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 HB424 Regards transfers, purchases of certain retirement service credit
HB424 amends section 145.295 of the Revised Code to allow members of the public employees retirement system to transfer or purchase retirement service credit from uniform retirement systems or for military service credit, under specific conditions. Members must meet eligibility criteria, agree to retire or accept a disability benefit within ninety days, and fulfill financial obligations related to the transfer. The bill also outlines the process for refunding amounts paid if certain conditions are not met. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government involvement in retirement systems and mandates conditions for service credit transfers, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government interference and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and individual choice, which this bill does not fully support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over retirement systems
- Potential for reduced individual choice in retirement planning
- Financial obligations may burden members
- โ HB423 Regulate practice of surgical assistants, surgical technologists
HB423 regulates the practice of surgical assistants and surgical technologists in Ohio, requiring individuals to be certified by recognized national organizations to be employed in these roles. It mandates criminal background checks for applicants and establishes penalties for non-compliance with licensing requirements. The bill also outlines the procedures for reporting misconduct and maintaining certification. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes licensing and certification requirements that restrict individual freedom and choice in employment, conflicting with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and personal liberty. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government control over personal and economic choices, which this bill contradicts by mandating certification and criminal background checks for surgical assistants and technologists.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over employment practices
- Potential for reduced access to surgical assistants due to licensing barriers
- Infringement on individual rights to choose one's profession
- โ๏ธ HB422 Enact Taxpayers Freedom TrilogyโAct III: Triumph of the Taxpayer
This bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to increase the approval threshold required for the passage of certain property taxes. Specifically, it establishes that for voted taxes with rates of not more than one mill, a 50% approval is needed; for rates above one mill but not more than two mills, 60% is required; and for rates above two mills, a 66% approval is necessary. The bill also outlines procedures for submitting tax levies to voters and repeals existing sections related to these provisions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by promoting taxpayer control over taxation through increased voting thresholds, which supports individual rights and economic liberty. It reduces the potential for government overreach in tax matters, aligning with the LPO's stance against excessive taxation and government debt.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for reduced funding for public services if tax levies are harder to pass.
- May lead to increased reliance on alternative funding sources for local governments.
- โ๏ธ HB421 Enact Taxpayers Freedom TrilogyโAct II: Arresting Inside Millage
This bill allows electors in a subdivision or taxing unit to initiate a reduction of unvoted property taxes by filing a petition with the county board of elections. The petition must be signed by at least 15% of the total votes cast for governor in the most recent election and includes a written argument in favor of the reduction. If the petition is valid, the question will be submitted to voters at the next general election, and if approved, the tax levy will be reduced starting January 1 of the following year. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by empowering individuals to directly influence tax rates through a democratic process, promoting local autonomy and reducing government taxation. Both the LP and LPO platforms support reducing taxes and increasing individual control over financial matters.
- โ๏ธ HB420 Enact Taxpayers Freedom TrilogyโAct I:Discontinuing the Continuum
The bill proposes to amend various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to disallow and eliminate property taxes levied for a continuing period of time by 2030. It also introduces a new section that outlines the process for levying taxes for specified purposes, including current expenses and permanent improvements, while ensuring that existing levies are not extended beyond their approved terms. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by aiming to reduce government taxation and control over property taxes, promoting individual financial freedom. However, it still allows for some taxation mechanisms, which may not fully align with the LPO's platform advocating for the repeal of property taxes.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government reliance on alternative tax mechanisms.
- May not fully eliminate financial burdens on citizens if new taxes are introduced.
