligning with Libertarian principles of personal liberty and free markets by reducing government control over healthcare practices. However, it still involves some level of regulation and mandates for insurance coverage, which may conflict with the LP's strong opposition to government mandates. The LPO's support for healthcare access aligns more closely with the bill's intent to improve healthcare delivery.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation in healthcare
- Insurance mandates may lead to higher premiums
- May not fully eliminate barriers for APRNs in practice
- ❌ HB448 Apply prescription drug rebates to cost-sharing requirements
The bill requires health plan issuers to apply prescription drug rebates to reduce a covered person's cost-sharing amount at the point of sale. It mandates that the cost-sharing calculation be based on the price reduced by 100% of all rebates received. The bill also includes confidentiality provisions regarding rebate information and penalties for violations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government regulation on health plan issuers regarding cost-sharing for prescription drugs, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in economic matters. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize free markets and limited government involvement, suggesting a mixed alignment with the bill's provisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of health plans
- Potential for reduced market competition
- Confidentiality provisions may limit transparency
- ❌ HB447 Regards the dollar caps on certain damages in civil actions
HB447 amends various sections of the Revised Code to increase the dollar caps on noneconomic damages and punitive damages in civil actions. It establishes a procedure for the Department of Taxation to adjust these caps annually based on the consumer price index. The bill specifies limits on compensatory damages for noneconomic loss and outlines the jurisdiction of courts regarding these damages. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government regulation over civil damages, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of limiting government intervention and protecting individual rights. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize minimal government interference in personal and economic matters, which this bill does not support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over civil litigation
- Potential for reduced individual compensation in tort cases
- Encouragement of government involvement in private disputes
- ❌ HB446 Modify trust and probate laws
HB446 modifies trust and probate laws in Ohio by amending various sections of the Revised Code and enacting new sections related to fraudulent transfers, powers of attorney, and the duties of trustees and protectors. It establishes guidelines for the administration of trusts, including the rights and responsibilities of trustees and protectors, and sets forth procedures for the transfer of trust property and the handling of claims against trustees. The bill also repeals certain existing sections of the Revised Code. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulations that may increase government oversight in private property and trust management, which conflicts with LP principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. However, it does provide some clarity and structure that could be seen as beneficial in protecting individual rights in trust management, aligning partially with LPO principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private property and trusts
- Potential for overregulation of fiduciary duties
- Confusion among individuals regarding their rights under new laws
- ❌ HB445 Regards regional councils of govt and metropolitan planning orgs
The bill amends sections related to regional councils of government and metropolitan planning organizations, establishing membership criteria, representation rules, and governance structures. It allows counties to request redesignation into different metropolitan planning organizations and prohibits organizations from adopting policies more stringent than state or federal standards. The bill also mandates public records regarding council membership and requires notification to the auditor of state before any official action. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves increased government structure and oversight regarding regional planning, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and free markets, and the bill's provisions could be seen as expanding governmental control over local governance.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local governance
- Potential for cronyism in regional planning
- Restrictions on local autonomy
- ✔️ HB444 Enact the Tithing Protection Act
The bill allows a personal income tax deduction for donations made to churches, officially named the Tithing Protection Act. It amends section 5747.01 of the Revised Code to include this deduction, applicable to taxable years ending on or after the effective date of the amendment. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a specific tax deduction for religious donations, which may conflict with the LP's principle of government neutrality towards religion and could be seen as government favoritism towards certain religious practices. The LPO's mixed score reflects some support for tax deductions but concerns about government involvement in religious matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government favoritism towards certain religions
- Increased complexity in tax code
- Encouragement of religious dependency on state support
- ✔️ HB443 Prohibit enforcing property tax liens against certain homesteads
This bill prohibits the enforcement of delinquent property tax liens against certain owner-occupied homesteads, specifically those that qualify under defined criteria such as age and property value. It amends existing sections of the Revised Code to ensure that qualifying homesteads are exempt from such enforcement actions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian Party's principles of protecting individual property rights and limiting government intervention in personal affairs, but it also introduces specific exemptions that may be seen as government interference. The Libertarian Party of Ohio supports measures that protect property rights and limit taxation, which this bill does by preventing tax liens on qualifying homesteads.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in defining qualifying criteria.
