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.
- ❌ HB270 Adopt Superman as the official superhero of the state
The bill adopts Superman as the official superhero of Ohio, effective April 18, 2033, in recognition of the character's cultural significance as it enters the public domain. (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 designation of a cultural figure, which may be seen as unnecessary government involvement in cultural matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in cultural affairs
- May set a precedent for future government endorsements of cultural figures
- ❌ HB27 Designate Specialist Jacob A. Ashton Memorial Bridge
This bill designates the bridge spanning the Grand River in Lake County as the 'Specialist Jacob A. Ashton Memorial Bridge' 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 in naming a public structure. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize minimal government involvement in personal and economic matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public affairs
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB269 Regards success sequence and character education curriculum
The bill mandates the development of a model success sequence and character education curriculum for grades seven through twelve, focusing on values such as trustworthiness, responsibility, and respect for authority. School districts must adopt this curriculum, which includes specific character traits and fundamental values rooted in U.S. history and tradition, and report on its impact on student discipline and academic achievement. The curriculum must be approved by the Department of Education and Workforce, which will also maintain a list of implemented curricula. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a government-mandated curriculum that emphasizes traditional values and character education, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty, parental rights, and the belief that education should be free from government interference. This undermines individual choice and parental authority in education, leading to low alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential infringement on parental rights
- Promotion of specific values may not reflect diverse beliefs
- ❌ HB268 Regards filing for certificate of qualification for employment
The bill modifies the process for individuals with criminal convictions to file for a certificate of qualification for employment, allowing those with collateral sanctions to petition for relief after specified waiting periods. It establishes criteria for eligibility, application procedures, and the role of courts and the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction in reviewing petitions. The bill also outlines the implications of obtaining such a certificate on employment opportunities and licensing. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the reintegration of individuals with criminal records into the workforce, aligning with Libertarian principles of personal responsibility and reducing government barriers to employment. However, it still involves government oversight and fees, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over employment opportunities.
- Application fees may disproportionately affect low-income individuals.
- The bill may not fully eliminate barriers to employment for individuals with certain convictions.
- ❌ HB267 Regards creation, display of veterans benefit and services poster
The bill requires the director of commerce, in consultation with the director of veterans services, to create a poster that provides information on various benefits and services available to veterans. Employers may display this poster in a conspicuous location for employees, and the poster will be provided free of charge upon request. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government action to create and distribute information regarding veterans' benefits, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. The LPO's score reflects a mixed stance as it does not directly oppose the bill but does not fully align with its principles either.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government involvement in private sector communications
- Potential for misuse of resources in creating and distributing the poster
- ❌ HB266 Authorize temporary property tax credit for certain homesteads
The bill authorizes a temporary property tax credit for certain continuously owned homesteads, specifically for individuals who are permanently disabled, aged 65 or older, or surviving spouses of such individuals. The tax credit applies to real property taxes on homesteads owned and occupied by these individuals, with specific income thresholds and reduction amounts defined. The bill also outlines the application process and conditions under which the tax reductions are granted. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-mandated tax credit that benefits specific groups, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and taxation. It also establishes income thresholds and conditions that further entrench government control over property rights, opposing the Libertarian emphasis on individual property rights and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over property rights
- Establishes income thresholds that may lead to further taxation
- Encourages dependency on government assistance
- ❌ HB265 Regulate resellers of public utility services as public utilities
This bill amends sections 4905.02 and 4905.03 of the Revised Code to classify resellers of public utility services as public utilities, thereby subjecting them to regulation under the same standards as traditional public utilities. It includes specific exemptions for certain types of public utilities and outlines the definitions of various utility services. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government regulation over resellers of public utility services, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government control and support for free market principles, which this bill undermines.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over utility services
- Potential for reduced competition in the utility market
- Higher costs for consumers due to regulatory compliance
- ❌ HB264 Prohibit certain publications during 30 days before an election
The bill prohibits government publications concerning candidates or ballot issues during the 30 days before an election, restricting the use of public funds for such communications. Exceptions include official notices required by law and certain communications not intended to influence elections. Violations of this prohibition can result in penalties as outlined in the Revised Code. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts government communication and expression regarding candidates and ballot issues, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's support for full freedom of expression and opposition to government censorship. The Libertarian Party of Ohio also values individual rights and freedom of communication, leading to low alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential suppression of information about candidates and ballot issues
- Increased government control over political discourse
- Chilling effect on free speech during election periods
