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.
- ❌ HB216 Enact A HAND UP Act
The bill establishes a three-year pilot program called the 'A HAND UP' Act, aimed at assisting individuals transitioning from public assistance to the workforce. It requires the Department of Job and Family Services to select four counties for the program, set eligibility criteria, provide stipends for health care and child care, and offer subsidies to participating employers. The program also includes mentorship and financial literacy components, with annual reporting on its outcomes. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in employment and welfare programs, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government interference in economic matters and individual self-ownership. The provision of stipends and subsidies indicates a reliance on government support rather than promoting free market solutions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government dependency on welfare programs.
- Potential for misuse of funds allocated for subsidies.
- Limited individual autonomy in employment choices.
- ✔️ HB215 Prohibit property tax levies from taking effect in current year
The bill prohibits most property tax levies submitted at a general election from taking effect in the current tax year. It applies to qualifying property taxes and outlines exceptions for certain taxes, such as those levied by taxing units in fiscal caution or emergency. The amendment will take effect for general elections held in the first calendar year after the bill's effective date and for all subsequent elections. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian Party of Ohio's platform by limiting government taxation authority, which supports property rights and economic freedom. However, it may conflict with the Libertarian Party's broader principles of minimal government intervention, leading to a mixed alignment score for the LP.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential reduction in local government funding
- Impact on public services reliant on property tax revenue
- ❌ HB214 Require Medicaid, health insurers report on prior authorization
The bill requires Medicaid and certain health insurers to report data on prior authorization requirements and mandates exemptions from these requirements for specific providers. It establishes timelines for responses to prior authorization requests and outlines conditions under which exemptions may be granted or revoked. The bill also includes provisions for electronic submission of requests and the establishment of an appeal process for denied requests. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional regulations on health insurers and Medicaid, which may conflict with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. However, it does provide some exemptions and aims to streamline processes, which aligns somewhat with the Libertarian Party of Ohio's focus on reducing government overreach in healthcare.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over healthcare processes
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- May lead to unintended consequences for healthcare providers
- ❌ HB213 Designate Tuscarawas Valley Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of Interstate 70 in Licking County as the 'Tuscarawas Valley 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 the promotion of individual rights. It does not support free market principles or individual liberties as it involves state control over public infrastructure.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB212 Allow eligible homeowners to defer property tax payment
The bill allows eligible homeowners, defined as those who are permanently disabled or have a total income not exceeding 250% of the federal poverty level, to defer payment of a portion of their property taxes. Homeowners must apply to the county auditor, and the deferral is contingent on not owing delinquent taxes. The deferred taxes are payable upon certain events, such as the homeowner's death or sale of the property. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government program that provides tax deferrals based on income and disability status, which may conflict with the LP's principles of minimal government intervention and taxation. However, it does provide some relief for low-income individuals, which aligns with the LPO's focus on individual rights and support for those in need, resulting in a mixed alignment score for both parties.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government dependency on tax deferral programs.
- Administrative burden on county auditors to manage applications and deferrals.
- Risk of property tax revenue shortfalls impacting local services.
