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 HB597 Prohibit the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles over schools
The bill prohibits the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) over schools in Ohio. Exceptions are provided for individuals under contract with government entities, those with prior written consent from school officials, and operators using drones for legitimate commercial purposes with necessary FAA authorizations. Violations result in a minor misdemeanor for the first offense and a fourth-degree misdemeanor for subsequent offenses. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts individual rights by prohibiting the operation of drones, which may infringe on personal liberties and property rights. It also increases government control over drone usage without clear justification of harm, conflicting with core Libertarian principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Infringement on personal liberties
- Increased government control
- Potential for misuse of enforcement powers
- โ HB596 Require uninsured motorist coverage; increase minimum coverage
The bill requires all motor vehicle insurance policies in Ohio to include uninsured motorist coverage and increases the minimum auto liability insurance requirements for bodily injury or death to another person. It specifies definitions for uninsured and underinsured motorists and outlines conditions under which coverage applies. The bill mandates that these changes take effect six months after its passage. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes mandatory insurance requirements, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of individual freedom and minimal government intervention in personal choices. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for personal responsibility and oppose government mandates that restrict individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over personal financial decisions
- Imposes mandatory insurance requirements on individuals
- Limits individual choice in insurance coverage
- โ HB595 Require vehicle insurance to include uninsured motorist coverage
The bill mandates that all motor vehicle insurance policies in Ohio must include uninsured motorist coverage. This requirement applies to policies delivered or issued for vehicles registered or principally garaged in the state. The bill outlines definitions for uninsured and underinsured motorists and specifies conditions under which coverage applies. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a mandatory requirement for insurance coverage, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of individual choice and minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for personal responsibility and freedom from government mandates, leading to low alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over personal insurance choices
- Reduces individual freedom to choose insurance coverage
- Potentially raises insurance costs for consumers
- โ HB594 Require students complete a high school computer science course
The bill requires all school districts in Ohio to offer and students to complete at least one high school computer science course starting with the 2028-2029 school year. It mandates that the course be of high quality and meet state standards, with provisions for virtual offerings if in-person classes are not feasible. Schools must report on course offerings and student participation annually. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a government mandate on education, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and parental control over education. It restricts the freedom of schools to determine their own curricula and may impose costs on districts, which contradicts the LPO's emphasis on free markets and limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential financial burden on school districts
- Limitation of educational choices for parents and students
- โ HB593 Regards paid family leave insurance
The bill establishes a framework for paid family leave insurance in Ohio, defining terms such as 'paid family leave insurance,' 'family member,' and 'serious health condition.' It mandates that policies must outline coverage details, eligibility, and benefits, including a minimum of two weeks of leave within a year. Employers are not required to purchase this insurance, making participation voluntary. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-mandated insurance framework, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in employment and compensation agreements. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize free markets and oppose government-mandated benefits, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over employment contracts
- Potential for higher costs for employers
- Encouragement of dependency on government programs
- โ HB592 Regards municipal incorporation
The bill amends sections 707.02 and 707.29 of the Revised Code regarding the requirements for municipal incorporation in Ohio. It specifies criteria such as population density, assessed valuation, and territorial size for areas seeking incorporation, and repeals an existing section related to these processes. Additionally, it includes provisions for incorporating cities and restrictions on military base territories. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes specific requirements and restrictions on municipal incorporation, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy in local governance. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and free markets, which are not fully supported by the bill's regulatory nature.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local governance
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Restrictions on individual rights to self-govern
- โ HB591 Authorize use of natural organic reduction as form of disposition
This bill authorizes the use of natural organic reduction as a method for the disposition of human remains in Ohio, establishing regulations for its implementation and the operation of reduction facilities. It amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to include provisions for the licensing of reduction facility operators and the requirements for conducting natural organic reduction. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of funeral directors and operators regarding the handling and final disposition of remains. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual rights to choose alternative methods of body disposition, aligning with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and personal liberty. However, it also introduces regulatory frameworks for reduction facilities and operators, which may conflict with the Libertarian Party's stance against excessive government regulation. The mixed nature of these elements results in moderate alignment scores for both the LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation of personal choices regarding body disposition.
- Possibility of bureaucratic hurdles for individuals seeking to utilize natural organic reduction.