- ❌ HB263 Cap cost sharing for prescription insulin drugs, diabetes devices
The bill caps cost sharing for prescription insulin drugs and diabetes devices at $35 and $100 respectively for a thirty-day supply, applicable to health plans issued or renewed after the effective date. It prohibits health plan issuers from requiring cost sharing above these amounts, regardless of other cost-sharing requirements. The bill allows health plan issuers to reduce cost-sharing amounts below these caps. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government-mandated cost-sharing limits, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize free markets and individual choice, suggesting that such mandates may undermine these principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over healthcare pricing
- Potential for reduced competition among healthcare providers
- Risk of unintended consequences in the healthcare market
- ❌ HB262 Designate Natural Family Month
The bill designates the weeks between Mother's Day and Father's Day as 'Natural Family Month' in Ohio. It does not impose any requirements or penalties on individuals or organizations. The scope is limited to the designation of this period without further specifications. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a specific family structure, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of personal relationships and individual rights. It does not align with the Libertarian Party's advocacy for non-interference in personal relationships and the right to self-ownership.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential government endorsement of specific family structures
- May infringe on individual rights regarding personal relationships
- ❌ HB261 Increase the amount of the standard homestead exemption
This bill amends sections 323.152 and 4503.065 of the Revised Code to increase the standard homestead exemption for property taxes. It applies to individuals who are permanently disabled, aged 65 or older, or surviving spouses of such individuals, and establishes a new income threshold for eligibility. The bill also outlines the process for annual adjustments to the exemption amounts based on economic indicators. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government intervention in property taxation and does not align with Libertarian principles of minimal government and reduced taxation. It establishes new tax exemptions that could be seen as a form of government redistribution, conflicting with the Libertarian emphasis on individual property rights and limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government dependency on tax exemptions
- Potential for misuse of tax exemption criteria
- Encouragement of government intervention in private property rights
- ❌ HB260 Regards courts and court procedures
HB260 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code related to courts and court procedures, including the powers and duties of municipal judges, the jurisdiction of municipal courts, and the procedures for civil actions and depositions. It also repeals several existing sections of the code pertaining to similar topics. The bill does not specify any penalties or timelines for implementation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill primarily focuses on procedural changes within the court system, which does not directly align with the core principles of personal liberty and limited government advocated by both the Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of Ohio. While it does not overtly oppose these principles, it does not actively support them either, resulting in a mixed alignment.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over judicial processes.
- Lack of transparency in court procedures may undermine individual rights.
- ❌ HB26 Enact Protecting Ohio Communities Act
The Protecting Ohio Communities Act requires state and local authorities to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, prohibits local ordinances that hinder such cooperation, and imposes funding reductions for noncompliance. Municipal corporations that enact policies contrary to this act will be ineligible for homeland security funding until compliance is achieved. The act also mandates annual reporting to confirm compliance with these requirements. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill conflicts with Libertarian principles by increasing government control over local jurisdictions and mandating compliance with federal immigration laws, which undermines individual rights and local autonomy. The Libertarian Party opposes government overreach and mandates that infringe on personal freedoms, while the Libertarian Party of Ohio emphasizes state sovereignty and protection from federal overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased federal control over local law enforcement
- Potential violation of individual rights
- Undermining local governance and autonomy
- ❌ HB259 Designate Captain Joshua Michael McClimans Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of State Route 241 in Summit County as the 'Captain Joshua Michael McClimans 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 core principles of the Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Ohio, as it involves government action to designate a memorial highway, which may be seen as unnecessary government involvement in public naming and memorialization.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public affairs
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB258 Require notice before driver's license expires, instead of after
The bill requires the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to send a notification to drivers at least fourteen days before their driver's license expires, rather than after expiration. This applies to all residents with a driver's license and aims to ensure timely renewal. Failure to provide such notification does not extend the validity of the license. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes individual responsibility by ensuring drivers are notified of their license expiration, aligning with the Libertarian emphasis on personal responsibility. However, it does involve government action in the form of mandated notifications, which may conflict with the principles of minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government involvement in personal affairs
- Potential for misuse of personal information in notifications
- ❌ HB257 Enact the Ohio Medical Debt Fairness Act
The Ohio Medical Debt Fairness Act limits the interest rate on medical debt to a maximum of 3% per annum, prohibits the reporting of medical debt to consumer reporting agencies, and establishes conditions under which medical debt cannot be collected from individuals who fail to obtain required health insurance coverage for their former spouse or children. The act applies to medical debt incurred on or after its effective date. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on the collection and reporting of medical debt, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of free markets and voluntary contracts. However, it also aims to protect individuals from excessive debt burdens, aligning somewhat with the LPO's focus on individual rights and economic fairness.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government intervention in private contracts