- ❌ HB211 Require consideration of caretaker status in criminal cases
The bill requires courts to consider an offender's status as a primary caretaker of a child when determining eligibility for community control sanctions or intervention in lieu of conviction in criminal cases. This applies to offenders convicted of or pleading guilty to felonies. The bill amends existing sections of the Revised Code to include this consideration in sentencing hearings. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional considerations in sentencing that may be seen as increasing government involvement in the justice system, which conflicts with LP principles of limiting government force. However, it does recognize parental rights, aligning somewhat with LPO principles regarding the treatment of offenders who are primary caretakers.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government intervention in personal circumstances
- Risk of unequal treatment based on caretaker status
- Possibility of undermining the principle of equal justice under the law
- ❌ HB210 Regards the sale of used catalytic converters
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to regulate the sale of used catalytic converters, requiring dealers to maintain detailed records of transactions, including seller identification and proof of ownership. It establishes penalties for violations, including fines and potential felony charges for theft or receiving stolen property. The bill also mandates that dealers limit the purchase of catalytic converters from individuals and comply with specific documentation requirements. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes significant regulatory requirements on scrap metal dealers and restricts transactions involving catalytic converters, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. The penalties and documentation requirements may be seen as government overreach, thus aligning poorly with both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation on private transactions
- Potential for overreach in enforcement and penalties
- Burden on small businesses and individual sellers
- ✔️ HB21 Enact the Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act
The bill enacts the Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act, which defines health care sharing ministries and exempts them from being classified as insurance, thereby not subjecting them to state insurance laws. It mandates that state institutions of higher education accept participation in such ministries as valid health care coverage for students. The bill also includes provisions for the Attorney General to determine compliance with the definition of a health care sharing ministry. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by promoting individual choice in health care options and limiting government regulation of health care sharing ministries. It supports personal responsibility and the right to choose alternative health care arrangements without government interference. However, it does not fully address broader issues of health care access and affordability, which may affect the alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for lack of consumer protections for participants in health care sharing ministries.
- Exemption from insurance regulations may lead to financial instability for participants.
- ✔️ HB209 Exempt tips from state, municipal, school district income taxes
HB209 amends sections 718.01, 5747.01, and 5748.01 of the Revised Code to exempt tips from state, municipal, and school district income taxes. This change applies to all individuals and businesses that receive tips, effectively removing these earnings from taxable income calculations. The amendment is applicable to taxable years ending on or after the effective date of the legislation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles of reducing taxation and promoting individual financial freedom by exempting tips from income taxes. This supports the Libertarian Party's advocacy for minimal government interference in personal finances and aligns with the Libertarian Party of Ohio's stance against state income tax.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential loss of revenue for local governments
- May lead to increased reliance on other forms of taxation
- ❌ HB208 Enact the Courtroom Employee Protection Act
The Courtroom Employee Protection Act increases penalties for assault when the victim is a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, or court official or employee. The bill amends existing laws regarding assault to establish higher penalties for offenses committed against these individuals while they are performing their official duties. It specifies various circumstances under which different degrees of assault apply, including mandatory prison terms for repeat offenders. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government penalties and protections for specific classes of individuals, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and individual rights. It establishes a hierarchy of protection based on occupation, which undermines the principle of equal treatment under the law.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over criminal justice
- Creates unequal legal protections based on occupation
- Potentially leads to overreach in law enforcement
- ❌ HB207 Designate Male Wellness Month and Take Your Dad to the Doctor Day
This bill designates June as 'Male Wellness Month' to promote prostate exams, colonoscopies, and mental health screenings among males. It also establishes the third Monday in June as 'Take Your Dad to the Doctor Day' and requires the Department of Health and local health boards to promote this day through accessible posters. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government promotion of health screenings, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and minimal government intervention in personal health decisions. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and limited government, suggesting opposition to mandated health initiatives.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in personal health decisions
- May set a precedent for further health mandates
- Could lead to government overreach in personal liberties
- ✔️ HB206 Establish a transactional currency based on gold and silver
