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.
- ❌ SB53 Regards civil actions for vandalism or riot activity injuries
The bill establishes civil actions for individuals who suffer injury or loss due to vandalism or riot activity, allowing them to seek compensatory and punitive damages from offenders and those who provided material support for such activities. It also prohibits government officials from limiting law enforcement's authority to arrest individuals involved in these activities and protects employees from punitive actions for participating in related investigations. The bill allows for civil actions regardless of whether the offender has been criminally charged or convicted. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over civil actions related to vandalism and riot activities, which conflicts with the LP's principles of limiting government force and protecting individual rights. The LPO's score reflects mixed elements, as it supports some aspects of accountability but may conflict with its stance on limiting government overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government overreach in civil matters
- Encouragement of punitive actions against individuals for actions of others
- Risk of chilling effect on free expression and assembly
- ❌ SB52 Designate Congressman David Hobson Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of U.S. Route 33 in Fairfield County and I-70 in Clark County as the 'Congressman David Hobson Memorial Highway.' The Director of Transportation is authorized to erect suitable markers indicating the highway's name. (Introduced In Senate) 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 memorial highway, which can be seen as unnecessary government involvement and expenditure.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public naming conventions
- Potential misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ SB51 Establish legislative oversight of executive unemployment action
The bill establishes legislative oversight of executive actions related to voluntary federal unemployment compensation programs. It allows the Ohio General Assembly to disapprove agreements or orders issued by the governor or the director of job and family services that implement such programs. Upon disapproval, the governor or director is required to rescind the agreement or order promptly. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and control over unemployment compensation programs, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government involvement in economic matters, thus opposing this bill.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over unemployment benefits
- Potential for reduced efficiency in unemployment program implementation
- Limitation of individual choice in unemployment assistance
- ❌ SB50 Regards age and schooling certificates, minor work hours
The bill amends sections 3331.02 and 4109.07 of the Revised Code to modify the requirements for age and schooling certificates and work hour regulations for minors under sixteen years of age. It specifies documentation needed for employment, limits work hours during school days, and establishes conditions under which minors may work. The bill also mandates the creation of a minor work hour notification form by the director of commerce. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government regulations on the employment of minors, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for free markets and parental rights in education and employment decisions, which are restricted by this bill.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over employment practices
- Potential negative impact on minors' ability to gain work experience
- Restrictions on parental rights regarding their children's employment
- ❌ SB5 Expedite unauthorized occupant removal; prohibit fraudulent deeds
The bill provides for the expedited removal of unauthorized occupants from residential properties by allowing record owners or their agents to request immediate removal by law enforcement under specific conditions. It also prohibits the use and sale of fraudulent deeds related to real property. Violations of these provisions can result in civil actions for wrongful removal or criminal charges for title fraud. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports property rights by facilitating the removal of unauthorized occupants, which aligns with the Libertarian emphasis on property ownership. However, it may conflict with the LP's principles regarding government overreach and individual rights, particularly in the expedited removal process. The LPO's score reflects a more favorable view on property rights but still recognizes potential concerns about government involvement.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for abuse in expedited removal process
- Increased government intervention in property disputes
- Risk of wrongful removal claims
- ❌ SB49 Regards right of first refusal-acquiring school district property
The bill eliminates the right of first refusal for certain schools in acquiring school district real property, requiring boards of education to sell property at public auction or through private sale after a failed auction. It also establishes conditions under which community schools and similar entities may sell property purchased under previous provisions. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill's provisions regarding property sales may conflict with Libertarian principles of property rights and free markets, as it imposes government regulations on how property can be sold and limits the rights of certain entities. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize minimal government interference in property transactions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property transactions
- Potential for cronyism in property sales
- Restrictions on the rights of educational institutions to manage their assets
- ❌ SB48 Regards auditing of chartered nonpublic schools
The bill mandates the auditor of state to conduct annual audits of chartered nonpublic schools that receive public funds, including those participating in the educational choice scholarship program and receiving reimbursements for administrative costs and auxiliary services. The existing section 117.113 of the Revised Code is repealed. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and control over chartered nonpublic schools, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and parental control over education. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government involvement in education and the free market's role in providing educational services.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over educational institutions
- Potential for reduced parental choice in education
- Increased bureaucratic oversight and compliance costs for schools
- ❌ SB47 Require certain disclosures of for-profit school, college status