- โ HB42 Require certain agencies to collect and report citizenship data
The bill requires certain agencies, including law enforcement and educational institutions, to collect and report data on the citizenship or immigration status of individuals they encounter. Reports must be submitted annually to the governor and include specific categories of citizenship status. The bill also mandates the establishment of guidelines for data collection and reporting. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional governmental data collection and reporting requirements based on citizenship status, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of individual privacy and limited government intervention. It may lead to increased government surveillance and discrimination against non-citizens, undermining individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government surveillance of individuals
- Potential discrimination against non-citizens
- Violation of individual privacy rights
- โ HB419 Create the Save22 license plate
The bill creates the 'Save22' specialty license plate in Ohio, requiring motor vehicle registrants to pay a $22 contribution for the plate. The funds collected will be deposited into a license plate contribution fund, which will support various charitable organizations and initiatives as specified in the bill. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government regulation and funding through mandatory contributions, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and limited government, which are not fully supported by this bill's provisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government involvement in charitable funding
- Potential for misuse of funds
- Encouragement of government-mandated contributions
- โ HB417 Regards animal abuse offenses and penalties
HB417 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to prohibit the abuse of companion animal corpses, restrict animal abuse offenders from owning dogs under certain conditions, and establish mandatory fines for violations of animal abuse offenses. It also creates a 'Do Not Adopt' registry for individuals convicted of animal abuse and mandates the establishment of a statewide dangerous and vicious dog registry. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on individual rights regarding pet ownership and creates mandatory penalties, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and minimal government intervention. The Libertarian Party of Ohio also opposes government overreach in personal matters, which this bill exemplifies.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over personal pet ownership
- Potential for misuse of the 'Do Not Adopt' registry
- Imposes mandatory fines that may disproportionately affect low-income individuals
- โ HB416 Designate Police Officer Phillip Wagner Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of United States Route 6 in Lorain County as the 'Police Officer Phillip Wagner 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 principles of limited government intervention and individual rights, as it involves government action to designate a memorial highway, which could be seen as unnecessary state involvement in public naming.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public affairs
- Potentially diverts resources from more pressing issues
- May set a precedent for further government naming actions
- โ HB415 Enact CROWN Act regarding discrimination based on hair
The bill enacts the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, which prohibits public schools from discriminating against individuals based on hair texture and protective hairstyles. It allows students who believe they have been discriminated against to bring a civil action in court. The bill applies to public primary and secondary schools in Ohio. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes anti-discrimination measures, which may align with individual rights but also involves government regulation of schools, potentially conflicting with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize personal liberty and limited government, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation in educational settings
- Potential for misuse of anti-discrimination laws
- โ HB414 Designate Navy Seaman Jadwisiak Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of State Route 163 in Ottawa County as the 'Navy Seaman Jadwisiak 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 core principles of the Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Ohio as it involves government action to designate a memorial highway, which does not support individual rights or free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- โ HB413 Regards Ohio State, Local Government Expenditure Databases
HB413 establishes the Ohio Local Government Expenditure Database, requiring political subdivisions and state retirement systems to participate by providing expenditure and revenue information. The database will be publicly accessible and aims to enhance transparency in government spending. It mandates state entities to assist in its development and operation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government transparency, which aligns with the Libertarian principles of individual rights and government accountability. However, it also imposes requirements on political subdivisions and state entities, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight may lead to inefficiencies.
- Potential for misuse of collected data.
- โ HB412 Allow village to contract with county prosecutor
The bill allows a village in Ohio to contract with the county prosecutor for legal services, amending existing sections of the Revised Code. It specifies that the contract may include compensation terms and applies to legal counsel for the village or its departments. The bill also outlines the process for a village to appoint legal counsel through a mayoral appointment, subject to legislative authority approval. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a mechanism for villages to engage legal services from county prosecutors, which may increase government involvement in legal matters. This aligns with some aspects of the LPO's platform regarding local governance but raises concerns for the LP regarding government overreach and potential cronyism.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over legal services
- Potential for cronyism in contracting processes
- Limited competition for legal services
- โ HB411 Revise the law governing juvenile drivers
Bill HB411 amends various sections of the Revised Code to revise the laws governing juvenile drivers, including the imposition of fines, restitution requirements, and the conditions under which juvenile traffic offenders may be sanctioned. It allows courts to impose community service, financial sanctions, and mandates completion of driver improvement programs for certain offenses. The bill also outlines the conditions for issuing temporary instruction permits and probationary licenses for juvenile drivers. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional regulations and penalties on juvenile drivers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and personal responsibility. While it includes provisions for community service and restitution, the overall increase in government control over juvenile behavior leads to a lower alignment score for both the LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal behavior
- Potential for disproportionate penalties on juveniles
- Encouragement of punitive measures rather than rehabilitative approaches
- โ HB410 Prohibit Medicaid funds for certain abortion providers
