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.
- ❌ SB287 Create the Farming and Workforce Development Program
The bill creates the Farming and Workforce Development Program, which provides training for individuals aged 16 to 35 for seasonal crop farming employment. It allows individuals with felony convictions to participate, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The program is administered by county offices of Ohio State University Extension and Central State University Extension, with an appropriation of $500,000 from the state treasury. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill establishes a government program that involves state funding and oversight, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It also imposes age restrictions on eligibility, which contradicts the Libertarian emphasis on individual choice and freedom.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over employment training
- Potential for misuse of state funds
- Encouragement of dependency on government programs
- ❌ SB286 Require cemeteries to relocate remains if gravestone relocated
The bill requires cemetery operators to relocate human remains if the gravestone marking the remains is relocated. It outlines the conditions under which disinterment can occur, including the need for applications and permissions from designated representatives or probate courts. The bill also specifies procedures for notifying interested parties and the conditions under which disinterment can be performed. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government regulations on cemetery operations and the handling of human remains, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual property rights. It mandates actions that could infringe on personal liberties regarding the treatment of remains.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over personal and property rights
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in disinterment processes
- May lead to disputes among family members regarding remains
- ❌ SB285 Exempt certain conservation land from recoupment charges
The bill exempts agricultural land converted to certain conservation uses from recoupment charges that would otherwise apply upon conversion. It specifies conditions under which charges are levied and outlines exceptions for public entities and certain types of land use. The bill applies to conversions occurring on or after its effective date. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces government exemptions and regulations regarding land use, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. However, it does provide some relief from charges, which aligns with the LPO's support for property rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over land use
- May lead to cronyism in conservation practices
- Could create confusion regarding property rights and taxation
- ✔️ SB284 Waive penalty for not filing certain tax returns if no tax is due
This bill waives penalties for taxpayers who fail to file certain tax returns if no tax is due. It amends existing tax code sections to ensure that no penalties or interest are imposed for non-filing under these circumstances. The provisions apply to returns or reports required to be filed on or after the effective date of the amendment. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by reducing government penalties on individuals for non-filing when no tax is owed, promoting individual liberty and reducing government overreach in tax matters. However, it does not fully eliminate taxation, which is a core concern for both the LP and LPO.
- ❌ SB283 Modify the law governing self-service storage facilities
The bill modifies the law governing self-service storage facilities by establishing requirements for notifying individuals with claims to personal property stored in these facilities. It outlines the process for lien enforcement, including notification methods, sale of property, and the rights of owners and lien holders. Additionally, it mandates that owners inform occupants of any change in ownership of the storage facility. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports property rights and the enforcement of contracts, which aligns with Libertarian principles. However, it introduces regulatory requirements that may be seen as government overreach, affecting the freedom of property owners to manage their facilities without state intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation on private property management
- Possibility of unintended consequences affecting property rights
- ❌ SB282 Create the American Motorcyclist Association license plate
This bill creates a specialty license plate for the American Motorcyclist Association, allowing vehicle owners to apply for these plates and requiring a contribution of $15 to be deposited into a license plate contribution fund. The funds collected will be used to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual choice in vehicle registration and promotes a specific lifestyle, aligning with Libertarian principles of personal liberty. However, it involves government involvement in the issuance of specialty plates and the collection of fees, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over vehicle registration processes.
- Creation of a precedent for more specialty plates that could lead to bureaucratic expansion.
- ❌ SB281 Allow county comm to award a franchise for public transit system
The bill authorizes a board of county commissioners to award a franchise for the operation of a public transit system. It allows the board to set terms and conditions for the franchise, including performance targets, and requires compliance with applicable laws. The franchise is valid for a minimum of ten years and can be terminated by the board under certain conditions. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill expands government control over public transit systems and allows for the exercise of eminent domain, which conflicts with the principles of limited government and property rights advocated by both the Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of Ohio.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over transportation services
- Potential for abuse of eminent domain powers
- Creation of cronyism through government contracts
- ✔️ SB280 Allow registration of a humvee as a historical motor vehicle
The bill allows for the registration of high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (humvees) manufactured for military purposes as historical motor vehicles in Ohio. These vehicles must be over twenty-five years old and are restricted to use as collector's items, with specific provisions for license fees and registration requirements. Owners must execute an affidavit confirming the vehicle's intended use and may display historical or model year license plates. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual property rights by allowing owners to register and use their vehicles as historical items, aligning with the Libertarian principles of property rights. However, it introduces government regulation regarding the registration process and usage restrictions, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government interference.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government regulation on vehicle ownership
- Affidavit requirements may impose bureaucratic hurdles on vehicle owners
- ❌ SB28 Levy a tax on certain high-volume landlords
The bill levies a tax of $2,000 on each high-volume landlord owning 50 or more taxable houses in Ohio, effective from January following its enactment. It requires landlords to file tax returns monthly and includes penalties for non-compliance. The tax revenue is allocated to a housing market impact tax revenue fund, which supports low- and moderate-income housing and local government funds. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a new tax on property owners, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and taxation. It also creates additional regulatory burdens on landlords, undermining property rights and free market principles.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased financial burden on landlords may lead to higher rents for tenants.