- Risk of creating a precedent for further exemptions that may complicate tax law.
- ❌ HB442 Designate new congressional district boundaries
This bill designates new congressional district boundaries in Ohio based on the 2020 decennial census. It amends existing sections and enacts new sections of the Revised Code to outline the specific territories included in each congressional district. The bill also repeals previous sections related to congressional district boundaries. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government action to define congressional districts, which may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and individual rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and the importance of individual liberties, which may be undermined by government-drawn districting.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for gerrymandering
- Increased government control over electoral processes
- Undermining of individual representation
- ❌ HB441 Regards the one-year limitations period for libel or slander
The bill amends section 2305.11 of the Revised Code to establish that the one-year limitations period for libel or slander begins from the date of publication or when the slanderous words were spoken, regardless of when the aggrieved party discovered them. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a strict limitation period for libel and slander claims, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of free expression and individual rights. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of personal liberty and freedom of expression, suggesting that this bill could be seen as limiting those rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potentially limits freedom of expression
- May discourage individuals from speaking freely due to fear of litigation
- ❌ HB440 Regards the Board of Nursing and criminal records check results
The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to require individuals applying for nursing licensure or certificates to submit to a criminal records check. It specifies the conditions under which the Board of Nursing may deny or revoke licenses based on criminal convictions and establishes confidentiality for the results of these checks. The bill also allows for disciplinary actions against nursing professionals based on findings of fraud or misconduct. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional government oversight and restrictions on individuals seeking nursing licenses, which conflicts with the LP's principles of personal liberty and minimal government intervention. While the LPO may support some regulatory measures, the bill's approach to criminal records checks and disciplinary actions introduces significant government control over personal and professional lives, leading to a mixed alignment.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal professional licensing
- Potential for discrimination based on past criminal records
- Violation of privacy rights regarding criminal records
- ❌ HB44 Regards law enforcement training and competitive examinations
The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to allow the chief of police of a municipal corporation to conduct training schools for prospective law enforcement officers and to fill vacant police department positions without a competitive examination under certain conditions. The training programs must align with state standards, and graduates may be hired directly by the department if they meet specific requirements. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government involvement in law enforcement training and hiring practices, which may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in employment and education. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and limited government, suggesting that this bill may not align with their core values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over law enforcement training and hiring processes
- Potential for cronyism in hiring practices
- Reduction of merit-based hiring standards
- ❌ HB439 Prohibit the surface application of brine from oil and gas wells
The bill prohibits the surface application of brine from oil and gas wells on roads in Ohio. It amends various sections of the Revised Code to enforce this prohibition and outlines penalties for violations. The bill also includes provisions for the administration and enforcement of related regulations by the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on the oil and gas industry, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for free markets and oppose government regulations that infringe on individual rights and property ownership.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over the oil and gas industry
- Potential negative impact on property rights
- Discouragement of investment in the energy sector
- ❌ HB438 Enact the FAMILY Act
The FAMILY Act mandates that health benefit plans offered to small employers must provide specific coverage options, including for eligible employees and their dependents, and prohibits pre-existing condition exclusions. It also establishes guidelines for premium rates, eligibility, and coverage continuation, while ensuring compliance with federal health care regulations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government mandates on health insurance, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in personal and economic choices. It restricts the freedom of employers and employees to negotiate their own health benefits and imposes regulations that could be seen as infringing on individual rights and free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over health insurance markets
- Potential for reduced competition among insurers
- Higher costs for small employers due to mandated coverage requirements
- ❌ HB437 Enact the Healthy Cardiac Monitoring Act