The bill establishes a transactional currency based on gold and silver, which will be issued by the treasurer of state and can be used as legal tender. It requires the establishment of a bullion depository to hold the precious metals and outlines the process for individuals or states to purchase and redeem this currency. The bill also includes provisions for fees associated with the issuance and redemption of the currency. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian Party's support for monetary policy that includes gold and silver as legal tender, reflecting a commitment to individual choice in currency. The Libertarian Party of Ohio explicitly advocates for the restoration of gold and silver as legal tender, which the bill directly supports.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over currency
- Dependency on state-managed bullion depositories
- ❌ HB205 Enact the Future Educators Support Act
The Future Educators Support Act requires the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to conduct annual staffing surveys in school districts, collect data on teaching positions, and produce reports. It allows for financial support for student teachers, including stipends and test fee waivers, and mandates that public school districts may pay student teachers a minimum wage and offer health care benefits. Additionally, it updates the list of in-demand jobs to include teachers. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in education and mandates financial support, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government interference in labor markets and education. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for free markets and oppose government-mandated benefits.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential for cronyism in funding allocation
- Encouragement of dependency on government support
- ❌ HB204 Designate 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day
This bill designates March 9th as '6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day' to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black women's unit to serve overseas during World War II. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with core Libertarian principles as it involves government recognition and celebration of a specific group, which may be seen as a form of government endorsement or intervention in cultural matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in cultural recognition
- May set a precedent for further government involvement in commemorative events
- ❌ HB203 Enact Aspen Runnels' Law
HB203, known as Aspen Runnels' Law, amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to increase penalties for vehicular assault and vehicular homicide occurring in active school zones, and requires doubled fines for specified traffic violations in these zones. The law mandates that offenders complete a remedial driving course before regaining driving privileges if their license is suspended due to violations in an active school zone. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government penalties and regulations related to traffic violations, which conflicts with the LP's emphasis on personal liberty and minimal government intervention. The LPO's platform supports limited government powers in law enforcement, indicating a mixed alignment due to the focus on public safety in school zones but still opposing increased penalties.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over individual behavior
- Potential for over-policing in school zones
- Disproportionate impact on low-income individuals due to increased fines
- ❌ HB202 Establish Joint Legislative Information Technology Oversight Comm
The bill establishes the Joint Legislative Information Technology Oversight Committee to oversee state procurement of information technology services and supplies, allowing procurement through online marketplaces. It outlines the composition of the committee, the responsibilities of state agencies regarding procurement, and the requirements for contracts related to information technology. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill creates a government oversight committee and regulates procurement processes, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. However, it does allow for online marketplace procurement, which aligns with some free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight may lead to inefficiencies.
- Potential for cronyism in state contracts.
- Restrictions on procurement could limit market competition.
- ✔️ HB201 Allow specified hunting on landowner's property without a permit
The bill allows a resident landowner's parents and grandchildren to hunt on the landowner's property without obtaining a hunting license, deer permit, wild turkey permit, or fur taker permit. It also permits non-resident landowners and their immediate family to hunt on their property without a license, provided their home state allows similar provisions. The bill specifies conditions under which limited liability companies, partnerships, and trusts may also allow hunting without permits. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports property rights by allowing landowners to permit hunting on their property without government permits, aligning with Libertarian principles of self-ownership and property rights. However, it still involves some government regulation regarding hunting permits, which slightly detracts from full alignment.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased hunting without oversight could lead to overhunting or ecological imbalance.
- Exemptions may lead to confusion about hunting regulations among non-residents.
- ❌ HB200 Enact the America First Act
The bill prohibits individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States from entering or being present in Ohio, requires law enforcement agencies and detention facilities to cooperate with federal immigration laws, and mandates the withholding of state and local government funds from subdivisions that do not comply with the act. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill enforces strict immigration control and mandates cooperation with federal immigration laws, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty, limited government intervention, and non-aggression. It also imposes penalties on local governments, which contradicts the LPO's stance against government overreach and abuse of power.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over individual rights
- Potential for abuse in enforcement against lawful residents
- Financial penalties may harm local governments and communities
- ❌ HB20 Prohibit harassing or impeding an emergency service responder
