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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ✔️ HB422 Enact Taxpayers Freedom Trilogy–Act 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.
- ✔️ HB421 Enact Taxpayers Freedom Trilogy–Act 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.
- ✔️ HB420 Enact Taxpayers Freedom Trilogy–Act 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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
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.