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.
- ❌ 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
- ✔️ SB30 Require retail merchants to give customers the option to pay cash
The bill requires retail merchants in Ohio to provide customers with the option to pay in cash for goods and services. It prohibits merchants from mandating credit payments and establishes penalties for violations, allowing consumers to seek legal recourse. Certain exceptions apply, including for specific venues and payment methods. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports consumer choice in payment methods, aligning with the LP and LPO principles of individual rights and free markets. However, it imposes a government mandate on businesses, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased regulatory burden on businesses
- Possibility of unintended consequences in retail operations
- ❌ SB3 Phase-down the state income tax to a flat rate of 2.75%
The bill proposes to amend the Ohio Revised Code to phase down the state income tax to a flat rate of 2.75% over a two-year period. It applies to individuals, trusts, and estates earning or receiving income in Ohio, including lottery and gaming winnings. The bill also includes provisions for tax adjustments based on income thresholds and specifies the tax rates for different income brackets. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by reducing the income tax burden, promoting economic freedom, and supporting individual financial autonomy. However, it does not fully eliminate the income tax, which is a core goal of both the LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government dependency on other forms of taxation.
- May not address broader issues of government spending and fiscal responsibility.
- ❌ SB299 Regards sales of kratom products
The bill regulates the sale of kratom products in Ohio, requiring food processing establishments to register kratom products with the director of agriculture. It prohibits the sale of kratom products containing certain levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, synthetic compounds, or without proper labeling. Additionally, it restricts sales to individuals under eighteen years of age and establishes civil penalties for violations. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulations on the sale and distribution of kratom products, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and minimal government intervention. It restricts individual choice regarding consumption and increases government control over personal health decisions, which is contrary to both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of personal choices
- Potential for criminal penalties for non-compliance
- Restriction of access to kratom for adults
- ❌ SB298 Regards virtual net metering and meter aggregation
Bill SB298 establishes provisions for virtual net metering and meter aggregation for electric utilities in Ohio. It requires utilities to develop standard contracts or tariffs for net metering for hospitals and mercantile customers, allowing them to generate electricity without size limitations and receive credits for excess electricity supplied to the grid. The bill also mandates that virtual net metering systems meet specific criteria and that utilities assist customers in calculating their electricity requirements. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government regulations on electric utilities and mandates specific contracts, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. However, it does provide options for customer-generators that align with some aspects of economic liberty, leading to a mixed alignment score for both parties.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over energy markets
- Potential for cronyism in utility contracts
- Regulatory burden on electric utilities
- ❌ SB297 Regards electric submetering companies and customers
The bill exempts electric submetering companies from being classified as public utilities and imposes various requirements on these companies, including registration with the public utilities commission every two years and compliance with specific pricing and disclosure regulations. It also extends eligibility for the percentage of income payment plan program to certain customers of electric submetering companies. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory requirements for electric submetering companies, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government control over economic activities, suggesting that the bill's regulatory nature does not align well with their principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation on private companies
- Potential for reduced competition in the electric market
- Possibility of higher costs for consumers due to regulatory compliance
- ❌ SB296 Regards Medicaid personal needs allowance for certain persons
The bill amends section 5163.33 of the Revised Code to increase the Medicaid personal needs allowance for residents of nursing homes and ICFs/IID. It establishes a minimum allowance of seventy-five dollars for individuals and one hundred fifty dollars for married couples, with annual adjustments based on the consumer price index. The bill also repeals the existing section 5163.33. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in Medicaid, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual self-ownership. It imposes regulations on personal financial matters, which is contrary to the Libertarian Party's advocacy for free markets and limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal finances
- Potential for dependency on government assistance
- Encouragement of entitlement mentality
- ❌ SB295 Regards the timeline for restoring competency in criminal cases
The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to establish a timeline for the restoration of competency in criminal cases. It outlines procedures for defendants found incompetent to stand trial, including treatment requirements, evaluation timelines, and conditions under which charges may be dismissed or civil commitment pursued. The bill also specifies the maximum duration for treatment based on the severity of the offense charged. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government control over individuals' treatment and competency evaluations, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership. It allows for involuntary treatment and civil commitment, undermining individual rights and due process.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Involuntary treatment may violate individual rights.
- Potential for abuse in the civil commitment process.
- Increased government control over mental health treatment.