The Healthy Cardiac Monitoring Act mandates that schools and youth sports organizations conduct informational meetings on sudden cardiac arrest, require physical examinations for student athletes, and establish penalties for non-compliance. It also stipulates that students must submit signed forms confirming they have received and reviewed cardiac health information before participating in athletic activities. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government mandates on schools and youth sports organizations regarding health screenings and training, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and minimal government intervention. It restricts individual choice and parental rights in health decisions, leading to low alignment scores with both the LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over health decisions
- Potential infringement on parental rights
- Financial burden on schools and organizations due to compliance costs
- ❌ HB436 Designate the Auxiliary Patrolman Earl Ulmer Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of Interstate Route 77 in Washington County as the 'Auxiliary Patrolman Earl Ulmer 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 government intervention and does not promote individual rights or free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potentially diverts resources from more pressing issues
- May set a precedent for further government designations
- ❌ HB435 Enact the Right to Know Act
The bill requires institutions to offer genetic testing to confirm paternity when a child is born to unwed parents, mandates that this testing be provided free of charge, and prohibits institutions from billing parents for the testing. If parents decline the testing, they must sign an acknowledgment of the offer. The bill also outlines the process for registering birth certificates and the conditions under which a father's name may be included. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a requirement on institutions to conduct genetic testing, which may conflict with individual rights to privacy and personal choice. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize personal liberty and minimal government intervention, suggesting that mandatory testing could be seen as government overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential violation of individual privacy rights
- Increased government control over personal decisions
- Financial implications for institutions and parents
- ❌ HB434 Exempt military driver's license applicants from driver's ed
The bill exempts certain military-related limited term driver's license applicants from the driver's education requirements in Ohio. This exemption applies to applicants under twenty-one years of age and those twenty-one years of age or older who have completed a driver training course administered by the armed forces. The bill also declares an emergency for immediate effect due to the inability of certain foreign government officials and contractors associated with the military to drive in Ohio without completing the full driver's education courses. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principle of reducing government requirements for specific groups (military-related individuals), aligning with the Libertarian emphasis on personal liberty and reducing government intervention. However, it still involves government regulation of driver's licenses, which may conflict with the broader Libertarian principle of minimal government involvement in personal affairs.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over licensing processes.
- May set a precedent for further exemptions that complicate licensing regulations.
- ❌ HB433 Alter amusement ride classification for inspection fee purposes
This bill amends sections 993.01 and 993.04 of the Revised Code to change the classification structure of amusement rides for the purpose of determining annual inspection and reinspection fees. It requires amusement ride owners to apply for permits, undergo inspections, and pay specified fees based on the type of ride. The bill also establishes rules for inspections and allows for waivers or modifications of rules under certain conditions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory measures and fees for amusement rides, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and economic freedom, suggesting that such regulations could be seen as government overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of private businesses
- Potential for higher operational costs for amusement ride owners
- Possibility of reduced competition in the amusement ride industry
- ❌ HB432 Designate Patrolman Earl W. Casterline Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of East Kemper Road in Hamilton County as the 'Patrolman Earl W. Casterline 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 principles of limited government intervention and personal liberty, as it involves government action to designate a highway and erect markers, which could be seen as unnecessary state involvement.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public spaces
- Potential for misuse of state resources for memorials
- May set a precedent for further government designations
- ❌ HB431 Regards human trafficking screening in public schools
The bill mandates that starting in the 2027-2028 school year, each school district in Ohio must annually screen students using a specific tool to identify those at risk of or involved in human trafficking. The University of Toledo will provide training on the screening tool and maintain an online portal for tracking results, while ensuring student privacy by not disclosing identifiable information. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government intervention in education and mandates screenings, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement and parental rights in education. It also imposes requirements on schools that may not align with free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential violation of parental rights
- Privacy concerns despite stated protections
- ❌ HB430 Designate Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Vance M. Andrews Mem Hwy
The bill designates a portion of State Route 13 in Knox County as the 'Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Vance M. Andrews 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 principles of limited government and individual rights, as it involves government action to designate a highway and erect markers, which can be seen as unnecessary government involvement.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public spaces
