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.
- ❌ HB161 Extend sales, use and local lodging taxes to short-term rentals
This bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to extend sales, use, and local lodging taxes to short-term rentals, requiring short-term rental platforms to collect and remit these taxes on behalf of property owners. The bill specifies the definitions of relevant terms and outlines the administrative responsibilities of local authorities regarding the tax collection and allocation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over short-term rental properties by imposing additional taxes and mandates on rental platforms, conflicting with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced taxation and government overreach, which this bill does not support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased financial burden on property owners and renters
- Potential for reduced availability of short-term rental options
- Encouragement of government overreach in private property management
- ❌ HB160 Revise liquor control, hemp, and adult-use marijuana laws
HB160 revises liquor control, hemp, and adult-use marijuana laws in Ohio, establishing regulations for the cultivation, processing, and sale of marijuana, including the imposition of a 10% excise tax on adult-use marijuana sales. It allows for the expungement of certain marijuana-related offenses and sets forth licensing requirements for cultivators, processors, and dispensaries. The bill also includes provisions for local governments to regulate the number of licensed marijuana businesses within their jurisdictions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by promoting personal liberty through the legalization and regulation of marijuana, allowing individuals to make their own choices regarding consumption. It also supports expungement of past offenses, which aligns with the Libertarian stance on criminal justice reform. However, the imposition of taxes and certain regulatory measures may be seen as contrary to the principles of minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over personal choices regarding marijuana use.
- Regulatory complexities may create barriers for small businesses in the marijuana industry.
- ✔️ HB16 Prohibit certain restrictions on display of political yard signs
This bill prohibits homeowners' associations and similar entities from restricting the display of political yard signs, specifically during the thirty days leading up to an election. It allows for reasonable restrictions on the size, number, and placement of these signs, provided they do not violate specific laws. Violations of this bill are deemed against public policy and unenforceable in court. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual rights to political expression through yard signs, aligning with the Libertarian principles of free expression and property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for minimal government interference in personal liberties, which this bill promotes by limiting restrictions on political signage.
- ❌ HB159 Create the manufacturing technologies assistance grant program
The bill establishes the manufacturing technologies assistance grant program, allowing eligible manufacturers in Ohio to apply for grants to fund projects that enhance productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness through technology integration. Eligible manufacturers must meet specific criteria, including revenue thresholds and employee counts, and must provide matching funds. The program is funded with an appropriation of $24 million from the General Revenue Fund. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government grants and funding for specific industries, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in the economy and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO platforms oppose government contracts that create cronyism or require payments above fair market value, aligning with the concerns about the bill's implications for economic liberty.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over economic activities
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism in grant distribution
- Misallocation of taxpayer funds
- ❌ HB158 Enact the Consumer Utility Billing Transparency Act
The bill requires that utility bills issued to residential customers by gas, natural gas, water works, or electric light companies itemize various costs, including distribution, generation, transmission, supply costs, and all separate riders, charges, taxes, and governmental fees. Each line item must specify the amount apportioned to the customer for the billing period. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes transparency in utility billing, which aligns with the Libertarian Party's advocacy for government transparency. However, it imposes additional requirements on utility companies, which may conflict with the Libertarian principle of minimal government intervention in markets. The Libertarian Party of Ohio's support for free markets suggests a mixed view on government mandates in this context.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased operational costs for utility companies due to compliance.
- Possibility of government overreach in regulating private businesses.
