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.
- ❌ HB19 Regards underage possession or consumption of alcohol
The bill amends section 4301.69 of the Revised Code to change the mental state required for the prohibition against allowing underage persons to possess or consume alcohol from 'knowingly' to 'recklessly.' It outlines the conditions under which underage consumption is permissible, such as supervision by a parent or guardian, and establishes penalties for violations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on underage individuals regarding alcohol consumption, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership. It does not support the idea that individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices regarding consumption.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over personal choices
- Potential for increased legal penalties for individuals
- May lead to further restrictions on personal freedoms
- ❌ HB189 Regards statewide school behavioral threat management process
The bill establishes a statewide behavioral threat management operational process for public and chartered nonpublic schools in Ohio. It requires each school district to create a threat assessment team for grades six through twelve, which must complete approved training programs. The bill also mandates the development of a threat management portal for reporting and managing potential threats to school safety. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and intervention in schools, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement and individual rights. It imposes requirements on schools that may infringe on parental rights and autonomy in education, leading to a lower alignment with Libertarian values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over educational institutions
- Potential violation of student privacy rights
- Risk of misidentification of threats leading to unjust consequences
- ❌ HB188 Create the Ohio Israel Trade and Innovation Partnership
The bill establishes the Ohio Israel Trade and Innovation Partnership, which aims to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation between Ohio and Israel. It includes provisions for the partnership to study policy issues, facilitate business and academic exchanges, and promote mutual economic support. The partnership will consist of appointed members from the legislature, business community, and higher education, and will issue annual reports on its activities. (Passed By House, In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government involvement in trade relations and economic partnerships, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in the economy. It establishes a state-funded partnership that may lead to cronyism and does not align with the LP's emphasis on free markets and individual autonomy.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending on international partnerships
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism in trade relations
- Expansion of government influence in private sector activities
- ❌ HB187 Require school districts to provide a moment of silence each day
The bill requires school districts in Ohio to provide a moment of silence each school day for prayer, reflection, or meditation. Participation in the moment of silence is voluntary for students, and the bill prohibits any policies that would establish a religion or restrict students' free exercise of their religious beliefs. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill mandates a moment of silence, which may be seen as government endorsement of religious practices, conflicting with the LP's opposition to government involvement in religion. However, the provision for voluntary participation aligns with some aspects of personal liberty. The LPO's score reflects a mixed view, as it supports parental rights and individual freedoms but may also see the requirement as unnecessary government action.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for perceived government endorsement of religion
- May lead to conflicts regarding religious expression in schools
- Could create administrative burdens for school districts
- ❌ HB186 Regards school district property taxes, school funding formula
HB186 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to authorize a reduction in school district property taxes based on a millage floor that limits tax increases according to inflation, and requires adjustments in the school funding formula accordingly. The bill applies to property classified as residential/agricultural and nonresidential/agricultural within affected school districts, allowing for tax reductions over a specified period. It also includes provisions for tax commissioner determinations and adjustments related to property valuations and tax rates. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government regulation of property taxes and school funding, which may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in economic matters. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize free markets and limited government control, suggesting that the bill's provisions could be seen as an increase in government oversight and intervention in taxation and education funding.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local taxation and funding mechanisms.
- Potential for unintended consequences in school funding disparities.
- Risk of bureaucratic inefficiencies in tax administration.
- ❌ HB185 Regards an individual's persona usage; prohibit certain deepfakes
Bill HB185 amends existing laws and enacts new sections to regulate the unauthorized use of an individual's persona and to prohibit certain deepfake recordings. It establishes definitions for 'persona' and 'deepfake recording,' outlines consent requirements for commercial use of personas, and sets penalties for violations, including civil actions for damages. Exceptions are provided for newsworthy uses and certain educational contexts. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on the use of personal likenesses and deepfakes, which conflicts with the LP's principles of personal liberty and freedom of expression. While it attempts to protect individuals from harm, it does so through regulation that could infringe on individual rights. The LPO's mixed score reflects some alignment with their focus on individual rights but also highlights concerns over government overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in regulating personal expression.
- Chilling effect on creative and expressive uses of technology.
- Increased litigation and legal complexities surrounding consent.