This bill prohibits the payment of Medicaid funds to certain abortion providers that are ineligible to receive federal funds under specific federal law. It establishes a clear restriction on funding for these entities without detailing exceptions or penalties. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts access to healthcare services related to abortion, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership. Both the LP and LPO advocate for individual rights and oppose government interference in personal medical decisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal health decisions
- Potential negative impact on women's health services
- Restriction of individual rights
- โ HB41 Establish certain child care grant programs
The bill establishes child care grant programs aimed at increasing child care capacity in Ohio. It appropriates $10,250,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to assist employers and community partnerships in retrofitting, equipping, or building child care facilities. The program prioritizes applicants who provide publicly funded child care and requires a sustainability plan for the initiatives. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government funding and intervention in the child care market, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement in economic matters and free market operations. It promotes government grants and partnerships that could lead to cronyism and does not align with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on individual rights and economic liberty.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over child care services
- Potential for cronyism in grant distribution
- Dependency on government funding for child care initiatives
- โ HB409 Prohibit legislators receiving free or discounted sports tickets
This bill prohibits members of the Ohio General Assembly from receiving free or discounted tickets to professional sporting events, with exceptions for promotions generally available to the public. It also establishes penalties for violations, including fines imposed by the joint legislative ethics committee. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on legislators' acceptance of gifts, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and minimal government interference. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and oppose government regulations that limit personal freedoms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over personal conduct of legislators
- Potentially sets a precedent for further restrictions on personal freedoms
- โ๏ธ HB408 Limit the locations at which a person has no duty to retreat
The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to limit the locations where a person has no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, specifically in their residence or vehicle. It establishes that a person lawfully in these locations can use force without the obligation to retreat, and that the possibility of retreat cannot be considered in determining the reasonableness of the force used. The bill also outlines the presumption of self-defense in certain circumstances. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the principles of self-defense and individual rights as emphasized by both the Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of Ohio. It supports the right to use force in defense of oneself and one's property without requiring retreat, which is consistent with their advocacy for personal liberty and self-defense rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for misuse of self-defense claims
- Increased legal ambiguity regarding self-defense situations
- โ HB407 Designate Daniel Smith Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of U.S. Route 68 in Clinton County as the 'Daniel Smith 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 in naming public infrastructure.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public naming conventions
- Potential misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- โ๏ธ HB406 Enact the Farm-to-Consumer Access to Raw Milk Act
The bill regulates the sale of raw milk in Ohio, requiring raw milk retailers to obtain a license, label products with health warnings, provide liability waivers to consumers, and conduct monthly testing for pathogens. It mandates that raw milk can only be sold on the farm where it is produced or at registered farm markets, and establishes penalties for violations of these regulations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual rights to choose what to consume, aligning with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and personal liberty. However, the regulatory framework may introduce some government oversight that could be seen as limiting free market principles, hence the scores reflect a mostly supportive stance with minor caveats.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation may lead to unintended consequences for small producers.
- Potential for overreach in enforcement of health and safety standards.
- โ๏ธ HB405 Regards regulation of consumer goods service contracts
The bill amends section 1345.21 of the Revised Code to exclude consumer goods service contracts from home solicitation sales regulations, thereby altering the conditions under which such contracts are governed. It specifies definitions related to home solicitation sales and outlines exceptions to these regulations. The bill does not provide details on penalties or timelines for implementation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill's exclusion of consumer goods service contracts from home solicitation sales regulations aligns with the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and voluntary contracts. However, it does not fully embrace the LP and LPO principles of minimal government intervention, as it still involves regulatory changes. Thus, the alignment scores reflect a mixed position.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased consumer vulnerability without regulatory protections.
- Risk of exploitation in consumer goods service contracts.
- โ HB404 Authorize sales tax credit for trade-in value of certain goods
The bill amends section 5739.01 of the Revised Code to authorize a sales tax credit for the trade-in value of portable electronics or home appliances when purchasing similar items. This applies to individuals and businesses engaging in such transactions, and the credit is to be separately stated on the invoice. The amendment takes effect on the first day of the first month following its effective date. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a tax credit that could be seen as a minor government intervention in the market, which may not align fully with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement in economic transactions. However, it does promote consumer choice and could be viewed as a benefit to individuals trading in goods, which aligns with some aspects of economic liberty. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize free markets and minimal taxation, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in market transactions.
- Could set a precedent for further tax credits or exemptions, complicating the tax code.
- โ HB403 Establish the Toledo Mud Hens license plate
The bill establishes a specialty license plate for the Toledo Mud Hens, allowing vehicle owners to apply for these plates. The application process includes a contribution of ten dollars, which will be deposited into the license plate contribution fund. The funds collected will support the Toledo Mud Hens' Helping Hens program. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government involvement in the issuance of specialty license plates and the collection of fees, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. However, it does not significantly infringe on individual rights or impose restrictions on personal freedoms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over vehicle registration processes.