This bill prohibits individuals from knowingly harassing or impeding emergency service responders while they are performing their lawful duties. It establishes penalties for menacing behavior towards these responders and includes heightened penalties for repeat offenders. The bill also defines harassment and sets specific conditions under which a person can be charged with this offense. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on individual behavior that could be seen as infringing on personal liberties, particularly regarding freedom of expression and interaction with government employees. While it aims to protect emergency responders, it may conflict with the LP's emphasis on personal liberty and limited government intervention. The LPO's concerns about overreach and the scope of law enforcement powers contribute to a lower alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for overreach in defining harassment
- Increased penalties may lead to disproportionate consequences
- Could infringe on free speech rights
- ❌ HB2 Establish the Child Care Cred Program
The bill establishes the Child Care Cred Program, which shares child care costs equally among participating employees, their employers, and the state department, aimed at assisting employees with child care expenses and supporting child care providers. Eligibility requires employees to reside in Ohio and be selected by their employers, while employers must be located in Ohio and select employees for participation. The program includes provisions for application, eligibility determination, and administrative oversight by the department. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government intervention in the child care market, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement in economic matters and free market operations. It mandates shared costs and government oversight, which contradicts the Libertarian Party's support for voluntary agreements without government interference.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over child care services
- Potential for misuse of funds or fraud within the program
- Dependency on government funding for child care providers
- ❌ HB199 Revise law governing all-purpose vehicles, other utility vehicles
HB199 amends various sections of the Revised Code concerning all-purpose vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, utility vehicles, and mini-trucks, including provisions for permits for individuals with mobility impairments, definitions related to wildlife management and hunting, regulations on vehicle operation, registration processes, and management of vehicle titles. While it establishes eligibility requirements for certain permits and outlines penalties for violations, it introduces increased regulations, fees, and governmental oversight that may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for individual freedom and minimal government intervention. Some provisions offer exemptions for specific vehicles and organizations, reflecting a balance between regulation and autonomy. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill's mixed regulatory approach presents challenges to individual liberties and property rights while offering some allowances that align with lower regulatory interference. The overall impact showcases a struggle between necessary oversight for safety and an individual's right to operate vehicles freely, resulting in a moderate alignment with both parties’ platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight on vehicle usage and registrations
- Potential restrictions on individual rights related to vehicle ownership and operation
- Introduction of new permit systems which may restrict access to vehicles for those with mobility impairments
- Increased penalties and bureaucratic inefficiencies impacting vehicle owners
- ❌ HB198 Regulate manufacture, sale of inhalable, ingestible hemp products
The bill regulates the manufacture, distribution, and sale of inhalable and ingestible hemp products in Ohio. It establishes licensing requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, mandates product testing and labeling, and prohibits sales to individuals under twenty-one years of age. The bill also creates a hemp program fund to support enforcement and administration of these regulations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes significant regulations on the manufacture and sale of hemp products, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and personal freedom regarding consumption choices. While it allows for the sale of hemp products, the extensive licensing and regulatory framework limits individual rights and market freedom, leading to low alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal consumption choices
- Potential for over-regulation stifling small businesses
- Disproportionate impact on individuals seeking to enter the hemp market
- ❌ HB197 Specify day of the presidential primary election
This bill amends section 3501.01 of the Revised Code to require that presidential primary elections in Ohio be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May. It specifies that in years when a presidential primary election occurs, all primary elections shall be held on the third Tuesday after the first Monday in March, with exceptions for municipal or county charters. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill establishes a specific date for presidential primary elections, which aligns with the Libertarian Party's support for election integrity and organization but does not significantly advance individual liberties or reduce government control over the electoral process. Both parties may view this as a mixed approach to election management.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over election processes
- May not address issues of electoral fairness or access
- ❌ HB196 Regards candidate nomination protests, names on candidacy forms
The bill allows any elector who is not a member of a political party to protest a person's candidacy for that party's nomination on specified grounds, such as ineligibility due to citizenship or age. It also mandates that candidacy forms include space for former names of candidates. Protests must be filed in writing by a qualified elector by a specified deadline. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a mechanism for non-party members to challenge candidacies, which aligns with the LP's emphasis on individual rights and participation in the electoral process. However, it also imposes additional regulations on candidacy that may conflict with the LPO's preference for minimal government intervention in elections.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased bureaucratic processes in candidate nominations.
- Possibility of misuse of protest provisions to undermine candidates.