The bill requires for-profit community school operators and post-secondary educational institutions in Ohio to disclose their for-profit status on their official websites, promotional materials, and contracts for instruction. The disclosures must be prominently displayed in a type size that is equal to or larger than other text. The Department of Education and Workforce will adopt rules to enforce these requirements. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional regulatory requirements on for-profit educational institutions, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. The Libertarian Party of Ohio also opposes government regulations that interfere with market dynamics, leading to a lower alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of private institutions
- Potential for reduced market competition
- Possibility of unintended consequences affecting educational choices
- ❌ SB46 Add screening awareness to Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
The bill amends section 5.2219 of the Revised Code to designate March as 'Colorectal Cancer Screening and Awareness Month,' adding a focus on screening awareness. It repeals the existing section 5.2219. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a government-mandated awareness initiative, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy in health decisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in health awareness
- May lead to further government mandates in health-related matters
- ❌ SB45 Expand eligibility for county sewer discounted rates or charges
The bill amends section 6117.02 of the Revised Code to expand eligibility for discounted rates or charges for county sewer services. It allows discounts for individuals who are 65 years or older, low- and moderate-income persons, or those experiencing temporary hardship. The board of county commissioners is responsible for establishing eligibility requirements and may set reasonable rates and penalties for late payments. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government-mandated discounts and establishes eligibility criteria, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government roles in economic matters, suggesting that this bill may not align with their core principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over pricing and services
- Potential for cronyism in establishing eligibility criteria
- May lead to inefficiencies in service provision
- ❌ SB44 Allow students to concurrently receive certain state scholarships
The bill allows qualifying students to concurrently receive an Educational Choice scholarship or Pilot Project scholarship along with either an Autism or Jon Peterson Special Needs scholarship. It specifies that the total amount received under both scholarships cannot exceed the total cost of services or tuition and fees provided. The bill also outlines eligibility criteria and conditions for continued scholarship receipt. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports parental choice in education funding, aligning with Libertarian principles of individual rights and parental rights. However, it involves government funding and regulation of education, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education funding
- Potential for dependency on state scholarships
- Complexity in eligibility and compliance requirements
- ✔️ SB43 Repeal the authorization of a special county lodging tax
The bill repeals the authorization for counties to levy a special lodging tax on hotel transactions, which was previously set at a maximum rate of three percent. It eliminates the provisions for the tax's administration, allocation, and penalties for late payments. The repeal will take effect on a date specified by the board of county commissioners. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by reducing government taxation and control over local economies, promoting individual property rights, and supporting free market principles. Both the LP and LPO advocate for minimal government intervention in economic matters, which this bill supports by eliminating a tax that could be seen as a government overreach.
- ❌ SB42 Authorize residential stability zones with property tax exemption
SB42 authorizes local governments in Ohio to create residential stability zones where homeowners may qualify for a partial property tax exemption. The bill outlines eligibility criteria, including household income limits and minimum ownership periods, and specifies application procedures and the duration of the exemptions. The exemptions can last up to ten years, with provisions for renewal. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government intervention in property taxation and creates exemptions based on income and ownership criteria, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement in economic matters and property rights. It also establishes a framework for government control over property taxes, which is contrary to the Libertarian Party's advocacy for free markets and limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property taxation
- Potential for cronyism in the designation of residential stability zones
- Dependency on government exemptions may undermine personal responsibility
- ❌ SB41 Designate Day of Tears
This bill designates January 22 as the 'Day of Tears' to observe the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling on abortion and to remember unborn children lost to abortion. Residents are encouraged to lower their flags to half-staff on this day. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes a specific viewpoint on abortion, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership, as it restricts individual rights regarding reproductive choices.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in personal health decisions
- Encourages state endorsement of specific moral viewpoints
- ❌ SB40 Authorize tax credit for pregnancy resource center donations
The bill authorizes a nonrefundable tax credit for donations made to certified pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes in Ohio. The credit is limited to 50% of the taxpayer's aggregate tax liability for the taxable year, with provisions for carrying forward excess credits for up to five years. Certified centers must not perform or promote nontherapeutic abortions and must meet specific criteria to qualify. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government intervention in the form of tax credits for specific organizations, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement in personal choices and economic activities. It also imposes restrictions on organizations based on their stance on abortion, which may infringe on individual rights and freedoms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over charitable donations
- Potentially discriminates against organizations based on their stance on abortion
- Encourages cronyism by favoring specific organizations
- ❌ SB4 Create Election Integrity Unit; revise election law prosecution
The bill establishes an Election Integrity Unit within the Office of the Secretary of State to investigate allegations of election fraud and voter suppression. It allows the Attorney General to initiate prosecutions for election law violations if local prosecutors do not act within a specified timeframe. The unit will also report annually on its activities and findings. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and prosecution of election-related activities, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention and individual rights. It may lead to potential abuses of power and restrict personal liberties related to voting.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in election processes