- โ SB326 Require students complete a high school computer science course
The bill requires all school districts in Ohio to offer at least one high school computer science course, which students must complete to graduate. The requirement begins with students entering ninth grade in the 2028-2029 school year. Schools must provide in-person instruction unless they submit an action plan for virtual offerings due to resource constraints. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a government mandate on education, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and parental control over education. It limits educational freedom by requiring specific courses, which may not align with individual or family preferences. The Libertarian Party of Ohio also opposes government mandates that interfere with personal choice in education.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Reduced parental choice in curriculum
- Potential for ineffective implementation of mandated courses
- โ๏ธ SB325 Authorize CAT exclusion for contractor payments to subcontractors
This bill amends section 5751.01 of the Revised Code to authorize a commercial activity tax exclusion for contractor payments made to subcontractors, with an exclusion amount of three million dollars beginning in 2024 and six million dollars beginning in 2025. The amendment applies to tax periods ending on or after the effective date of the section. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports economic liberty by reducing tax burdens on contractors, aligning with the Libertarian Party's principles of free markets and minimal government interference in economic activities. Both the LP and LPO advocate for reduced taxation and support free market principles, which this bill promotes by excluding certain payments from taxation.
- โ SB324 Revise X-ray machine operator and radiation technician law
The bill revises the licensing requirements for general x-ray machine operators and other radiation technicians in Ohio. It mandates that individuals must obtain a valid license to practice in these roles, outlines the application process, and specifies exceptions for certain licensed professionals and students. The bill also establishes conditions for license renewal and reinstatement. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory requirements for licensing in the medical field, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual freedom in occupational choices. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government control and the elimination of unnecessary occupational licensing.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over professions
- Restricts individual freedom to choose occupations
- Imposes additional costs and barriers to entry for practitioners
- โ SB323 Provide for the natural organic reduction of remains
The bill provides for the natural organic reduction of human remains, allowing for the conversion of bodies into soil through a specific process. It establishes regulations for reduction facilities, including licensing requirements, operational standards, and the rights of individuals regarding the disposition of their remains. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of funeral directors and facilities in managing the remains and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual rights regarding the disposition of remains, aligning with Libertarian principles of self-ownership and personal liberty. However, it also introduces regulatory frameworks that may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation of personal choices regarding remains.
- Possibility of bureaucratic inefficiencies in the management of reduction facilities.
- โ SB322 Dissolve academic distress comms; require student support teams
The bill dissolves academic distress commissions in Ohio and requires the establishment of student support teams for low-performing school buildings, specifically those rated less than two stars on the state report card for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. The student support teams will be composed of various stakeholders, including school board members, teachers, and parents, and will develop recommendations to improve student support and learning outcomes. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government intervention in education by mandating the formation of support teams, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government involvement in personal and educational choices. However, it does not significantly expand government control compared to existing structures, leading to a mixed alignment with LPO principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over educational processes
- Potential for inefficiencies in mandated support teams
- Limited parental choice in educational interventions
- โ๏ธ SB321 Regards carrying of firearms by certain special police officers
This bill allows certain special police officers to carry firearms while on duty at institutions under the jurisdiction of the departments of behavioral health and developmental disabilities. It specifies that these officers may carry firearms when escorting patients or residents, operating metal detectors, or patrolling the institution's grounds. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian principles of self-defense and the right to bear arms, as it permits special police officers to carry firearms in specific circumstances. Both the LP and LPO platforms support the right to keep and bear arms without unnecessary restrictions.
- โ SB320 Enter into the Athletic Trainer Compact
The bill enacts the Athletic Trainer Compact, allowing licensed athletic trainers to practice in member states without needing multiple licenses. It aims to improve public access to athletic training services, enhance workforce mobility, and maintain state regulatory authority over public health and safety. The compact includes provisions for mutual recognition of licenses, streamlined administrative processes, and adherence to uniform licensure requirements. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes mobility and access to services, aligning with libertarian principles of free markets and individual choice. However, it also involves state regulation and oversight, which may conflict with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on minimal government intervention. The mixed nature of the bill's implications for individual rights and state authority results in moderate alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased state regulation may lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- Potential for overreach in enforcement of compact rules.
- Interstate cooperation may complicate local regulatory frameworks.
