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.
- ❌ 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.
- ❌ SB80 Allow a county to implement a motor fuel quality testing program
SB80 allows counties in Ohio to establish their own motor fuel quality testing programs, enabling local fuel inspectors to test the quality of motor fuels sold at retail outlets. The bill outlines the definitions of fuels, the testing procedures, and the authority of county auditors to implement these programs. It mandates adherence to established industry standards and requires data collection for public access. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes local governance and ensures fuel quality, aligning with principles of consumer protection and environmental health. It gives counties the autonomy to manage their fuel standards, which may resonate with local party platforms that support localized control and environmental responsibility.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Possible inconsistency in fuel quality standards across counties.
- Increased administrative burden on local auditors and potential resource strain.
- Potential for conflict in testing and enforcement procedures.
- Variation in public awareness and compliance among retail dealers.
- ✔️ SB8 Prohibit paid public employee leave for certain union activities
SB8 prohibits public employers in Ohio from providing paid leave or compensation to public employees for engaging in political or lobbying activities on behalf of employee organizations. However, it allows the use of personal leave for such activities. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns more with libertarian principles regarding the restriction of government involvement in union activities, while it is less favorable for labor groups that advocate for workers' rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- May reduce public employee participation in political advocacy and lobbying.
- Could weaken the bargaining power of unions by limiting resources available for such activities.
- Potential backlash from labor organizations may lead to conflicts between public employers and unions.
- ❌ SB79 Regulate the use of pricing algorithms
SB79 aims to regulate the use of pricing algorithms by requiring disclosures from businesses that use such algorithms to set prices or terms, prohibits the use of nonpublic competitor data in developing these algorithms, and establishes legal presumption for antitrust violations in related fields. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The regulation of pricing algorithms aligns with principles of transparency and fairness in commerce, resonating with LP ideals, but may also raise concerns among LPO members who favor limited regulation on business practices.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Could impose additional compliance costs on businesses, particularly small businesses.
- Potential for increased legal disputes related to antitrust violations.
- May restrict the innovation in pricing strategies by restricting data usage.
- ❌ SB78 Establish and operate the Ohio Health Care Plan
The bill establishes the Ohio Health Care Plan, which mandates universal health care coverage for all Ohio residents. It creates the Ohio health care agency and board to administer the plan, which includes comprehensive benefits and provisions for cost control, enrollment, and provider payments. The plan will be funded through various taxes and grants, and it prohibits direct billing of enrollees for covered services. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill significantly expands government control over health care, mandating universal coverage and establishing a single-payer system, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It imposes taxes to fund the program, which contradicts the Libertarian Party's stance against taxation and government spending.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over health care
- Higher taxes on individuals and businesses
- Potential for reduced quality of care due to bureaucratic management
- ❌ SB77 Require a system to anonymously report wage discrimination
The bill requires the Ohio Civil Rights Commission to establish a system for individuals to anonymously report wage discrimination by employers, allowing complaints to be submitted via a toll-free number or website. The Commission is mandated to review all complaints in a timely manner. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government oversight on wage agreements between employers and employees, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of free markets and minimal government interference in private contracts.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private employment agreements
- Potential for misuse of the anonymous reporting system
- Encouragement of frivolous complaints
- ❌ SB76 Regards the debarment of state vendors
The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to establish grounds for the debarment of state vendors and contractors from consideration for contract awards. It outlines specific actions that may lead to debarment, such as failing to perform contracts, submitting false information, and engaging in unethical conduct. The debarment period is set between one to three years, and the director of administrative services or the executive director of the Ohio facilities construction commission is responsible for maintaining a list of debarred vendors. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government control over vendor participation in state contracts, which conflicts with LP principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. While it aims to ensure integrity in contracting, it may also lead to cronyism and restrict competition, which aligns poorly with LPO principles as well.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private contracts
- Potential for cronyism in the debarment process
- Restricts competition among vendors
- ❌ SB75 Increase penalty for failure to report a lost or stolen firearm
This bill amends section 2923.20 of the Revised Code to increase the penalty for failing to report a lost or stolen firearm. It establishes penalties for various violations related to the transfer and possession of firearms and dangerous ordnance, with specific exceptions for law enforcement officers acting within their duties. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over firearm ownership by imposing penalties for failure to report lost or stolen firearms, which conflicts with the LP and LPO principles advocating for minimal government interference in individual rights and the right to bear arms without restrictions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government regulation of firearm ownership
- Potential for overreach in enforcement
- May lead to criminalization of non-violent behavior
- ❌ SB74 Create the fair paycheck workplace certificate
The bill establishes a fair paycheck workplace certificate that employers can obtain by demonstrating that the difference in average gross compensation between male and female employees is less than five percent. Employers must apply to the director of commerce, providing employee compensation data and paying a fee. The certificate is valid for six months and can be renewed annually. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government regulation on employment compensation, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of free markets and minimal government interference in labor agreements. It mandates specific reporting and compliance requirements for employers, undermining their autonomy.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private employment practices
