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 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
- โ HB396 Expand the Address Confidentiality Program
The bill expands the Address Confidentiality Program in Ohio, allowing individuals who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, or similar crimes to apply for a confidential address to protect their location from being disclosed. It establishes criteria for eligibility, application procedures, and the responsibilities of the Secretary of State in managing the program. Participants must update their information and may renew their certification every four years. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the protection of individuals' privacy and safety, aligning with some aspects of the Libertarian platforms regarding personal rights. However, it also involves government oversight and intervention, which may conflict with core Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement. The LPO's support for individual rights and safety aligns more closely with the bill's intent.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in personal privacy matters
- Increased bureaucracy in the application process
- Risk of misuse of the program by ineligible individuals
- โ HB395 Require ODJFS online process to report job interview no-shows
The bill requires the Director of Job and Family Services to establish an online process for employers to report individuals who fail to appear for scheduled job interviews. It amends section 4141.34 of the Revised Code to include this reporting mechanism, which will allow employers to submit complaints through a designated internet link. The Director is tasked with reviewing these complaints in a timely manner. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional reporting requirements on individuals seeking employment, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government interference in employment and personal responsibility. It also introduces a mechanism that could be seen as punitive towards job seekers, undermining the LP and LPO's emphasis on individual rights and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government oversight of employment processes
- Potentially discourages individuals from seeking employment due to fear of reporting
- Could lead to misuse of the reporting system by employers
- โ๏ธ HB394 Enact the Student Choice Grant Program
The bill establishes the Student Choice Grant Program, which provides grants to eligible residents of Ohio who are full-time students in bachelor's degree programs at nonprofit institutions of higher education. Grants are limited to those who have been residents for at least two years and do not exceed certain financial thresholds. The program is administered by the chancellor of higher education, who will set rules and manage the distribution of funds. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-funded grant program for education, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market education. However, it aligns somewhat with the LPO's support for education funding, albeit with concerns about government control over education.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education funding
- Potential for cronyism in grant distribution
- Dependence on state funding for education
- โ๏ธ HB393 Require certain facilities assist inmates in obtaining ID cards
The bill requires community-based correctional facilities and programs to assist inmates in obtaining state identification cards prior to their release. Facilities must verify the inmate's age and identity and submit applications for those without valid ID cards to the registrar of motor vehicles. The bill outlines the process for application submission and the responsibilities of the registrar. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a government requirement on correctional facilities to assist inmates, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention and individual autonomy. However, it aims to facilitate reintegration into society, aligning somewhat with LPO's focus on reducing barriers for individuals in the justice system.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government involvement in inmate rehabilitation processes
- Potential for misuse of resources in implementing the bill
- Dependence on government systems for personal identification
- โ HB391 Require tax rate as a true value percentage on tax bills, ballots
The bill requires that tax rates on property tax bills and ballots be expressed as a percentage of the true value of the property. It mandates that tax bills include specific notices regarding tax payment deadlines and penalties for non-payment. Additionally, it stipulates that county auditors must post tax rate information on their websites. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional requirements on tax bills and does not align with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and reduced taxation. It may be seen as increasing government control over property taxation, which conflicts with the LPO's platform advocating for the repeal of property taxes.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over taxation
- Potential for confusion among taxpayers regarding tax obligations
- Possibility of additional administrative burdens on local governments
- โ HB390 Prohibit health plans from requiring providers to collect copays
HB390 prohibits health plan issuers from requiring or inducing providers to collect copayments and other cost-sharing amounts from covered persons, effective January 1, 2027. It mandates that health plan issuers reimburse providers directly for covered services and outlines exceptions for contracts entered into before this date. Providers may still collect amounts owed for uncovered services or accept cash payments from covered persons. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on health plan issuers and providers, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of free markets and minimal government intervention in economic transactions. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of voluntary agreements and minimal government interference, suggesting that this bill may not align with their core principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over healthcare transactions
- Potential for reduced flexibility in healthcare agreements
- Possibility of unintended consequences in healthcare pricing
- โ HB39 Allow state income tax deduction for overtime wages
This bill amends section 5747.01 of the Revised Code to allow a state income tax deduction for overtime wages paid to employees. The deduction applies to taxable years ending on or after the effective date of the amendment. It is applicable to wages paid in accordance with state and federal overtime laws. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports economic liberty by allowing individuals to retain more of their earnings through tax deductions, which aligns with the Libertarian principles of minimal government interference in personal finances. However, it still involves government regulation of taxation, which may not fully align with the LP and LPO's advocacy for reduced taxation and government spending.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government complexity in tax regulations.