- โ HB590 Modify law governing tax appeals and property tax complaints
The bill modifies the law governing tax appeals and property tax complaints in Ohio, including the filing process, eligibility for complaints, and the roles of various parties in the complaint process. It establishes deadlines for filing complaints and counter-complaints, outlines the conditions under which complaints can be filed, and specifies the responsibilities of county auditors and legislative authorities in these processes. The bill also includes provisions for notifying property owners and handling complaints related to property valuation and assessment. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional regulations and requirements for property tax complaints, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both the LP and LPO emphasize the importance of individual rights and limited government, and the bill's provisions could be seen as increasing government control over property rights and taxation processes.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property tax processes
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Restrictions on individual property rights
- โ HB589 Regards contracts between health insurers, health care providers
The bill amends sections 3963.01 and 3963.04 of the Revised Code to establish requirements for health care contracts between insurers and providers, particularly concerning material amendments. It mandates that contracting entities provide written notice of proposed material amendments at least 90 days prior to their effective date, and outlines conditions under which amendments can be made without such notice. Exceptions include amendments required by law or those that do not significantly alter payment or administrative procedures. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulations on health care contracts, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in contracts and free market operations. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of voluntary agreements without government mandates, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private contracts
- Potential for reduced flexibility in health care agreements
- Possibility of unintended consequences affecting health care costs
- โ HB588 Apply employment portions of Civil Rights Law to unpaid interns
This bill amends sections of the Ohio Revised Code to extend the employment protections of the Ohio Civil Rights Law to unpaid interns, defining them as employees for the purposes of discrimination protections. It specifies that unpaid interns are individuals working for an employer primarily to gain knowledge or experience relevant to their career aspirations. The bill does not specify penalties or timelines for enforcement. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional government regulations on employment practices, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government intervention in labor markets and individual contracts. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for free markets and oppose government-mandated benefits or social engineering in employment.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over employment practices
- May lead to unintended consequences for unpaid internships
- Could discourage businesses from offering unpaid internships
- โ HB587 Regards sales of kratom products
The bill regulates the sale of kratom products in Ohio, requiring food processing establishments to register kratom products with the director of agriculture, and prohibits the sale of kratom products containing certain levels of specific alkaloids, controlled substances, or synthetic compounds. It also mandates labeling requirements and restricts sales to individuals under eighteen years of age, with penalties for violations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulatory requirements on the sale of kratom products, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership, as it restricts individual choices regarding consumption. The Libertarian Party of Ohio also opposes government overreach in personal choices, which this bill exemplifies.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation on personal choices
- Potential for criminalization of non-compliance
- Restrictions on free market principles
- โ HB586 Prohibit mailing out unsolicited absentee ballot request forms
The bill prohibits any person from mailing unsolicited absentee ballot request forms to others. It amends existing sections of the Revised Code related to absentee voting and establishes penalties for violations. The bill does not specify exceptions or additional provisions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts the ability of individuals to receive absentee ballot request forms unsolicited, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and freedom of choice in the electoral process. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for minimal government interference in personal and electoral matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over the electoral process
- Potential disenfranchisement of voters who may not request ballots proactively
- Reduction in voter participation due to limited access to absentee voting options
- โ HB585 Regards DoDD authority re: community capital assistance funds
The bill amends section 5123.351 of the Revised Code to grant the Department of Developmental Disabilities authority to adopt rules regarding the use of community capital assistance funds. It specifies the types of housing that can be acquired or constructed with these funds and establishes a process for their distribution, including requirements for county boards to involve residents in housing decisions. The bill also allows for the waiving of rules to support innovative housing options. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over housing for individuals with developmental disabilities, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. The requirement for state reimbursement and the establishment of rules for fund usage may be seen as government overreach, leading to lower alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over housing decisions
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiency
- Restrictions on private property rights
- โ HB584 Regards athletic scholarship limits for foreign students
The bill limits state institutions of higher education from awarding more than 25% of athletic scholarships to foreign students in any academic year. It applies to all intercollegiate athletic programs at these institutions. There are no specified penalties or exceptions mentioned in the text. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on scholarships based on nationality, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of individual rights and free market competition in education. It limits opportunities for foreign students, undermining the idea of personal liberty and free choice.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential discrimination against foreign students
- Limits competition in athletic programs
- May reduce diversity in educational institutions
- โ HB583 Regards provision of online library databases by certain entities
The bill requires public schools, public libraries, and state agencies to ensure that digital or online library database resources comply with specific safety policies and technology protection measures. Providers must prevent access to materials that are obscene, harmful to juveniles, or promote illegal activities. Violations can result in penalties, including contract termination and financial repercussions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on access to information and digital resources, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of free expression and opposition to government censorship. While it aims to protect minors, the enforcement mechanisms may infringe on individual rights and market freedoms, leading to a lower alignment score for both parties.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for overreach in censorship of educational materials
- Increased government control over digital resources
- Financial penalties may harm providers and limit access to information
- โ HB582 Regards embalmers, funeral directors, and crematories
Bill HB582 amends sections related to embalmers, funeral directors, and crematories in Ohio, defining terms such as 'embalming', 'funeral business', and 'cremation'. It outlines the requirements for cremation authorization forms and specifies exemptions for certain individuals and circumstances. The bill also addresses liability issues for crematory operators and funeral homes. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory definitions and requirements for funeral services, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual rights over personal decisions regarding death and burial. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize personal liberty and minimal government interference, suggesting that the bill's regulatory nature does not align well with their principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of personal choices regarding death and burial.