- ❌ HB184 Prescribe limitations on intercollegiate athlete contracts
The bill prescribes limitations on contracts between intercollegiate athletes and third parties regarding the use of the athletes' name, image, or likeness. It prohibits contracts that extend beyond the athlete's eligibility and restricts compensation related to the athlete's name, image, or likeness after eligibility ends. Violations render such contracts void. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on contracts and compensation related to personal rights, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and freedom of contract. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for minimal government interference in personal and economic matters, making this bill largely opposed to their core principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Limits individual rights of athletes
- Increases government control over contracts
- Restricts economic freedom
- ✔️ HB183 Allow rearview mirror use instead of observer for water skiers
The bill allows operators of vessels towing water skiers or similar individuals to use a rearview mirror for observation instead of requiring an additional observer in the vessel. This change aims to simplify the requirements for towing activities on Ohio waters. No penalties or exceptions are specified in the text. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes individual freedom by reducing regulatory burdens on vessel operators, aligning with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and minimal government intervention. Both the LP and LPO platforms support reducing government restrictions that do not infringe on the rights of others.
- ✔️ HB182 Prohibit public water system from adding fluoride to its water
The bill prohibits public water systems in Ohio from adding fluoride to the water they supply. It enacts a new section in the Revised Code to enforce this prohibition and repeals the previous section that allowed such practices. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership by allowing individuals to choose what substances they consume. It also reflects the LPO's emphasis on individual rights and limited government intervention in personal choices.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential public health implications from reduced fluoride exposure.
- Increased costs for individuals who may seek alternative sources of fluoride.
- ❌ HB181 Provide counsel to destitute defendants facing eviction
The bill provides legal counsel to destitute defendants facing eviction by establishing the Ohio access to justice foundation and the eviction defense fund, which will fund legal representation for eligible individuals. It requires legal aid societies to apply for financial assistance and outlines the administration of these funds. The bill also mandates that defendants be informed of their right to legal representation in eviction proceedings. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in legal representation and funding, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. While it aims to assist individuals, it does so through state mechanisms that may not align with the Libertarian emphasis on personal responsibility and voluntary charity.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over legal services
- Potential inefficiencies in state-managed legal aid
- Dependency on government funding for legal representation
- ❌ HB180 Bar adverse employment action against precinct election officials
The bill prohibits employers from taking adverse employment actions against employees who are absent from work while serving as or training to be precinct election officials, provided the employees give reasonable notice. It does not require employers to provide paid leave but prohibits them from forcing employees to use their annual, vacation, or sick leave for this absence. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government regulation on employer-employee relationships regarding time off for civic duties, which may conflict with the LP's principles of minimal government interference in labor markets. However, it does support civic engagement, which aligns with some LPO values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of employment practices
- Potential for unintended consequences in employer-employee relationships
- ❌ HB179 Create property tax reduction statewide screening system
The bill establishes a statewide property tax relief screening system to evaluate the eligibility of owners of real property and manufactured homes for certain tax reductions. County auditors will have access to this system and must notify the Department of Taxation of any errors found. The bill also includes provisions for the confidentiality of tax information and appropriates funds for the implementation of the system. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and control over property tax reductions, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and the protection of property rights. It establishes a system that requires government evaluation of property tax eligibility, which is contrary to the Libertarian Party's advocacy for reduced taxation and limited government involvement in personal financial matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property tax matters
- Potential for misuse of taxpayer information
- Administrative burden on property owners and auditors
- ❌ HB178 Establish a supplemental benefit allotment for SNAP recipients
The bill establishes a supplemental benefit allotment for households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that include an individual aged sixty or older and receive less than fifty dollars in monthly benefits. Eligible households will receive an additional amount to ensure a total monthly benefit of fifty dollars. The bill includes appropriations for the implementation of this program. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government spending and intervention in the economy through the establishment of a supplemental benefit program, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government and free markets. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government involvement in economic matters, which this bill contradicts.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government dependency on welfare programs
- Potential for misuse of funds
- Expansion of government control over individual financial decisions
- ✔️ HB177 Allow motion for new trial, other relief based on new evidence
The bill allows individuals to file a motion for a new trial or a petition for postconviction relief if they present new evidence that establishes a strong probability of a different result at trial. It amends various sections of the Revised Code related to criminal sentencing and postconviction procedures, specifying requirements for filing such motions and petitions, including timelines and necessary documentation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principle of due process and the right to a fair trial by allowing for new evidence to be considered, which aligns with the Libertarian emphasis on individual rights and justice. However, it also involves government processes that may be seen as bureaucratic, leading to a mixed alignment with both LP and LPO principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government intervention in judicial processes
- Risk of misuse of the new trial provisions leading to frivolous claims
- ✔️ HB176 Establish a universal regulatory sandbox program
The bill establishes a universal regulatory sandbox program within the common sense initiative office, allowing businesses to test innovative products or services without the usual licensing requirements. It creates a regulatory relief division to identify and recommend waiving state laws that inhibit business success, and sets up an advisory committee for oversight. Participants must apply and disclose relevant information, and the program is designed to operate for five years with potential extensions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes economic innovation and reduces regulatory burdens, aligning with Libertarian principles of free markets and minimal government interference. However, it still involves government oversight and regulation, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on personal liberty and minimal state intervention. The LPO's support for free markets and reduction of regulatory burdens aligns more closely with the bill's intent.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over business activities.