- ❌ SB294 Declare the state's energy siting policy
The bill establishes Ohio's energy siting policy, defining terms such as 'affordable energy source,' 'reliable energy source,' and 'clean energy source.' It mandates that applications for utility facility certificates prioritize affordable, reliable, and clean energy sources, with an emphasis on domestic production and minimizing reliance on foreign adversaries. Advanced nuclear energy technology is explicitly excluded from the definition of affordable energy sources. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government-defined criteria for energy sources, which conflicts with the LP's emphasis on individual choice and free markets. The LPO's support for free markets and opposition to government mandates aligns with some aspects of the bill, but the prioritization of domestic production and government-defined energy classifications introduces mixed elements.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over energy markets
- Potential for cronyism in energy source selection
- Restrictions on individual choice in energy consumption
- ❌ SB293 Revise deadline to return absent voter ballots
The bill requires all marked absent voter's ballots to be delivered to the board of elections by the close of the polls on Election Day to be counted. It specifies the identification requirements for voters and outlines the procedures for returning ballots, including the use of secure receptacles monitored by video surveillance. Ballots received after the deadline will not be counted but will be preserved until destruction is permitted. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes regulations on the voting process, which may be seen as increasing government control over individual voting rights, conflicting with the LP and LPO principles of personal liberty and minimal government intervention. However, it does not directly infringe on core rights, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight of the voting process
- Potential disenfranchisement of voters due to strict deadlines
- Increased penalties for election-related infractions
- ❌ SB292 Revise caps on noneconomic, punitive, and exemplary damages
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to increase the dollar caps on noneconomic damages and punitive or exemplary damages in civil actions. It also establishes a procedure for the Department of Taxation to adjust these caps annually based on the consumer price index. The adjustments will be reported to the General Assembly each February. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government regulation of civil damages, which may conflict with the LP's principles of limiting government intervention and promoting individual rights. However, it does not directly oppose the LPO's focus on fair compensation and accountability in civil actions, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased litigation costs
- Encouragement of frivolous lawsuits
- Government intervention in private contracts
- ❌ SB291 Revise community control sanctions for felonies and misdemeanors
The bill revises community control sanctions for felonies and misdemeanors by changing the maximum periods of community control and modifying confinement sanctions for technical violations. It establishes conditions under which individuals seeking medical assistance for drug overdoses may not be penalized for minor drug possession offenses, provided they meet certain requirements. The bill also outlines penalties for violations of community control sanctions. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces increased government oversight and control over individuals through community control sanctions, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and minimal government intervention. However, it also includes provisions that could be seen as supportive of harm reduction strategies, aligning somewhat with the LPO's stance against punitive measures for minor drug offenses.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over individuals
- Potential for overreach in enforcement of community control sanctions
- Risk of penalizing individuals for seeking help in drug-related situations
- ❌ SB290 Require school building to have an exterior secure master key box
The bill requires public and chartered nonpublic schools in Ohio to purchase and install an exterior secure master key box on each school building by June 30, 2027. The key box will provide emergency access to law enforcement and emergency responders and must include master keys, access cards, and maps of the school buildings. Schools must also update local law enforcement on any changes to the keys or building layouts. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a government mandate on schools to install security measures, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual choice. The Libertarian Party of Ohio may find some alignment in the context of safety but still opposes mandated government actions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over school operations
- Potential for misuse of access by law enforcement
- Financial burden on schools for compliance
- ❌ SB29 Allow municipalities create joint economic development district
The bill allows two or more municipalities in Ohio to create a joint economic development district without involving a township. This district is intended to facilitate economic development, job creation, and improve the economic welfare of the area. It includes provisions for the levying of income taxes within the district and requires public hearings and petitions from property owners before approval. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government involvement in economic development through the creation of joint districts and the ability to levy taxes, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of individual rights and minimal government control over economic activities.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local economies
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism in economic development
- Taxation without direct consent from all affected parties
- ❌ SB289 Establish a natural hair stylist education grant program
The bill establishes a natural hair stylist education grant program administered by the state cosmetology and barber board, which will provide grants to schools for training in natural hair styling, including practical training, post-secondary programs, and workshops. Schools must apply to participate in the program, and the board will set eligibility requirements and grant amounts. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government funding and regulation of education in cosmetology, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market education. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for reduced government involvement in education and oppose occupational licensing requirements, which this bill reinforces.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over education
- Reinforces occupational licensing requirements
- Potential misuse of taxpayer funds
- ❌ SB288 Create the Ohio Food and Agriculture Policy Council
The bill creates the Ohio Food and Agriculture Policy Council, which will make recommendations to the General Assembly regarding food systems to strengthen the state's food and farm economies. The Council will consist of various appointed members and will develop a statewide plan for promoting a sustainable food system, engaging in advocacy and educational outreach, and delivering an annual report on topics such as food security and economic development. An appropriation of $500,000 is allocated for the Council's activities. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill establishes a government council with regulatory and funding responsibilities, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. It promotes state involvement in food systems, which is contrary to the Libertarian Party's advocacy for free markets and limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over food systems
- Potential for cronyism in council appointments
- Misallocation of taxpayer funds
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.