- Increased prosecutions may intimidate voters
- Possibility of wrongful accusations and prosecutions
- ❌ SB39 Provide for informational poster on veteran benefits and services
The bill requires the director of commerce, in consultation with the director of veterans services, to create and display a poster containing information on various benefits and services available to veterans. Employers may display the poster in a conspicuous place for employees, and the poster will be provided free of charge upon request. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government involvement in providing information about veterans' benefits, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention. However, it does not impose direct restrictions on individual rights, leading to a mixed alignment with LPO principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government involvement in veterans' affairs
- Potential for misuse of resources in creating and distributing the poster
- ❌ SB38 Establish liability standard for certain food-related injuries
The bill establishes a liability standard for injuries caused by food consumption, requiring a reasonable expectation test to determine if the food contained harmful substances. It applies to civil actions for damages against food service operations or suppliers. The jury will assess whether the injured party reasonably expected the food to be safe. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a liability standard that may impose additional regulations on food service operations, which conflicts with the LP and LPO principles of minimal government intervention and personal responsibility in consumption choices.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential increase in litigation against food service operations
- Imposition of additional regulatory burdens on businesses
- May lead to higher food prices due to increased liability costs
- ✔️ SB37 Require presidential primary election to be held on specified day
This bill mandates that presidential primary elections in Ohio be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May. It amends existing election laws to establish this specific date for presidential primaries, while allowing for exceptions as authorized by municipal or county charters. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a specific date for presidential primaries, which may limit flexibility and could be seen as government regulation of the electoral process. This aligns with some LPO principles regarding state sovereignty but may conflict with LP principles advocating for minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for reduced voter participation if the date is inconvenient.
- Inflexibility may hinder local governance and adaptation to specific needs.
- ❌ SB36 Revise the law governing the practice of optometry
This bill revises the law governing the practice of optometry in Ohio, including amendments to the definitions and scope of practice for optometrists, the procedures they may perform, and the requirements for licensure and continuing education. It allows optometrists to administer certain therapeutic procedures and prescribes rules for the state vision professionals board regarding training and delegation of tasks. The bill also includes provisions for the renewal and suspension of licenses. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional regulations and licensing requirements for optometrists, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market practices. However, it does allow for some expansion of optometric practice, which aligns with individual rights. The LPO score reflects a mixed stance due to the emphasis on state regulation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over healthcare practices
- Potential for reduced competition in the optometry field
- Higher costs for consumers due to regulatory compliance
- ✔️ SB35 Regards supported decision-making for certain disabled adults
The bill establishes supported decision-making as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship for adults with developmental disabilities, allowing them to make their own life decisions with the assistance of chosen supporters. It presumes adults with developmental disabilities are capable of making decisions unless a court determines otherwise, and it allows for both formal and informal supported decision-making plans. No adult is required to enter into such a plan. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the principles of personal liberty and self-ownership by empowering adults with developmental disabilities to make their own decisions, which is consistent with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on individual rights and autonomy. Both the LP and LPO support the idea that individuals should have the freedom to manage their own affairs without unnecessary government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for misuse of supported decision-making plans
- Lack of oversight may lead to exploitation of vulnerable individuals
- ❌ SB34 Enact the Historical Educational Displays Act
The bill requires each school district in Ohio to display certain historical educational documents in classrooms and may erect monuments on school grounds. Schools must comply by July 1, 2026, and can fund displays through donations without being required to spend their own funds. The documents include foundational texts such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. (Passed By Senate, Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government-mandated displays of historical documents, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on individual rights and limited government intervention in personal and educational matters. However, it does not impose direct costs on schools, which aligns somewhat with LPO's support for local control and minimal government interference.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in educational content
- Imposition of specific ideological perspectives in schools
- ❌ SB33 Allow employers to post certain labor law notices on the internet
The bill allows employers to post certain labor law notices on the internet, providing an alternative to physical postings in the workplace. It amends existing sections of the Revised Code to specify that these notices must be accessible to employees online. The bill applies to various labor laws, including those related to minors, wage summaries, and workers' compensation. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the idea of reducing physical government mandates on employers by allowing digital postings, which aligns with some principles of economic freedom. However, it still involves government regulation of labor laws, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government interference in employment contracts.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for reduced awareness of labor rights among employees if notices are only posted online.