- ❌ HB157 Enact the Hunger-Free Campus Act
The Hunger-Free Campus Act establishes a grant program to support state and private nonprofit institutions of higher education in addressing food insecurity among students. Qualifying institutions can apply for grants to create on-campus food pantries, provide information on assistance programs, and develop emergency assistance grants. The program is administered by the chancellor of higher education, who will set criteria for grant awards and require reporting on the use and effects of the grants. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government funding and intervention in higher education, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government involvement in personal and economic matters. It promotes state control over educational institutions and financial assistance, which is contrary to the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and individual responsibility.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over educational institutions
- Potential for misuse of funds
- Dependency on government assistance for food security
- ❌ HB156 Authorize a property tax freeze for certain owner-occupied homes
HB156 authorizes a property tax freeze for certain owner-occupied homes, specifically targeting individuals who are permanently disabled, aged 65 or older, or surviving spouses of such individuals. The bill outlines eligibility criteria, application processes, and the calculation of tax reductions based on income and property value. It also includes provisions for adjustments to income thresholds and penalties for false statements. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government intervention in property taxation, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government involvement in economic matters. While it aims to assist specific groups, it does not align with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on free markets and limited government. The Libertarian Party of Ohio shows some mixed support due to its focus on individual rights but still opposes government-imposed taxation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property taxation
- Potential for misuse of tax reduction applications
- Encouragement of dependency on government assistance
- ❌ HB155 Prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools
This bill prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public schools by mandating that school boards adopt policies that ban related training, offices, and job descriptions. It requires schools to establish a complaint process for violations and outlines penalties for non-compliance. The bill applies to all city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school districts in Ohio. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts educational practices related to diversity and inclusion, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and parental rights in education. It imposes government mandates on schools, undermining the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and individual choice in education.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential backlash from communities advocating for diversity and inclusion
- Legal challenges regarding educational rights and discrimination
- Negative impact on school environments and student well-being
- ❌ HB154 Require school district approval-certain property tax exemptions
The bill requires school district approval for property tax exemptions related to residential community reinvestment areas. Property owners must apply for exemptions, and the school board must approve any agreements before construction or remodeling can commence. The bill outlines conditions under which exemptions may be granted and the process for verification and approval. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over property tax exemptions, requiring additional approvals from school districts, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government involvement in economic matters, which this bill contradicts.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased bureaucratic processes for property owners
- Potential delays in property development
- Reduced property rights due to additional government oversight
- ❌ HB153 Include state, district school board members on partisan ballot
The bill requires state and school district board members to be nominated by primary election and to appear on the ballot with a party designation. It amends several sections of the Revised Code and repeals others related to the election process for these positions. The changes will first apply to the nomination of candidates for the State Board of Education and local boards of education starting with the next primary election held in an even-numbered year that is at least 120 days after the bill's effective date. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over the election process by mandating party designations for candidates, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of individual freedom and minimal government interference in personal choices. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government and oppose measures that impose additional restrictions on individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over elections
- Limits candidate options for voters
- May discourage independent candidates
- ❌ HB152 Regulate the provision of earned wage access services
The bill regulates earned wage access services by requiring providers to obtain a certificate of registration, establish consumer protections, and comply with specific operational guidelines. It mandates background checks for key officers of providers, sets financial requirements for registrants, and outlines the fees associated with registration and compliance. The bill also specifies that earned wage access services are not considered loans or credit. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulatory requirements on earned wage access services, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in economic activities and individual freedom to engage in voluntary transactions. It also establishes fees and operational controls that could be seen as government overreach, thus aligning poorly with both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over financial services
- Potential for reduced access to earned wage access services for consumers
- Higher operational costs for providers may lead to increased fees for consumers
- ❌ HB151 Allocate state revenue surplus to fund road and bridge projects
The bill allocates a portion of any state revenue surplus to fund road and bridge projects through the creation of the Connect4Ohio fund. It requires the director of budget and management to determine surplus revenue annually and specifies the distribution of funds to various accounts, including the budget stabilization fund and the expanded sales tax holiday fund. The bill also establishes the Connect4Ohio program to assist in creating seamless transportation connections throughout Ohio. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government spending and control over transportation projects, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and fiscal restraint. It also involves the allocation of taxpayer funds, which opposes the LPO's stance against state taxation and spending.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for cronyism in project funding
- Expansion of government control over infrastructure
- ❌ HB150 Enact the Clock Out Kids Act
The Clock Out Kids Act requires school employees to report suspected minor labor law violations, increases penalties for such violations, and establishes the Minor Labor Law Enforcement Fund. It mandates that employers maintain a list of minors employed and provides for enforcement actions against employers violating labor laws regarding minors. The bill also appropriates funds for enforcement activities. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional government oversight and penalties on employment practices, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in labor markets and individual freedom in employment agreements. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for free markets and oppose government mandates in employment.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over employment practices
- Potential for overreach in enforcement actions
- Financial burden on employers due to increased penalties
- ❌ HB15 Amend competitive retail electric service law
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code related to competitive retail electric service, including changes to the certification process for electric utilities and the regulation of competitive retail electric services. It establishes requirements for electric utilities to provide competitive services and outlines the conditions under which these services may be regulated or exempt from regulation. The bill also addresses the taxation of electric company property and repeals certain sections of previous legislation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory frameworks and requirements for electric utilities, which may conflict with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in markets. However, it does contain elements that support competition and consumer choice, aligning partially with the LPO's emphasis on free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation may stifle competition.
- Potential for cronyism in utility certifications.
- May lead to higher costs for consumers due to regulatory compliance.