- ❌ HB195 Revise the Ohio Uniform Commercial Code
The bill revises various sections of the Ohio Uniform Commercial Code to modernize and clarify the law governing commercial transactions, including definitions, scope, and provisions related to security interests, chattel paper, and electronic records. It aims to enhance the uniformity and efficiency of commercial law in Ohio, impacting businesses and individuals engaged in commercial transactions. Specific changes include provisions for the control of electronic records and updates to the rules governing security interests. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principles of free markets and property rights by modernizing commercial law, which aligns with Libertarian values. However, it may introduce additional regulations that could be seen as government overreach, which is less aligned with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased regulatory complexity
- Risk of government overreach in commercial transactions
- ❌ HB194 Revise the Alcohol Franchise Law
This bill revises the Alcohol Franchise Law in Ohio, defining terms related to alcoholic beverages, manufacturers, distributors, and franchises. It specifies that manufacturers producing less than 250,000 barrels of beer annually are not included in the definition of 'manufacturer'. The bill also outlines the concept of 'good faith' in franchise relationships. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory definitions and frameworks that may limit free market operations in the alcohol distribution sector, conflicting with the LP and LPO principles of minimal government interference in economic activities. However, it does not impose direct restrictions on individual rights or personal liberties, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation in the alcohol industry
- May create barriers for small manufacturers and distributors
- Could lead to cronyism or favoritism in franchise agreements
- ❌ HB193 Regards Ohio ABLE accounts
The bill amends sections of the Revised Code regarding Ohio ABLE accounts, requiring the state treasurer to implement and administer the program, including developing marketing plans, collecting fees, and ensuring compliance with federal tax benefits. It establishes procedures for account management, contributions, and distributions, and creates an advisory board for oversight. The bill also includes provisions for appropriations to subsidize monthly fees for eligible individuals with disabilities. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the establishment of a state program for ABLE accounts, which may align with some Libertarian principles of individual financial management but involves government administration and oversight, conflicting with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention. The LPO's score reflects a more favorable view of state programs that assist individuals with disabilities, though concerns about government involvement remain.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal financial accounts
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Dependence on state funding for program sustainability
- ❌ HB192 Enact the Community Pharmacy Protection Act
The bill limits insurer accreditation requirements for pharmacies, mandates drug cost reporting by pharmacy benefit managers, and establishes penalties for violations. It allows pharmacies to file complaints with the superintendent of insurance regarding violations of these provisions. The act applies to health benefit plans and contracts entered into or renewed after its effective date. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory measures that may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations, particularly regarding accreditation and reporting requirements. However, it also aims to protect pharmacies and consumers, which aligns with some libertarian values of individual rights and market fairness.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation on pharmacies
- Potential for cronyism in pharmacy benefit manager reporting
- Administrative penalties may lead to overreach
- ❌ HB191 Require school district, ESC teachers be paid at least $50,000
The bill mandates that all teachers employed by school districts and educational service centers in Ohio receive a minimum salary of $50,000. It outlines provisions for salary increments based on training and years of service, and establishes requirements for salary schedules to be adopted annually by school boards. The bill also includes penalties for non-compliance with the salary requirements. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a government-mandated minimum salary for teachers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of free markets and voluntary agreements in employment. It restricts the ability of school districts to negotiate salaries based on market conditions, thus undermining economic liberty and individual choice.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over salary negotiations
- Potential financial strain on school districts
- Reduction in flexibility for local education authorities
- ❌ HB190 Enact the Given Name Act
The Given Name Act requires public schools in Ohio to develop policies that promote parental involvement in education, particularly regarding the use of gender pronouns and sexuality content. Schools must notify parents of any substantial changes in a student's services and obtain parental consent before providing health care services. The act prohibits school personnel from encouraging students to withhold information from parents and restricts the use of names and pronouns inconsistent with a student's biological sex without parental permission. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on how schools address students' gender identities and parental rights over children's education, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership. It limits individual rights regarding personal identity and expression, leading to a low alignment with both the LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential infringement on individual rights and self-identity
- Increased government control over personal relationships
- Possible legal challenges regarding parental rights versus student autonomy
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.