- Potential infringement on individual rights to manage personal affairs without government oversight.
- โ HB581 Regards specified Medicaid disability, Ohio WorkAbility Programs
The bill amends section 5163.093 of the Revised Code to establish income eligibility criteria for the Medicaid Buy-In for Workers With Disabilities Program and the Ohio WorkAbility Program. It specifies that $20,000 of an individual's earned and unearned income will be disregarded, and employer-paid health insurance contributions will not count as income. Other amounts may also be disregarded as specified by rules authorized by the Revised Code. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill expands Medicaid eligibility, which may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters. However, it does provide some financial relief for individuals with disabilities, aligning partially with LPO's focus on individual rights and support for vulnerable populations.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government dependency on Medicaid programs
- Potential for expanded government control over healthcare
- Risk of creating disincentives for employment among beneficiaries
- โ HB580 Designate PFC Francis Guillozet Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of State Route 47 in Shelby County as the 'PFC Francis Guillozet 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 may be seen as unnecessary government involvement and expenditure.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential misuse of government resources for memorials
- โ SB99 Revise Public Utilities Commission nominating council and process
SB99 seeks to amend the nomination process for the Public Utilities Commission in Ohio, creating a nominating council and setting specific criteria for the appointment of commissioners to ensure they are free from conflicts of interest. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes transparency and consumer representation in utility regulation. It introduces measures designed to prevent conflicts of interest and enhance public involvement in the nomination process, aligning well with principles of accountability favored by LP but less so with LPO's focus on minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential delays in appointing commissioners due to increased scrutiny.
- Overhead costs associated with public meetings and disclosures.
- Resistance from parties benefiting from the current nomination process.
- โ SB98 Prohibit firearm possession - certain domestic violence offenses
This bill prohibits individuals charged with or convicted of first degree misdemeanor domestic violence from possessing firearms or dangerous ordnance. It amends existing laws regarding firearm possession and outlines the process for individuals to seek relief from this prohibition under certain conditions. Violations of this law are classified as a felony of the third degree. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts the individual right to bear arms, which is a core principle of both the Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of Ohio. It imposes government restrictions on firearm possession based on misdemeanor charges, conflicting with the platforms' advocacy for minimal government interference in personal rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Infringement on individual rights to bear arms
- Potential for overreach in defining domestic violence offenses
- Increased government control over personal liberties
- โ SB97 Double fines for failing to yield to a funeral procession
The bill amends section 4511.451 of the Revised Code to double fines for failing to yield to a funeral procession. It defines a funeral procession and outlines the requirements for vehicles participating in such processions, including the display of pennants and headlights. Penalties for violations increase based on prior offenses and distracted driving. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government penalties for specific traffic violations, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limiting government intervention and promoting individual rights. It imposes additional fines and regulations that could be seen as unnecessary government control over personal behavior.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over individual actions
- Potential for overreach in enforcement of traffic laws
- May lead to disproportionate penalties for minor infractions
- โ SB96 Authorize tax credit for handgun training and firearms storage
This bill authorizes a nonrefundable income tax credit for the costs associated with handgun training and the purchase of firearms storage and locking devices, allowing taxpayers to claim up to $250 for each category. The credits can be claimed for the taxable year in which the expenses were incurred. The bill applies to taxable years ending on or after its effective date. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual rights to self-defense and firearm ownership, aligning with the Libertarian Party's principles on personal liberty and self-defense. However, it introduces a tax credit that may be seen as government intervention in personal choices, which slightly detracts from full alignment with libertarian ideals.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in personal choices regarding firearms.
- Could set a precedent for future tax credits related to other personal liberties.
- โ SB95 Designate Chief of Police James G. Jackson Memorial Highway
SB95 designates a segment of I-71 in Columbus as the 'Chief of Police James G. Jackson Memorial Highway' and authorizes the director of transportation to erect markers for the designation. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill primarily focuses on a commemorative act rather than substantive policy changes; it shows some alignment with local interests but does not significantly impact broader legislative goals relevant to the Libertarian Party or other political movements.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Perceived as a trivial use of legislative time and resources.
- Potential backlash regarding the appropriateness of honoring police figures in certain communities.
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.