- ❌ HB149 Enact Withholding Illegal Revenue Entering Drug Markets WIRED Act
The bill imposes a 3% transfer fee on money transmissions by licensees and authorized delegates in Ohio, creating a fund for local law enforcement to combat human and drug trafficking. It allows for a refundable income tax credit for taxpayers based on the transfer fees paid, with specific reporting and payment requirements for those transmitting money. The act is named the Withholding Illegal Revenue Entering Drug Markets (WIRED) Act. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over financial transactions and imposes a tax, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and low taxation. It also does not align with the LPO's advocacy against laws that exceed the powers of law enforcement and the imposition of fees that could be seen as punitive.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight of financial transactions
- Potential for misuse of funds collected from transfer fees
- Encouragement of further taxation and fees on citizens
- ❌ HB148 Establish tax refund designation for spaying, neutering pets
The bill establishes an income tax refund designation to assist low-income individuals in spaying and neutering their pets. It creates the Ohio pet fund, which will provide financial assistance to eligible organizations and individuals based on specific income criteria and government assistance program participation. The fund will be financed through contributions from taxpayers' income tax refunds. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government intervention in personal choices regarding pet ownership and financial assistance, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement and individual autonomy. It also establishes a tax mechanism that could be seen as a form of government spending, opposing the Libertarian Party's stance on taxation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal decisions regarding pet ownership.
- Potential misuse of tax funds.
- Encouragement of dependency on government assistance.
- ❌ HB147 Exempt from sales and use tax certain port authority materials
The bill exempts from sales and use tax building materials sold to contractors under contracts valued at $25 million or more for projects in areas with a port authority. This exemption applies specifically to construction projects that meet these financial and locational criteria. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a tax exemption that favors specific contractors and projects, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of free markets and limited government intervention in economic activities. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate against government favoritism and cronyism, which this bill may promote.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism in government contracts.
- Increased government intervention in the market.
- Distortion of fair market competition.
- ❌ HB146 Revise civil service status of certain county probation positions
This bill amends section 2301.27 of the Revised Code to change the civil service status of certain positions in county probation departments from classified to unclassified. It allows courts to establish probation departments, appoint officers, and contract with agencies for probation services, while specifying qualifications and training for probation officers. The bill also permits probation officers to carry firearms under certain conditions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces more government control over probation services and alters the civil service status of probation positions, which may conflict with the LP and LPO principles of limiting government intervention and promoting individual rights. However, it does not directly oppose core principles, resulting in a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over probation services
- Potential for reduced accountability in unclassified positions
- Possibility of cronyism in hiring practices
- ❌ HB145 Regards the minimum number of hours in a school year
The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to establish minimum instructional hours for nonchartered nonpublic schools and requires these schools to report enrollment and attendance to local education authorities. It mandates that teachers hold at least a bachelor's degree and outlines the subjects that must be included in the curriculum. Additionally, it specifies that nonchartered nonpublic schools are not entitled to pupil transportation or auxiliary services. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government regulations on nonchartered nonpublic schools, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government interference in education and parental rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for parental control over education without government mandates, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over education
- May limit parental rights in educational choices
- Imposes additional requirements on nonchartered schools
- ❌ HB144 Enact Keith’s Law regarding the communication disability database
The bill expands the communication disability database to include any person with a communication disability and allows access to this database through countywide 9-1-1 systems. It requires the development of a verification form for individuals to voluntarily register or remove themselves from the database. The bill mandates that the database information is not a public record. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in a communication database, which aligns with the LPO's emphasis on individual rights and support for vulnerable populations. However, it may conflict with LP principles regarding government overreach and privacy concerns.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential government overreach in personal data collection
- Privacy concerns regarding the handling of sensitive information
- ❌ HB143 Authorize property tax exemption for certain long-term homeowners
The bill authorizes an enhanced property tax homestead exemption for long-term homeowners, specifically targeting individuals who are permanently disabled, aged 65 or older, or surviving spouses of such individuals. The exemption applies to real property taxes on homesteads owned and occupied by eligible persons, with specific income thresholds and reduction amounts defined. The bill also outlines application procedures and penalties for false statements regarding eligibility. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-mandated tax exemption that could be seen as a form of wealth redistribution, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market economics. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and oppose taxation and spending, which this bill does not align with.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property taxation
- Potential for abuse in application processes
- Encouragement of dependency on government benefits
- ❌ HB142 Regards natural gas company rate plans, property valuation
HB142 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to allow natural gas companies to implement alternative rate plans for large load customers and modifies the process for valuating natural gas company property. The bill establishes criteria for settlements in public utility commission proceedings and outlines the requirements for natural gas companies to propose rate adjustments based on projected costs and infrastructure investments. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory frameworks that may increase government oversight and control over natural gas pricing and property valuation, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in markets. However, it also allows for alternative rate plans that could support market dynamics, leading to a mixed alignment with the LPO's emphasis on free markets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over natural gas pricing
- Potential for cronyism in rate-setting processes
- Regulatory burdens on natural gas companies
- ❌ HB141 Regards prescribed pediatric extended care centers