- Risk of consumer harm if regulations are waived without adequate oversight.
- Possibility of cronyism if the sandbox favors certain businesses.
- ❌ HB175 Designate the Heartland Highway
This bill designates the portion of U.S. Route 24 in Ohio, between the Indiana and Michigan borders, as the 'Heartland Highway.' The Ohio Department of Transportation is authorized to erect markers indicating this designation. (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 free markets. It does not promote individual rights or economic liberty.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming and designating public infrastructure
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB174 Enact the No Hungry Families Act
The bill establishes a program to refund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for households that have been victims of electronic theft or fraud, specifically for incidents occurring on or after December 21, 2024. Households can apply for replacement benefits within specified timelines, and the program limits the amount of benefits replaced to either the amount stolen or up to two months' worth of the household's monthly allotment. The bill also outlines the application process and eligibility criteria for receiving these benefits. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill expands government intervention in welfare programs and creates a new entitlement, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government and personal responsibility. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize minimal government involvement in economic matters and advocate for individual rights over state assistance programs.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government dependency on welfare programs
- Potential for fraud in the application process
- Expansion of government bureaucracy
- ✔️ HB173 Regards entities providing behind-the-meter utility services
The bill exempts certain entities providing behind-the-meter utility services from regulation as public utilities and allows the Public Utilities Commission to register these providers. It defines behind-the-meter utility services and sets requirements for billing and registration, including penalties for non-compliance. The bill also prohibits public utilities from obstructing the installation of these services at customer locations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the principles of deregulation and market freedom by allowing private entities to provide utility services without extensive government oversight, aligning with both LP and LPO platforms that advocate for free markets and minimal government intervention. However, the requirement for registration and compliance may introduce some government oversight that could be seen as contrary to pure libertarian principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased regulatory burden on small providers
- Risk of government overreach in the registration process
- Possibility of unintended consequences from defined service parameters
- ❌ HB172 Prohibit mental health service to minors without parental consent
The bill prohibits mental health services to minors without parental consent, requiring mental health professionals to obtain consent from at least one parent or legal guardian before diagnosing or treating minors for gender-related conditions. It mandates schools to develop policies promoting parental involvement in students' mental health services and restricts the provision of sexuality content to younger students. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts minors' access to mental health services without parental consent, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of personal liberty and self-ownership. While it aligns with parental rights emphasized by the LPO, it still imposes restrictions that limit individual freedoms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential negative impact on minors' mental health
- Increased barriers to necessary mental health care
- Parental control may override minors' autonomy
- ❌ HB171 Designate CPT Louis John Speidel Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of State Route 28 in Clermont County as the 'CPT Louis John Speidel Memorial Highway' and authorizes 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 spending.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in naming public infrastructure
- Potential misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB170 Establish process to regulate carbon capture, storage technology
The bill establishes a regulatory framework for carbon capture and storage technologies in Ohio, granting the division of oil and gas resources management exclusive authority to oversee carbon sequestration projects. It requires operators to obtain permits, adhere to safety and monitoring regulations, and ensures public notification and compliance with environmental standards. The bill also outlines the financial responsibilities of storage operators and the conditions for project completion certification. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes significant government regulation on carbon capture and storage, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and free market operations. It establishes a framework that could be seen as infringing on property rights and individual freedoms related to land use and resource management.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private property and resource management
- Potential for cronyism in permitting processes
- Financial burdens on operators that may stifle innovation
- ❌ HB17 Regards tax classification of certain storage condominiums
This bill amends section 5713.041 of the Revised Code to classify certain storage condominiums as residential property for tax purposes. It defines a storage condominium and outlines the criteria for classification, which includes ownership by individuals and dedicated use for storage. The classification is intended for tax reduction purposes and will apply to tax years ending on or after the effective date. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a specific tax classification that may not align with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market dynamics. However, it does not significantly infringe on individual rights or property rights, which allows for a mixed alignment score for the LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in property classification
- May set a precedent for further tax classifications that could complicate property rights
- ❌ HB169 Designate International Women's Day in Ohio
This bill designates March 8 as International Women's Day in Ohio, establishing a specific day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the Libertarian Party or Libertarian Party of Ohio principles as it involves government designation of a day, which can be seen as an unnecessary government action that does not respect individual liberties or free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in designating specific days.
