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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ SB313 Regards insurance, Medicaid coverage of scalp cooling systems
The bill mandates that insurance policies and Medicaid in Ohio provide coverage for scalp cooling systems for individuals undergoing cancer chemotherapy treatments. It applies to individual and group health insuring corporations, sickness and accident insurance policies, and public employee benefit plans. The Medicaid program is also required to cover these systems for eligible recipients. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government mandate for insurance coverage, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government involvement in personal and economic decisions, making this bill misaligned with their core values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over healthcare decisions
- May lead to higher insurance premiums
- Potential for reduced market competition
- ❌ SB312 Regards federal mineral royalty payments
The bill establishes a federal mineral royalty clearing fund in Ohio, requiring the treasurer of state to deposit federal mineral royalties received from the U.S. Department of the Interior. It mandates that within thirty days of each deposit, the director of the office of budget and management transfer funds to counties of origin based on the royalties attributable to them. Counties may use these funds solely for planning, construction and maintenance of public facilities, or provision of public services. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government management of funds derived from federal mineral royalties, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. However, it does not impose direct restrictions on individual rights, leading to a mixed alignment score for both the LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over resource management
- Potential for misallocation of funds
- Dependence on federal revenue streams
- ✔️ SB311 Regards the operation of public and chartered nonpublic schools
SB311 prohibits county and township zoning commissions from restricting the location of public and chartered nonpublic schools and mandates that applications related to land use for these schools cannot be denied solely based on their status as educational institutions. The bill also includes provisions for the operation of community schools and the establishment of remote assessments for internet-based community schools. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill supports educational freedom by preventing local governments from restricting school locations, aligning with the Libertarian emphasis on parental rights and free markets in education. However, it does not fully align with the LP's principles of minimal government intervention, as it still involves state regulations on education. The LPO's support for educational choice and local control aligns more closely with the bill's provisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government oversight in education despite intentions to promote freedom.
- Local governments may find ways to circumvent the intent of the bill.
- ❌ SB310 Require public schools to include fetal development instruction
The bill requires public schools in Ohio to include fetal development instruction in any curriculum that addresses human growth, development, or sexuality, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The instruction must include a high-quality, computer-generated animation or a high-definition ultrasound video showing early fetal development. Parents may request to excuse their children from this instruction. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill mandates specific educational content regarding fetal development, which may infringe on parental rights and individual autonomy regarding education, conflicting with Libertarian principles of self-ownership and parental rights. The Libertarian Party and Libertarian Party of Ohio both advocate for minimal government interference in personal and educational matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Infringes on parental rights to choose educational content
- Imposes government mandates on school curricula
- Potentially limits individual autonomy in education
- ❌ SB31 Replace interstate construction requirement with a traffic study
The bill repeals the requirement for the Department of Transportation to construct certain interstate interchanges and instead mandates a traffic congestion study along a specified section of Interstate Route 71. The study must be completed by December 31, 2026, and the findings reported to various government officials and agencies. The Director of Transportation may consult with the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency for the study. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government-mandated study which may imply increased government involvement in traffic management, conflicting with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and individual rights, which this bill does not fully support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over transportation planning
- Potential for cronyism in the selection of study solutions
- Delay in necessary infrastructure improvements
- ❌ SB309 Enact the Abortion Pill Provider Liability Education (APPLE) Act
The bill enacts the Abortion Pill Provider Liability Education (APPLE) Act, requiring health care providers to inform women about the risks associated with abortion-inducing drugs and to obtain written certification from the patient. It establishes civil liability for providers who fail to meet these requirements, allowing patients and their families to seek damages. The bill also mandates record-keeping for a minimum of seven years. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional regulations and liabilities on health care providers regarding abortion-inducing drugs, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership. It restricts individual rights by increasing government oversight and liability in personal health decisions, leading to low alignment scores.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal health decisions
- Potential chilling effect on healthcare providers prescribing abortion-inducing drugs
- Legal liabilities may deter providers from offering necessary services
- ❌ SB308 Expand State Highway Patrol jurisdiction; candidate security
The bill expands the jurisdiction of the State Highway Patrol to include providing security for the Lieutenant Governor and gubernatorial candidates. It also allows the Patrol to enforce laws related to motor vehicles and criminal laws on state properties. The bill includes an appropriation of $10 million for security purposes and is declared an emergency measure due to increased political violence. (In Senate Committee) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government authority and spending, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility. It also establishes state control over security for political figures, which may infringe on individual rights and freedoms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Expansion of state power
- Potential for misuse of authority
- ❌ SB307 Allow tax increment financing for police, firefighting facilities