- Potential for misuse of state resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB43 Waive minimum instructional hours for specified high school
This bill waives the required minimum instructional hours for twelfth grade students at Ashtabula Lakeside High School due to the building being unusable as a result of a state of emergency declared by the Governor. The waiver applies for the 2024-2025 school year and requires an application from the Ashtabula City School District, which must be approved by the Department of Education and Workforce. Additionally, it waives the minimum number of hours the school must be open for instruction to maintain eligibility for state funding. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government intervention in education by waiving instructional requirements, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement in education and parental control over educational decisions. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of free markets and parental authority in education, suggesting that this bill does not align well with their principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over educational standards
- Potential precedent for future waivers that undermine educational quality
- Dependency on government funding may be reinforced
- ❌ HB429 Ban health care reimbursement reduction based on certain factors
The bill prohibits third-party payers from reducing reimbursement to health care providers based on specific factors, including their own service descriptions or diagnosis codes. It also mandates timely processing and payment of claims for health care services rendered. Violations of these provisions could lead to penalties not specified in the text. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulations on third-party payers, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in economic matters. However, it aims to protect health care providers, which aligns with some aspects of the LPO's support for individual rights and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of private contracts
- Potential for unintended consequences in health care market dynamics
- ✔️ HB428 Remove residency requirements for certain city director positions
The bill removes residency requirements for the city director of public service and the city director of public safety in Ohio, allowing individuals to be appointed without being residents at the time of appointment, although they must become residents within six months unless waived by ordinance. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by promoting individual choice in government appointments and reducing restrictions on employment, which supports free market ideals. However, it does not fully eliminate government involvement in residency requirements, leading to a slightly lower alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased cronyism if non-residents are favored for appointments.
- May lead to a disconnect between city directors and the communities they serve.
- ❌ HB427 Authorize voluntary demand response program for certain customers
The bill authorizes voluntary demand response programs for residential and small commercial customers, allowing electric distribution utilities to reduce demand at peak times to enhance grid reliability and potentially lower customer rates. Customers may override the utility's actions during these events, and the programs must be approved by the public utilities commission for cost-effectiveness. Utilities can compensate participating customers and bid demand reductions into the capacity market. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government oversight and regulation of energy demand response programs, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in markets. However, it allows for voluntary participation, which aligns somewhat with LPO's support for free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over energy markets
- Potential for cronyism in program implementation
- Restrictions on customer autonomy if rules are overly stringent
- ❌ HB426 Regards safekeeping and management of unclaimed digital assets
The bill provides for the safekeeping and management of unclaimed digital assets, defining terms such as 'digital assets' and 'qualified custodian.' It establishes a process for determining when digital assets are presumed abandoned and outlines the responsibilities of holders and custodians in managing these assets. The bill mandates that unclaimed digital assets be reported and delivered to a designated custodian after a specified period of inactivity. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the management of digital assets and the rights of owners to reclaim them, aligning with principles of property rights and individual ownership. However, it introduces regulatory oversight which may conflict with libertarian ideals of minimal government intervention. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize property rights and individual freedoms, but the regulatory aspects of the bill create mixed alignment.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight of digital assets
- Potential for overreach in asset management
- Regulatory burdens on holders of digital assets
- ❌ HB425 Prohibit trespass and unauthorized recording by drones
HB425 prohibits the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) over private property without permission, including unauthorized recording of individuals and private property. It defines critical facilities and outlines penalties for violations, classifying them as fourth degree misdemeanors. The bill establishes conditions under which drone operation is considered trespassing or unauthorized recording. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts individual rights by prohibiting the use of drones for recording and accessing private property, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty, privacy, and property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of individual rights and oppose government overreach, making the bill largely misaligned with their core values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Infringement on individual rights
- Increased government control over personal property
- Potential for misuse of law against innocent individuals
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.