- May lead to unintended consequences in the healthcare market
- Could reduce the incentive for individuals to obtain health insurance
- ❌ HB256 Revise the law regarding child custody for unwed parents
The bill amends section 3109.042 of the Revised Code to establish a rebuttable presumption that an unmarried female who gives birth is the sole residential parent and legal custodian until a court designates otherwise. It allows for equal parental rights and responsibilities upon rebuttal of this presumption, and stipulates that a parent convicted of rape or sexual battery cannot be a residential parent or legal custodian. Judicial proceedings may be initiated if parents cannot agree on custody arrangements. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a presumption favoring the mother in custody matters, which may conflict with the LP and LPO principles of equal treatment and parental rights. While it allows for equal rights upon rebuttal, the initial presumption may undermine the concept of equal parental rights. Additionally, the provision regarding parents convicted of certain crimes may be seen as a restriction on individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential bias against fathers in custody decisions
- Increased judicial involvement in family matters
- Possibility of unequal treatment based on gender
- ❌ HB255 Create the Ohio Sports Commission
The bill creates the Ohio Sports Commission within the Department of Development to enhance the state's quality of life by promoting and developing national and international sports. The commission will partner with various stakeholders to attract sporting events and may establish a grant program to support emerging sports economies. The board of commissioners will consist of 17 members, including state officials and representatives from sports organizations, and will issue a report within six months of its establishment. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill establishes a government commission that promotes sports tourism and economic development, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in markets and individual freedoms. The creation of a state-funded commission and potential grant programs may lead to increased government spending and intervention, opposing the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for cronyism in sports contracts
- Expansion of government influence in private markets
- ❌ HB254 Increase education, awareness of Alzheimer's disease and dementia
The bill requires the Ohio Department of Health, in coordination with other agencies, to increase education and awareness about cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia through public health outreach. It mandates the design of informational materials covering early warning signs, risk reduction, early detection, and assessment tools for healthcare providers and the public. The bill does not specify penalties or timelines for implementation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government involvement in health education and awareness, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in personal health decisions and education. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and limited government, suggesting that this bill undermines those principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over health education
- Potential for government overreach in personal health decisions
- ❌ HB253 License advanced practice respiratory therapists
This bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to establish a licensing framework for advanced practice respiratory therapists, detailing their scope of practice, supervision requirements, and the conditions under which they may prescribe medications. It also outlines the responsibilities of supervising physicians and the procedures for licensing and renewal. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory measures that establish licensing and supervision for advanced practice respiratory therapists, which may be seen as an increase in government control over professional practice. This conflicts with the LP's emphasis on personal liberty and minimal government intervention. However, the LPO's platform supports professional licensing under certain conditions, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation may limit professional autonomy.
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in licensing processes.
- Possibility of restricting access to care due to licensing barriers.
- ❌ HB252 Modify offenses of burglary, breaking and entering, and trespass
The bill modifies the offenses of burglary, aggravated burglary, breaking and entering, and trespass in a habitation when a person is present or likely to be present. It establishes penalties for various degrees of these offenses, with specific definitions for 'occupied structure' and 'deadly weapon.' The bill also repeals existing sections related to these offenses. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over individual actions by imposing stricter penalties for property-related offenses, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and personal responsibility. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and oppose laws that expand state power over personal conduct.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over individual actions
- Potential for overreach in law enforcement
- Stricter penalties may disproportionately affect marginalized communities
- ✔️ HB251 Regards drone use by law enforcement; aviation facilities
HB251 establishes requirements for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) by law enforcement in Ohio, including the necessity of obtaining search warrants for certain surveillance activities. It allows warrantless drone use under specific circumstances such as border patrol, exigent circumstances, and during environmental disasters. The bill also prohibits the use of armed drones and mandates documentation of flight data. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulations on law enforcement's use of drones, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of privacy and limited government intervention. However, it includes some protections against unwarranted surveillance, which aligns with certain LPO principles. The mixed nature of the bill's provisions leads to moderate alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government surveillance
- Risk of misuse of drone technology by law enforcement
- Possibility of infringing on individual privacy rights
- ❌ HB250 Enact the Ohio Anti-Corruption Act
HB250, known as the Ohio Anti-Corruption Act, amends various sections of the Revised Code to modify campaign finance laws. It establishes new requirements for political parties and campaign committees regarding contributions and expenditures, mandates reporting of campaign finance activities, and imposes penalties for violations. The act aims to enhance transparency and accountability in political financing in Ohio. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government regulation of campaign finance, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government interference in personal and economic matters. It imposes additional reporting requirements and penalties that may infringe on individual rights and freedoms related to political expression and association. The Libertarian Party of Ohio also opposes increased government control over political processes, aligning with the lower score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over political expression