- Potential for reduced housing availability as landlords may sell properties to avoid taxes.
- Encourages government overreach into private property management.
- ✔️ SB279 Ban discouraging, barring law enforcement from carrying off duty
The bill prohibits businesses, state agencies, and political subdivisions from discouraging or barring law enforcement officers from carrying weapons while off duty. It establishes penalties for violations, including civil penalties and liability for attorney's fees. The bill also amends existing laws regarding firearm possession in certain public spaces. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with the Libertarian principles of self-defense and the right to bear arms, as it supports law enforcement officers' ability to carry weapons off duty. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for minimal restrictions on firearm ownership and usage, which this bill promotes.
- ✔️ SB278 Permit monetary damages against municipal corps with gun controls
The bill allows individuals to seek punitive or exemplary damages against municipal corporations that enact gun control measures. It asserts the individual right to keep and bear arms as a fundamental right and preempts any local laws that impose restrictions on firearm ownership and use. The bill also specifies that individuals may recover reasonable expenses if they prevail in such civil actions. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill strongly aligns with both the Libertarian Party and Libertarian Party of Ohio platforms, particularly regarding the right to bear arms and the opposition to government restrictions on individual liberties. It supports the principles of self-defense and personal responsibility, which are central to both platforms.
- ✔️ SB277 Clarify that child independent activity is not abuse or neglect
The bill clarifies that a child who is allowed by their parent, guardian, or custodian to engage in independent activities without adult supervision is not considered abused or neglected, provided the activities are age-appropriate and do not endanger the child's health or safety. Independent activities include traveling to school, outdoor play, and remaining home unattended for a reasonable time. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports parental rights and the autonomy of children to engage in independent activities, aligning with the principles of personal liberty and parental rights in both the LP and LPO platforms.
- ❌ SB276 Ratify the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists
The bill ratifies the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, allowing licensed school psychologists to practice across member states without redundant licensing requirements. It establishes a framework for cooperation among states to ensure the availability of qualified professionals and mandates compliance with local laws. The compact also facilitates the relocation of military members and their spouses who are licensed school psychologists. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes professional mobility and reduces regulatory burdens, aligning with some Libertarian principles of free markets and individual rights. However, it also involves government regulation of professional licensing, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government oversight in professional licensing
- May lead to standardization that undermines local control
- ❌ SB275 Allow partial property tax deferral for eligible homeowners
SB275 allows eligible homeowners, defined as those who are permanently and totally disabled or have a total income not exceeding 250% of the federal poverty level, to defer a portion of their property taxes. The bill outlines eligibility requirements, application processes, and conditions under which the deferred taxes must be paid back, including events that trigger repayment. The deferral applies to taxes on homesteads owned and occupied by the eligible homeowners. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government program to defer property taxes, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government intervention in personal financial matters and taxation. It creates a dependency on government assistance, which is contrary to the Libertarian emphasis on personal responsibility and self-ownership. Additionally, it may lead to increased government control over property rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over property ownership
- Potential for dependency on government programs
- Administrative burden on local governments
- ❌ SB274 Prohibit minor mental health services without parental consent
SB274 prohibits the provision of mental health services to minors without obtaining parental consent. It requires mental health professionals to screen minors for comorbidities and trauma before treatment and mandates school districts to develop policies promoting parental involvement in students' mental health services. The bill also restricts the provision of sexuality content in education for younger students. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts individual rights by limiting minors' access to mental health services without parental consent, which conflicts with the LP's emphasis on personal liberty and self-ownership. The LPO's score reflects mixed support due to its advocacy for parental rights, but the bill's restrictive nature on minors' autonomy lowers the alignment.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential negative impact on minors' mental health
- Increased barriers to accessing necessary mental health services
- Possible conflicts with established medical practices
- ✔️ SB273 Enact the Keep Them Safe Act
The Keep Them Safe Act provides guidelines and civil immunity for the voluntary storage of firearms with federally licensed firearms dealers or law enforcement agencies. It allows individuals to store firearms under specific conditions and establishes immunity from civil liability for dealers and agencies involved in the storage process. The act does not require any dealer or agency to accept firearms for storage. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual rights to store firearms and provides immunity for those facilitating this process, aligning with the Libertarian principles of self-defense and property rights. However, it does not fully eliminate restrictions on firearm storage, which may limit its alignment with the platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in firearm storage regulations.
- Possibility of misuse of immunity provisions leading to negligence.
- ❌ SB272 Regards civics assessment in lieu of American govt course exam
The bill amends the Ohio Revised Code to allow students entering ninth grade on or after July 1, 2022, to take a civics assessment instead of the American government end-of-course exam for graduation. The civics assessment will be based on the naturalization test used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, requiring a passing score of at least 60%. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Education and Workforce in developing assessment systems and specifies conditions under which students may be exempt from certain examinations. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces an alternative assessment method that could be seen as promoting educational choice, aligning with Libertarian principles. However, it still involves government oversight and mandates, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention in education. Both LP and LPO principles advocate for parental control over education, but the bill does not fully eliminate government involvement, resulting in a mixed alignment.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over educational assessments.
