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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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
- ❌ 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.
- ❌ 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.
- ❌ SB94 Regards broadcasts of intercollegiate athletic competitions
The bill prohibits state universities from entering into or renewing contracts that grant exclusive media rights for broadcasting intercollegiate athletic events to a streaming service. It requires state universities to provide enrolled students with free access to observe these events as per the contracts. This applies to contracts entered into or renewed after the bill's effective date. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on contracts between state universities and media companies, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of free markets and voluntary agreements. It also mandates access provisions that could be seen as government interference in the operations of state universities.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over university contracts
- Limits the freedom of universities to negotiate contracts
- Potentially reduces revenue for universities from exclusive contracts
- ❌ SB93 Create new school financing system with state property, sales tax
SB93 proposes to create a new school financing system in Ohio that would replace local property and income tax levies with a single statewide property tax and an increased state sales tax to fund public and chartered nonpublic schools. The bill aims to establish a per-pupil funding model and eliminate existing state scholarship programs for primary and secondary education. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The alignment scores reflect the bill's focus on centralized funding and taxation changes, which may appeal to some logical conservative perspectives emphasizing equality in school funding but contrast with positions prioritizing local control and minimal taxation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential decrease in local control over education funding.
- Increased tax burden on citizens due to higher statewide taxes.
- Possible negative impact on local economies dependent on tax revenues.
- Elimination of support for students benefiting from scholarship programs may reduce educational choices.
- ✔️ SB92 Authorize total property tax exemption-totally disabled veterans
SB92 aims to provide a total property tax exemption for the homesteads of totally disabled veterans and their surviving spouses by amending sections 323.152 and 4503.065 of the Ohio Revised Code. The bill specifies eligibility and the conditions under which the property tax exemption would apply, ensuring that veterans and their surviving spouses are supported financially through this tax relief. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the LP and LPO principles of supporting veterans and promoting individual rights by reducing the financial burden of property taxes on disabled veterans and their families.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential loss of tax revenue for local governments due to exemptions.
- Implementation challenges in accurately determining eligibility.
- Increased demand for public services from exempt beneficiaries.
- ❌ SB91 Authorize private vendor contract for specialty license plates
SB91 authorizes a contract with a private vendor for the issuance of specialty license plates in Ohio. The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code to facilitate a competitive selection process for vendors who will design and market specialty plates while ensuring that the registrar of motor vehicles remains responsible for their issuance and related tax collection. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns moderately with Libertarian Party principles emphasizing competition and private sector involvement, but lacks a strong emphasis on individual liberties and minimizing governmental oversight, which are central to the party's platform.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased costs due to vendor fees
- Concerns over data privacy with vendor involvement
- Reliability on a private entity for government functions
- ✔️ SB90 Create regulatory relief division; establish regulatory sandbox
SB90 establishes a regulatory relief division within the common sense initiative office and creates a universal regulatory sandbox program in Ohio. This program allows participants to test innovative offerings while temporarily waiving certain regulatory requirements, aiming to foster innovation and reduce barriers for businesses. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns well with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on reducing government regulations and promoting free markets, while also appealing to more traditional conservative values regarding economic growth and consumer choice.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential consumer harm due to removing regulatory protections
- Misuse of the sandbox by companies not committed to responsible practices
- Lack of adequate oversight for innovative offerings
- ❌ SB9 Incorporate Internal Revenue Code changes into Ohio law
SB9 aims to update Ohio law by incorporating recent changes to the Internal Revenue Code made after March 15, 2023, into the state's tax regulations. It declares an emergency to facilitate smoother tax compliance for taxpayers for the 2024 tax year by avoiding unnecessary adjustments. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The legislation aligns with the Legislative Platform's emphasis on efficient tax administration and taxpayer convenience, yet it may not fully align with the LPO's positions which could be more focused on minimizing state revenue changes.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased complexity in tax compliance for some taxpayers.
- Immediate implementation may confuse taxpayers who are unaware of the changes.
- Relying on recent federal changes may lead to instability if federal tax laws change frequently.
- ✔️ SB89 Authorize tax deduction for gym membership, personal training
SB89 proposes to amend section 5747.01 of the Revised Code to allow a tax deduction for gym memberships and personal training expenses, enabling taxpayers to deduct amounts paid for these services from their Ohio adjusted gross income. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with health and wellness initiatives and can promote healthy lifestyles among residents. It supports personal responsibility and mental health considerations by encouraging exercise and fitness.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential revenue loss for the state due to increased deductions.
- Difficulties in monitoring and verifying eligible expenses for tax purposes.