- Potential infringement on individual rights to free association
- Bureaucratic complexities that may hinder political participation
- ❌ HB25 Establish the Foster-to-College Scholarship Program
The bill establishes the Foster-to-College Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to qualifying students who have been placed in foster care or noncertified kinship care. It requires the Department of Education and Workforce to hire a full-time school foster care liaison to assist these students with their educational transitions and scholarship applications. The program will begin in the 2025-2026 academic year and is funded through state appropriations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in education and welfare, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and the promotion of free markets. It also imposes financial obligations on the state, which contradicts the LPO's stance against government spending and taxation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for dependency on state assistance
- Limited private sector involvement in education
- ❌ HB249 Enact the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act
The bill amends sections of the Ohio Revised Code to modernize laws regarding indecent exposure. It establishes penalties for exposing private parts, engaging in sexual conduct, or masturbation in public settings, particularly when minors are present. The bill outlines degrees of misdemeanors and felonies based on prior offenses and the presence of minors. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on personal conduct and expression, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of self-ownership and personal liberty. It criminalizes actions that do not involve direct harm to others, opposing the LP's stance against victimless crimes. The LPO's score reflects a slight alignment due to its focus on limiting state power, but the bill still enforces punitive measures that contradict its core values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal behavior
- Potential for overreach in enforcement
- Criminalization of non-violent actions
- ❌ HB248 Revise the Auditor of State law
HB248 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code related to the Auditor of State, including provisions for audits of public offices, requirements for financial reporting, and the establishment of training programs for local officials. It also outlines conditions under which public officials may contract for services and the penalties for failing to file financial reports on time. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and mandates compliance with various financial reporting and auditing requirements, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and personal responsibility. However, it does not directly infringe on individual rights or promote cronyism, leading to a mixed alignment with both platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight may lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- Potential for misuse of auditing powers against local governments.
- ❌ HB247 Revise dog law, including dangerous and vicious dogs
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to revise laws governing dogs, particularly focusing on the registration and regulation of dangerous and vicious dogs. It establishes requirements for dog owners, including registration fees, penalties for non-compliance, and provisions for the humane treatment of dogs. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of county dog wardens and the process for designating dogs as dangerous or vicious. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional regulations and fees on dog ownership, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and personal responsibility. It increases government control over individual property rights (dogs) and mandates compliance with various regulations, which is contrary to the Libertarian emphasis on personal liberty and free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal property
- Potential for overreach in enforcement by dog wardens
- Financial burden on dog owners due to registration fees
- ❌ HB246 Require certain construction industry employers to use E-verify
The bill requires nonresidential construction contractors, subcontractors, and labor brokers to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. It mandates record-keeping of verification for three years and imposes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential revocation of licenses. Exceptions apply if prior verification has been completed or if federal law does not require re-verification. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government mandates on private employment practices, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in labor markets and individual rights. It restricts the freedom of employers to make hiring decisions without government oversight, thus undermining core Libertarian values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private employment practices
- Potential for discrimination in hiring practices
- Administrative burdens on small businesses
- ❌ HB245 Regards Ohio parenting and pregnancy program services
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to establish the Ohio parenting and pregnancy program, which provides services for pregnant women and parents or relatives caring for children aged five years or younger. The program aims to promote childbirth and offers services including counseling on childbirth, abortion, adoption, family planning, and preventative care. It also outlines the administration of these services by the Department of Job and Family Services and allows for funding agreements with private, not-for-profit entities. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government oversight and funding for programs that promote childbirth while restricting abortion services, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership. Additionally, it increases government involvement in family services, which is contrary to the Libertarian Party of Ohio's advocacy for limited government and individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal decisions regarding pregnancy and parenting.
- Potential for misuse of funds allocated to the program.
- Restriction of options for individuals seeking reproductive health services.
- ❌ HB244 Designate Women's History Month
This bill designates the month of March as 'Women's History Month' in Ohio. It does not impose any requirements or penalties and does not specify any exceptions or timelines. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with core Libertarian principles as it involves government designation of a month for recognition, which can be seen as an unnecessary government action that does not protect individual rights or freedoms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in cultural matters
- May set a precedent for further government designations and recognitions
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.