- Potential for discrimination against employers based on gender compensation metrics
- Administrative burden on businesses to comply with certification requirements
- ❌ SB73 Enact Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act
The bill enacts the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, which prohibits discrimination in public and private primary and secondary schools based on hair texture and protective hairstyles associated with an individual's race. Individuals alleging violations can bring civil actions against the schools. The bill amends existing sections of the Revised Code related to education and civil rights. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government regulation to prevent discrimination based on hair texture and styles, which may be seen as an infringement on individual rights and personal choice. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government intervention and personal liberty, suggesting a conflict with the bill's provisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight in personal appearance matters
- Potential for legal disputes and civil actions against schools
- Possibility of unintended consequences in enforcement
- ❌ SB72 Regards filing false claims with the state, defrauding the state
This bill establishes regulations against filing false or fraudulent claims with the state, detailing prohibited actions, penalties, and the process for civil actions. It defines terms related to claims and outlines the responsibilities of the attorney general in investigating violations. The bill also provides for civil penalties and the rights of individuals who report violations. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and penalties related to claims against the state, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of limited government and individual freedom. It imposes additional regulations that may infringe on personal liberties and the free market, particularly in the context of government contracts and claims.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over individual actions
- Potential for abuse in enforcement of claims
- Chilling effect on legitimate claims due to fear of penalties
- ❌ SB71 Prohibit conversion therapy for minors by certain professionals
The bill prohibits certain licensed health care professionals from engaging in conversion therapy for minor patients, defining conversion therapy as efforts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Exceptions include providing support for individuals in the process of transitioning or offering sexual orientation-neutral interventions. Violations may result in sanctions such as suspension or revocation of licenses. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts the rights of health care professionals to provide certain types of therapy, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and oppose government interference in personal choices.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential infringement on parental rights regarding children's therapy options.
- Increased government control over health care practices.
- ❌ SB70 Enact the Ohio Fairness Act
The Ohio Fairness Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, adds mediation as an informal method for the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and upholds existing religious exemptions under Ohio's Civil Rights Law. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports anti-discrimination measures which align with the Libertarian principle of individual rights, but it may conflict with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on minimal government intervention in personal relationships and employment. The LPO's score reflects a more favorable view due to its support for civil rights, though it may still see issues with government involvement in these matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government oversight in personal and employment matters
- Possible conflicts with religious freedoms
- ❌ SB7 Regards student instruction on harmful effects of substance use
The bill mandates public and chartered nonpublic schools in Ohio to provide annual instruction to students on the harmful effects of substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Schools must ensure that the instruction is age-appropriate, conforms to best practices, and focuses on developing knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The Department of Education will develop and periodically update a list of approved curricula and resources for this instruction. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government-mandated education on substance use, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and parental rights to determine their children's education. It restricts individual freedom by mandating specific content in school curricula, which is contrary to the Libertarian Party's advocacy for minimal government interference in personal choices.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential infringement on parental rights
- Promotion of a one-size-fits-all approach to education
- ❌ SB69 Reform the state's public retirement system law
The bill declares the General Assembly's intent to reform the laws governing Ohio's public retirement systems, including the Public Employees Retirement System, School Employees Retirement System, State Teachers Retirement System, Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund, and State Highway Patrol Retirement System, to ensure their health and sustainability. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government intervention in public retirement systems, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government involvement in economic matters and individual autonomy.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over retirement systems
- Potential for cronyism in the reform process
- Reduced individual choice in retirement planning
- ✔️ SB68 Establish the Nonchartered Educational Savings Account Program
The bill establishes the Nonchartered Educational Savings Account Program, allowing parents to create educational savings accounts for students attending nonchartered nonpublic schools. The program will begin in the 2026-2027 school year, with funds allocated for tuition and educational expenses. It includes provisions for application processes, compliance monitoring, and due process for participating schools. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports parental rights in education by allowing parents to choose educational options for their children, aligning with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on personal liberty and parental rights. It also promotes market-based solutions in education, consistent with both the LP and LPO platforms advocating for free markets in education.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for misuse of funds if not properly monitored.
- Increased government oversight may conflict with the principle of minimal government intervention.
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.