- ❌ SB88 Enact the Ohio Property Protection Act
The Ohio Property Protection Act modifies laws prohibiting certain governments, businesses, and individuals from acquiring specific real property, particularly agricultural land and property near military installations or critical infrastructure. It establishes a registry of foreign adversaries and outlines penalties for violations, including divestment requirements for those who acquire property in violation of the act. The act requires certain disclosures and affirmations during property transfers to ensure compliance with these restrictions. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts property ownership based on nationality and government affiliation, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of individual rights and property rights. It imposes government control over property transactions and limits the freedom of individuals and businesses to acquire property, undermining the core tenets of both the LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property ownership
- Potential for discrimination based on nationality
- Unintended consequences for property markets
- ❌ SB87 Define antisemitism; expand the offense of ethnic intimidation
The bill defines antisemitism for state agency investigations and expands the offense of ethnic intimidation to include riot and aggravated riot motivated by race, color, religion, or national origin. It establishes penalties for ethnic intimidation as a higher degree offense than the underlying crime. The bill also mandates that state agencies consider the definition of antisemitism when reviewing discriminatory acts. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional legal definitions and penalties related to hate crimes, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and individual rights. It could be seen as an expansion of government power over personal expression and actions, particularly in defining and prosecuting speech or actions perceived as discriminatory.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government overreach in defining hate speech.
- Risk of infringing on individual rights to free expression.
- Possibility of subjective interpretations of antisemitism leading to legal complications.
- ❌ SB86 Regulate and tax intoxicating hemp, drinkable cannabinoid product
SB86 regulates the sale of intoxicating hemp products by generally prohibiting their sale except at licensed dispensaries, establishes regulations for drinkable cannabinoid products, and imposes taxes on these products. The bill requires licensing for dispensaries and manufacturers, mandates testing of products, and sets penalties for violations. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes significant regulations and taxes on intoxicating hemp and cannabinoid products, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of personal liberty, free markets, and minimal government intervention. It restricts individual choices regarding consumption and increases government control over personal and economic activities.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal choices
- Potential for overreach in enforcement and regulation
- Economic burden on small businesses due to licensing and taxation
- ❌ SB85 Create the Ohio NAACP license plate
This bill creates the 'Ohio NAACP' license plate, allowing vehicle owners to apply for these plates, which will feature a logo and words approved by the Ohio NAACP. The application process includes a contribution fee, and the funds collected will support the NAACP's mission. The registrar of motor vehicles will issue the plates upon compliance with the application requirements. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government action to create a specialty license plate that supports a specific organization, which may conflict with the LP's principles of limited government and individual freedom. The LPO's mixed score reflects some alignment with community support but also concerns about government involvement in funding specific organizations.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government favoritism towards specific organizations
- Increased government involvement in private matters
- Possible misallocation of funds
- ✔️ SB84 Designate Stillbirth Prevention Day
This bill designates September 19th as 'Stillbirth Prevention Day' in Ohio. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not directly align with core Libertarian principles regarding personal liberty or economic freedom, as it is a symbolic designation without regulatory implications. However, it does not oppose these principles either, resulting in a mixed alignment score.
- ❌ SB83 Revise eviction, code enforcement, and real property transfer law
This bill revises laws related to eviction, residential building code enforcement, and real property transfers in Ohio. It establishes a legal services housing defense fund to provide civil legal services for low-income households, modifies eviction procedures, and sets requirements for property conveyance and inspections. The bill also mandates annual reporting for organizations receiving funding from the housing defense fund. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in housing and legal services, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. It establishes a fund for legal services that may be seen as a government mandate, and the eviction procedures may impose additional regulations on property owners, conflicting with property rights and free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over housing and legal services
- Potential for misuse of funds allocated for legal services
- Regulatory burden on property owners and landlords
- ❌ SB82 Specify election official status for public records law purposes
The bill amends section 149.43 of the Revised Code to designate certain election officials as public service workers for the purposes of public records law, thereby affecting the confidentiality of their residential and familial information. It specifies that their personal information will be protected from public disclosure, with certain exceptions. The bill outlines the definitions and conditions under which public records requests can be made and how they should be handled. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over public records and limits transparency regarding election officials, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of individual privacy and government transparency. The Libertarian Party of Ohio may find some alignment due to its focus on limiting government overreach, but the bill still imposes restrictions that are not fully aligned with their platform.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over public records
- Potential for reduced transparency in elections
- Conflicts with principles of individual privacy
- ✔️ SB81 Authorize a property tax freeze for certain owner-occupied homes
SB81 authorizes a property tax freeze for certain owner-occupied homes in Ohio, allowing for reductions for seniors, disabled individuals, and their surviving spouses based on specific income thresholds. It amends several sections of the Ohio Revised Code to outline the eligibility criteria, application processes, and tax reduction calculations. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aims to provide financial relief to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled, aligning with the broader goals of the Democratic Party's focus on social safety and support. The proposed tax freeze could enhance housing affordability for low-income owners.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential decrease in local government revenue from property taxes.
- Possibility of complexity in application processes leading to lower participation rates.
- Risk of fiscal impact on county budgets if a large number of applications are approved.
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.