- May set a precedent for further government involvement in social issues.
- ❌ HB168 Regards motivation or purpose to commit criminal child enticement
This bill amends sections 2905.05 and 2950.01 of the Revised Code to require that a person must act with a sexual motivation or an unlawful purpose to commit the offense of criminal child enticement. It establishes penalties for violations, including misdemeanor and felony charges based on prior offenses. An affirmative defense is provided for actions taken in response to bona fide emergencies. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over individual actions by imposing stricter definitions and penalties for child enticement, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and personal freedom. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the need for laws to protect individual rights without unnecessary government overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal behavior
- Potential for overreach in enforcement
- Criminalization of actions that may not pose a real threat
- ❌ HB167 Authorize tax credits for certain child care expenditures
The bill authorizes nonrefundable tax credits for certain employer-provided child care expenditures, allowing employers to claim credits against various state taxes based on eligible child care expenses incurred in the previous calendar year. Employers must apply for a tax credit certificate to claim these credits, which can be carried forward for up to five years if the credit exceeds their tax liability. The application process requires submission by January 15 of the following year. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government-mandated tax credits, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and taxation. It also promotes state involvement in private employment matters, opposing the Libertarian stance on free markets and voluntary agreements.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over private sector employment decisions.
- Encourages dependency on government tax credits rather than market solutions.
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism in tax credit distribution.
- ❌ HB166 Designate Harriet Tubman Day
This bill designates March 10 as 'Harriet Tubman Day' in Ohio, recognizing the contributions of Harriet Tubman. It enacts a new section in the Revised Code to formalize this designation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the core principles of the Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Ohio, as it involves government action to designate a commemorative day, which may be seen as unnecessary government involvement in cultural matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in cultural recognition
- May set a precedent for further government designations
- ❌ HB165 Regards implicit bias training for licensed educators
This bill mandates that starting July 1, 2025, school districts and chartered nonpublic schools in Ohio must reimburse licensed educators for the full cost of completing implicit bias training, which will be defined by the state board of education and the chancellor of higher education. The training must meet established minimum standards and will count towards professional development requirements for teacher licensure renewal. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a government-mandated training requirement for educators, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in personal and professional choices. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for individual rights and oppose government mandates that infringe on personal freedoms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential for coercion in professional development
- Imposition of subjective training standards
- ❌ HB164 Reinstate the Joint Education Oversight Committee
The bill reinstates the Joint Education Oversight Committee, which will conduct research, review, and analysis of education policy issues in Ohio. It allows the committee to evaluate education programs receiving state financial assistance and prepare reports with recommendations for the General Assembly. The bill also includes provisions for appropriations to support the committee's operations. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and control over education, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and promoting free market solutions in education. The LPO score is slightly higher due to some potential alignment with oversight accountability, but overall, it still represents increased government involvement.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential inefficiencies in government oversight
- Misallocation of state resources
- ❌ HB163 Enact the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2025
The bill requires Ohio's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to transition to chip-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, mandates the adoption of cybersecurity measures for these cards, and establishes protocols for reporting fraudulent transactions. It also stipulates the timeline for implementing these changes and appropriates funds for the transition. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill expands government control over a welfare program and imposes additional regulations, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and personal responsibility, which this bill does not support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight of welfare programs
- Potential for misuse of personal data through government systems
- Higher costs associated with implementing new technology
- ❌ HB162 Enact the My Child-My Chart Act
The My Child-My Chart Act requires health care providers to ensure that a minor's parent or guardian has access to the minor's health records in an electronic health records system, while also informing parents about circumstances under which minors can receive health care without consent. It mandates that parents be notified annually about these circumstances and allows minors to provide ongoing written consent for parental access to their medical records. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill emphasizes parental access to minors' health records, which aligns with the Libertarian Party's support for parental rights but may conflict with individual privacy rights as advocated by both the LP and LPO. The mixed elements of parental rights and privacy lead to a moderate alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential infringement on minors' privacy rights
- Increased government involvement in health care decisions
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.