The bill establishes regulations for prescribed pediatric extended care centers in Ohio, requiring them to be licensed by the director of health. It outlines the application process, eligibility criteria, and operational standards for these centers, which provide care to medically dependent or technologically dependent children. The bill also mandates compliance with specific staffing ratios, record-keeping, and service provisions. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes licensing and regulatory requirements on pediatric care centers, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and the freedom of individuals to operate businesses without excessive regulation. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize personal liberty and free markets, which this bill undermines by increasing government control over healthcare services.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over healthcare services
- Potential for reduced access to care due to regulatory burdens
- Higher operational costs for care centers leading to increased prices for families
- ❌ HB140 Authorize the refundable thriving families tax credit
The bill authorizes a refundable thriving families tax credit for individual taxpayers with dependents who are minor children, specifically targeting those with a household income not exceeding $85,000. The credit amount is $1,000 for each qualifying child under six years old and $500 for other qualifying children, with reductions based on income exceeding $65,000. Taxpayers must provide necessary information to claim the credit, and any excess credit will be refunded in monthly payments. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government tax credit aimed at specific income groups, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and taxation. It also establishes income thresholds that could be seen as government overreach into personal financial decisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government dependency on tax credits
- Potential for misuse of taxpayer funds
- Encouragement of income-based discrimination
- ❌ HB14 Incorporate Internal Revenue Code changes into Ohio law
This bill amends section 5701.11 of the Revised Code to incorporate changes in the Internal Revenue Code as of March 15, 2023, into Ohio law. It allows taxpayers to irrevocably elect to incorporate federal tax provisions that differ from state provisions for taxable years ending after February 17, 2022, and before the effective date of the bill. The bill is declared an emergency measure to help taxpayers avoid increased compliance costs on their 2024 tax returns. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill's incorporation of federal tax changes may conflict with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government intervention and taxation. However, it does provide a mechanism for taxpayers to choose their tax provisions, which aligns somewhat with the LPO's support for individual rights and limited government. The mixed nature of the bill's provisions leads to moderate alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential increase in government control over taxation
- May complicate taxpayer compliance with conflicting tax laws
- ❌ HB139 Require specified testing of fire hydrant systems
This bill requires the state fire marshal to ensure that fire hydrant systems are inspected, tested, and maintained according to specified standards. It mandates periodic testing and maintenance of fire hydrants and associated systems, with records to be kept for at least one year. The bill outlines specific inspection and testing intervals for fire hydrants and fire service main piping. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government mandates on the maintenance and testing of fire hydrant systems, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual property rights. It establishes regulatory requirements that may be viewed as an overreach of state authority.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private property maintenance
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Financial burden on property owners for compliance
- ❌ HB138 Authorize the creation of tourism promotion districts
The bill authorizes the creation of tourism promotion districts by municipal corporations, townships, or counties, allowing them to levy benefit assessments on lodging businesses within these districts to fund supplemental services and improvements aimed at promoting tourism. The districts can be established for terms of three to ten years, and provisions are included for public hearings, district management associations, and the issuance of revenue bonds. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government intervention in the economy through the establishment of tourism promotion districts and the levying of assessments on lodging businesses, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government and oppose legislation that imposes financial burdens on individuals or businesses.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local economies
- Potential for misuse of funds collected through assessments
- Creation of cronyism or favoritism in tourism promotion
- ❌ HB137 Permit tax authority to decline submitting certain levy to voters
The bill authorizes a taxing authority to decline to submit a requested library levy or general health district levy to voters. It amends existing sections of the Revised Code to provide this authority and outlines the procedures for tax levies in excess of the ten-mill limitation. The amendments apply to certifications and resolutions made on or after the effective date of the bill. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over taxation and limits voter input on tax levies, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of personal liberty and oppose government overreach, making the bill's provisions misaligned with their core values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over taxation
- Reduced voter input on tax matters
- Potential for misuse of taxing authority
- ❌ HB136 Prohibit sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination
This bill prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment and public accommodations, adds mediation as a method for resolving complaints, and maintains existing religious exemptions under Ohio's Civil Rights Law. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports anti-discrimination measures which align with the Libertarian principle of individual rights but may conflict with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on minimal government intervention in personal relationships and contracts. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for personal liberty, but the bill's government mandates could be seen as overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government intervention in private contracts
- Conflicts with the principle of self-ownership and personal relationships
- ❌ HB135 Prohibit source of income discrimination in rental housing
The bill prohibits discrimination in rental housing based on lawful source of income, affecting landlords and tenants. It amends existing laws to include lawful sources of income as a protected class, making it unlawful for landlords to refuse rental applications based on these sources. Violations may lead to civil action by aggrieved persons. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on property owners' rights to choose tenants based on their income sources, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of property rights and voluntary agreements. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize minimal government interference in personal and economic choices, making this legislation largely incompatible with their core tenets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over private property decisions
- May lead to unintended consequences in the rental market
- Could discourage landlords from renting to low-income tenants
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.