- Encourages reliance on government for funding sports teams.
- โ HB402 Declare Cleveland Metroparks as Ohio's Emerald Necklace
The bill designates the Cleveland Metroparks system as 'Ohio's Emerald Necklace' to acknowledge its significance as a network of natural spaces and recreational amenities. This honorary designation aims to promote appreciation, stewardship, and investment in Ohio's natural heritage and public park systems without requiring state funds unless agreed upon by public or private entities. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a state recognition of a public park system, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention and property rights. The LPO's score reflects a mixed stance as the bill does not impose significant government control but does involve state recognition.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in park management
- Encouragement of public funding for parks in the future
- May set a precedent for similar designations that could lead to government overreach
- โ HB401 Designate Myositis Awareness Month
This bill designates the month of May as 'Myositis Awareness Month' to recognize idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, their impact on quality of life, and the need for further research into their causes and treatments. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with core Libertarian principles as it involves government designation and recognition, which may be seen as unnecessary government intervention rather than a matter of personal liberty or free market solutions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in health awareness campaigns
- May set a precedent for further government designations and regulations
- โ HB400 Create a permanent absent voter list
The bill establishes a permanent absent voter list in Ohio, allowing registered voters to opt-in to receive absentee ballots automatically for elections. Voters can request to be placed on this list through various means, including written applications and online voter registration. The bill also outlines the process for removing voters from the list and mandates that boards of elections mail absent voter ballot applications to those on the list before elections. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-managed voter list, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy in voting processes. However, it does facilitate absentee voting, which aligns with some aspects of voter freedom. The LPO's score reflects a more favorable view of the bill due to its focus on election management and voter access.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over the voting process
- Concerns about privacy and data security of voter information
- Possibility of bureaucratic inefficiencies in managing the voter list
- โ HB40 Increase disabled veteran enhanced homestead exemption
This bill amends sections 323.152 and 4503.065 of the Revised Code to increase the enhanced homestead exemption for certain disabled veterans, allowing for greater tax reductions based on income thresholds and property values. It specifies eligibility criteria for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses, detailing the calculation of tax reductions and the timeline for implementation starting in tax year 2025. The bill also includes provisions for adjustments to income thresholds and reduction amounts based on economic indicators. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government intervention in property taxation and provides specific benefits to a group based on their veteran status, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government and equal treatment under the law. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and oppose government favoritism, leading to low alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over property taxation
- Creates potential for cronyism by favoring specific groups
- May set a precedent for further exemptions that complicate tax law
- โ HB399 Prohibit oil and gas removal from under Lake Erie or a state park
The bill prohibits the removal of oil or gas from under Lake Erie and any state park in Ohio. It amends existing regulations to ensure that no permits or leases for such extraction can be issued by the director of natural resources or any state authority. Violations of this prohibition are subject to penalties as determined by the director. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts property rights by prohibiting the extraction of natural resources, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of economic liberty and property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of individual ownership and the right to manage one's property without government interference.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over natural resources
- Limitation on individual property rights
- Discouragement of economic opportunities in resource extraction
- โ HB398 Revise the law governing emergency medical technicians
HB398 amends sections 4765.36 and 4765.361 of the Revised Code to revise the law governing emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in hospitals. It allows EMTs to perform certain emergency and nonemergency medical services under the supervision of designated medical professionals and outlines the conditions under which these services can be performed. The bill also specifies that EMTs may perform nonemergency services only if authorized by their medical director. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional regulations and oversight for EMTs, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy in medical services. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government control and the importance of personal choice, which this bill does not fully support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of medical services
- Potential limitations on EMTs' ability to operate independently
- Possibility of reduced access to emergency services due to regulatory burdens
- โ HB397 Expand allowable uses of profits from jail commissary funds
The bill amends section 341.25 of the Revised Code to expand the allowable uses of profits from jail commissary funds. Profits can be used for various purposes including purchasing supplies and equipment, providing life skills training, paying salaries for commissary employees, and covering emergency expenses for jail facilities. The sheriff is required to adopt rules for the operation of the commissary fund. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over jail commissary funds and allows for the use of profits in ways that may not align with the Libertarian principles of limited government and individual rights. The LPO's platform specifically opposes profit-motivated law enforcement functions, which this bill could be seen as supporting.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over funds
- Potential misuse of funds for profit-driven motives
- Lack of transparency in fund management
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.