The bill amends section 5709.40 of the Revised Code to allow tax increment financing for police and firefighting facilities, enabling municipal corporations to declare improvements to certain parcels as a public purpose and exempt them from taxation for up to ten years, with potential extensions. The bill outlines criteria for creating incentive districts, including income and unemployment thresholds, and mandates public hearings and notifications to property owners within proposed districts. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over property through tax increment financing and allows for exemptions from taxation, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and protection of property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms oppose government actions that infringe on individual rights and property ownership.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property
- Potential for cronyism in funding decisions
- Erosion of property rights through taxation exemptions
- ❌ SB306 Regards insurance transactions, plans, and policies
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to address electronic signatures in insurance transactions, establish regulations for the Ohio assigned risk insurance plan, and impose restrictions on repair facilities regarding contracts with consumers and insurance companies. It prohibits certain practices by repair facilities related to insurance policies and outlines the conditions under which insurance companies can initiate civil actions regarding towed vehicles. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulations that may limit the freedom of contract and impose additional government oversight on insurance transactions and repair facilities, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. However, it does include consumer protections that align with some aspects of the Libertarian Party of Ohio's platform, leading to a mixed alignment score for the LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of private contracts
- Potential for reduced market competition in insurance and repair services
- Possibility of unintended consequences affecting consumer choice
- ❌ SB305 Appropriate funds for SNAP, TANF, WIC upon lapse in federal funds
This bill appropriates funds from the Budget Stabilization Fund to continue financing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the event of a lapse in federal funding. The funding will be equivalent to the amount that would have been received from federal sources and will expire once federal funding resumes. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government spending and reliance on state funding for welfare programs, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government and free markets. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize minimal government intervention in economic matters, which this bill contradicts by expanding state-funded assistance programs.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government dependency on welfare programs
- Potential for budgetary strain on the state
- Encouragement of government intervention in personal welfare
- ❌ SB304 Regards lienholder duty for motor vehicle towing, storage charges
This bill amends section 4513.61 of the Revised Code to establish lienholder responsibilities for payment of towing and storage charges for motor vehicles. It requires law enforcement to notify vehicle owners and lienholders about the towing and potential disposal of vehicles if not claimed within ten days. The bill also specifies the conditions under which vehicles can be towed and the fees associated with reclaiming them. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional responsibilities on lienholders and establishes government procedures for towing and storage, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and individual rights, suggesting that this bill may not align well with their core tenets.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over private property
- Imposes financial burdens on vehicle owners and lienholders
- Potential for abuse in towing practices
- ✔️ SB303 Allow 18-21 year olds to purchase a handgun from a federal dealer
This bill allows individuals aged 18 to 21 to purchase handguns from federally licensed firearms dealers in Ohio, amending existing laws that prohibit such sales to this age group. Exceptions are made for law enforcement officers and active military personnel who meet certain training requirements. The bill also outlines penalties for violations related to the sale and purchase of firearms. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian Party and Libertarian Party of Ohio principles advocating for individual rights and the right to bear arms, as it removes restrictions on firearm purchases for young adults who are deemed capable of making such decisions.
- ❌ SB302 Create the Land of U.S. Grant license plate
The bill creates a specialty license plate titled 'Land of U.S. Grant' in Ohio, requiring applicants to pay a $20 contribution for the plate, which will be deposited into a license plate contribution fund. The registrar of motor vehicles will issue the plates upon application and payment of applicable fees, and the contributions will support various charitable organizations as specified in the bill. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government regulation and the collection of fees for specialty license plates, which contradicts the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. It also does not align with the LPO's advocacy for limited government functions and the removal of laws that create unnecessary financial burdens on individuals.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government involvement in personal choices regarding vehicle registration.
- Potential misuse of funds collected through mandatory contributions.
- ✔️ SB301 Regards noncompete clauses in health care employment contracts
The bill prohibits nonprofit hospitals from requiring health care professional employees to agree to noncompete clauses that restrict their employment opportunities after leaving the hospital, with certain exceptions allowing for a six-month restriction within a fifteen-mile radius. It defines terms related to health care professionals and allows employees to take civil action against hospitals for violations. The bill aims to enhance job mobility for health care professionals. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual rights by limiting noncompete clauses, which aligns with the LP and LPO principles of personal liberty and free markets. However, it still allows some restrictions, which may not fully align with the platforms' emphasis on minimal government interference in employment contracts.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for reduced job security for health care professionals
- Nonprofit hospitals may find it harder to retain talent
- ❌ SB300 Regards the Treasurer of State
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code related to the Treasurer of State, including provisions for the management and investment of state funds, the establishment of accounts, and the responsibilities of the Treasurer. It also repeals certain sections and enacts new provisions regarding the handling of public moneys and the establishment of various funds. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill primarily involves the management and oversight of state funds, which may be seen as increasing government control over financial matters. This conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in economic affairs. However, some provisions may align with the LPO's focus on limiting government overreach and ensuring responsible management of public funds.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over financial management
- Potential for misuse of funds or lack of transparency
- Restrictions on individual financial autonomy
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.