- Increased reliance on digital access may disadvantage employees without internet access.
- ❌ SB32 Establish the Child Care Cred Program
The bill establishes the Child Care Cred Program, which allows eligible employees and their employers to share the costs of child care, with the state department also contributing a third of the costs. Participation in the program is voluntary, and eligibility is limited to employees who reside in Ohio and are ineligible for publicly funded child care. The program aims to assist employees with child care expenses, help employers attract and retain talent, and support child care providers. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government funding and regulation of child care, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It imposes a structure that may limit individual choice and responsibility in child care arrangements, opposing the Libertarian emphasis on personal liberty and economic freedom.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over child care services
- Potential for dependency on government funding
- Distortion of the free market in child care
- ❌ SB319 Regards adult protective services provided by county JFS
The bill establishes that county departments of job and family services have the authority to receive and investigate reports of exploitation of adults residing in long-term care or residential care facilities. If an investigation finds that protective services are needed, the department must provide those services. This authority is in addition to existing duties of the long-term care ombudsman program. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government intervention in personal matters by allowing state agencies to investigate and provide protective services, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement and individual autonomy.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal lives
- Potential for misuse of investigative powers
- Erosion of personal privacy rights
- ❌ SB318 Allow law enforcement to provide certain school resource services
The bill authorizes law enforcement agencies to provide school resource officer services to chartered nonpublic schools in Ohio, requiring a memorandum of understanding between the school and the law enforcement agency. It establishes training requirements for school resource officers and outlines their roles and responsibilities within the school environment. The bill also allows for certain exemptions regarding training for officers appointed before a specified date. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in schools through law enforcement presence, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of limited government and individual rights. It may also lead to increased state control over educational environments, which is contrary to the LPO's advocacy for minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over educational institutions
- Potential for over-policing in schools
- Erosion of parental rights in educational settings
- ❌ SB317 Create the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund
The bill creates the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund in the state treasury, which will receive voluntary contributions from individuals when registering motor vehicles or filing state income tax returns. The fund will provide financial support to hospitals for pediatric cancer research and cover administrative costs associated with the fund's management. Hospitals seeking funding must submit requests to the director of health, who will approve or disapprove these requests. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill establishes a government fund that relies on voluntary contributions, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and taxation. Additionally, it involves government oversight in the allocation of funds, which does not align with the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and individual choice.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over funding allocation
- Potential for misuse of taxpayer contributions
- Encourages reliance on government for funding research
- ❌ SB316 Regards local government authority over railroad's right-of-way
The bill grants specified local governments the authority to unilaterally approve encroachments on railroad companies' right-of-way for utility work that serves health, safety, or public benefit. Utility providers can apply for permission from local legislative authorities or county boards instead of obtaining permission from the railroad companies. Reasonable notice must be given to affected railroad companies before permission is granted. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a level of government intervention in property rights by allowing local governments to approve encroachments without the railroad companies' consent, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of property rights and minimal government interference. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of property rights and oppose government actions that infringe upon them.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over property rights
- Encourages cronyism by allowing local governments to favor certain utility providers
- May lead to disputes between utility providers and railroad companies
- ❌ SB315 Enact the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act
The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act requires Ohio's SNAP program to transition to chip-enabled EBT cards, mandates the adoption of cybersecurity measures for these cards, and includes provisions for the administration and verification of eligibility for benefits. It also establishes a timeline for the implementation of these changes and appropriates funds for the transition. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill expands government control over the SNAP program and imposes additional requirements on recipients, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and personal responsibility. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and limited government, which this bill undermines.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight of personal benefits
- Potential for misuse of personal data
- Expansion of government programs
- ❌ SB314 Enact the Ohio Dementia Care Training Act for Nurse Aides
The Ohio Dementia Care Training Act for Nurse Aides mandates that long-term care facilities provide competency evaluation programs and training for nurse aides, including dementia-specific training. Facilities must ensure that nurse aides complete required training and evaluations before providing care, with penalties for non-compliance. The act establishes timelines for training and evaluation completion and requires facilities to maintain records of compliance. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government-mandated training and evaluation requirements on nurse aides, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in employment and labor markets. It restricts individual choice and imposes penalties for non-compliance, undermining the Libertarian emphasis on personal responsibility and freedom from government regulation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over employment practices
- Potential for reduced workforce flexibility in long-term care facilities
- Financial burden on facilities due to compliance costs
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.