- May lead to unintended consequences in labor market dynamics.
- โ๏ธ HB389 Eliminate additional registration fee for hybrid motor vehicles
The bill eliminates the additional registration fee for hybrid motor vehicles in Ohio, which is currently set at $100. This change applies to all owners of hybrid vehicles registered in the state, removing the financial burden associated with their registration. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by reducing government fees that can be seen as a financial burden on individuals. It supports the idea of minimal government intervention in personal choices regarding vehicle ownership and promotes economic liberty by eliminating an additional cost for hybrid vehicle owners.
- โ HB388 Regards state employee reimbursement for GLP-1 drug costs
The bill establishes a reimbursement program for state employees and elected officials for out-of-pocket costs associated with GLP-1 drugs approved for chronic weight management. Reimbursements are limited to a maximum of $500 per month for the first year and $250 for the second year, with eligibility contingent on specific health criteria and a maximum application period of 24 months. The program is subject to administrative rules for implementation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-funded reimbursement program, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual self-ownership. It imposes conditions on eligibility that could be seen as government overreach into personal health decisions, aligning poorly with the LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal health decisions
- Potential for misuse of public funds
- Encouragement of dependency on government programs
- โ๏ธ HB387 Authorize Sunday sales without local option election approval
The bill authorizes municipal corporations and townships in Ohio to permit Sunday sales of intoxicating liquor without requiring local option election approval. It allows local legislative authorities to adopt ordinances or resolutions for such sales, while maintaining the validity of local option elections. The bill specifies conditions under which D-6 permits can be issued for Sunday sales. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual freedom by allowing local governments to decide on Sunday liquor sales without state-imposed restrictions, aligning with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and free markets. However, it does not fully eliminate local government control, which could be seen as a limitation on individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for local government overreach in regulating sales
- Inconsistent application of laws across municipalities
- โ HB386 Require photo identification when applying for a marriage license
This bill requires individuals applying for a marriage license in Ohio to present valid photo identification and documentary proof of age. It specifies acceptable forms of identification and establishes penalties for providing false information on the application. The bill aims to ensure identity verification during the marriage licensing process. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional government requirements on personal relationships, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of personal liberty and the right to engage in personal relationships without government interference. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for minimal government involvement in personal matters, including marriage.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over personal relationships
- Imposes unnecessary barriers to marriage
- Potentially discriminates against individuals without access to required identification
- โ HB385 Designate PFC Thomas "Tommy" Pizzino Memorial Highway
The bill designates a portion of U.S. Route 22 in Harrison County as the 'PFC Thomas 'Tommy' Pizzino Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government action to designate a highway, which does not align with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and fiscal responsibility.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- โ HB384 Designate Staff Sergeant Melvin Trushel, Sr. Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of U.S. Route 22 in Harrison County as the 'Staff Sergeant Melvin Trushel, Sr. 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 core Libertarian principles as it involves government action to designate a highway, which can be seen as unnecessary state involvement and does not promote individual rights or free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- โ HB383 Designate Litten Brothers Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of State Route 149 in Belmont County as the 'Litten Brothers 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 individual rights, 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 infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- โ HB381 Create the DoItForJack license plate
The bill creates the 'DoItForJack' specialty license plate in Ohio, allowing vehicle owners to apply for these plates. A contribution of $20 is required for the registration, which will be deposited into a license plate contribution fund to support the Jack Quehl foundation. The bill also specifies the fees and processes for obtaining these plates. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government regulation of vehicle registration and the creation of a specialty license plate that requires a contribution, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Additionally, the allocation of funds to specific organizations undermines the Libertarian stance on voluntary charity and individual choice.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in personal choices
- Encourages reliance on government for charitable contributions
- Potential for misuse of funds collected through mandatory fees
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.