- May not fully empower parental choice in education.
- ❌ SB271 Designate Charlie Kirk Memorial Day
This bill designates October 14 as 'Charlie Kirk Memorial Day' in recognition of Charles James Kirk, a political activist born on that day in 1993. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with core Libertarian principles of limited government and individual liberty, as it establishes a state-recognized day which may be seen as government endorsement of a specific individual or ideology.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government endorsement of specific political figures
- May set a precedent for further state recognitions that conflict with individual liberties
- ❌ SB270 Regards commitment of delinquent children to Youth Services
SB270 modifies provisions related to the commitment of delinquent children to the Department of Youth Services, allowing for secure confinement based on the severity of the offense and the age of the child. It establishes minimum and maximum periods of confinement, conditions for release, and the court's role in overseeing commitments and releases. The bill also outlines the procedures for judicial release and the conditions under which children may be placed in less restrictive settings. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over juvenile offenders, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and limited government intervention. It establishes mandatory minimum sentences and retains significant government oversight in the juvenile justice system, which opposes the Libertarian Party's advocacy for individual rights and reduced state power. The Libertarian Party of Ohio also emphasizes limiting state powers in crime and punishment, which this bill does not align with.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over juvenile justice
- Potential for unjust long-term confinement
- Reduced individual rights for minors
- ✔️ SB27 Designate Ameloblastoma Awareness Day
This bill designates March 20th as 'Ameloblastoma Awareness Day' in Ohio, promoting awareness of the condition known as ameloblastoma. It does not impose any requirements or penalties on individuals or organizations. The bill's scope is limited to the designation of a specific day. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes awareness without imposing restrictions or mandates, aligning with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and minimal government intervention. Both the LP and LPO support initiatives that do not infringe on individual rights or impose government control.
- ❌ SB269 Revise the Small Loan Act
The bill revises the Small Loan Act by amending sections related to the licensing of lenders who engage in the business of lending amounts of five thousand dollars or less. It establishes requirements for obtaining a license, outlines exemptions for certain entities, and specifies penalties for violations, including voiding contracts that do not comply with the law. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes licensing requirements and regulations on small loan lenders, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in economic activities and the freedom to contract. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for free markets and oppose government restrictions that infringe on individual rights and economic liberty.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over financial transactions
- Potential for reduced access to small loans for individuals
- Encouragement of cronyism through regulatory capture
- ✔️ SB268 Regards regulatory-focused NGOs and model administrative rules
SB268 requires state agencies to disclose funding and affiliations with regulatory-focused nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and mandates public hearings and advisory committee involvement for rules based on model administrative rules drafted by such NGOs. Agencies must submit annual reports to the Ohio ethics commission detailing these disclosures, and all communications regarding rule adoption with NGOs are classified as public records. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces additional regulatory oversight and transparency requirements for state agencies, which may conflict with the LP's principles of minimal government intervention and individual freedom. However, the LPO's support for transparency and accountability in government aligns more closely with the bill's intent.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight may lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- Potential for misuse of disclosed information against NGOs.
- Public hearings may delay necessary regulatory changes.
- ❌ SB267 Designate Ohio Doula Awareness Week
The bill designates the week including March 22nd as 'Ohio Doula Awareness Week' to promote awareness of doulas in Ohio. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not directly infringe on individual rights or promote government overreach, but it does involve a government designation that may not align with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention. Both LP and LPO platforms do not explicitly support the establishment of awareness weeks as a government function.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in personal health choices
- May set a precedent for further government designations or regulations
- ❌ SB266 Regards the sale and testing of intoxicating hemp products
The bill establishes requirements for the sale and testing of intoxicating hemp products in Ohio. It prohibits selling these products to individuals under 21 years of age, mandates testing compliance for products, and restricts sales of products that are attractive to children. Violations can result in felony or misdemeanor charges depending on the nature of the offense. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes age restrictions and testing requirements on intoxicating hemp products, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal freedom and self-ownership. While it may align with some regulatory aspects of the LPO platform, the overall restrictions on personal choice and market freedom lead to a lower alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of personal choices
- Potential for criminalization of non-compliance
- Restrictions on market freedom and personal responsibility
- ❌ SB265 Add animal offenses to foster, adoption record check disqualifier
The bill amends section 109.572 of the Revised Code to include certain animal-related offenses as disqualifying offenses in criminal records checks for prospective foster caregivers, adoptive parents, and individuals residing in the same household as children. It requires fingerprint impressions and a completed form for the criminal records check, which must be conducted by the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation. The results of the checks must be reported within specified timelines. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government oversight and restrictions on individuals seeking to foster or adopt, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of personal liberty and minimal government intervention. It imposes additional barriers based on criminal history that may not directly relate to the safety of children, undermining the Libertarian emphasis on individual rights and responsibilities.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal relationships and family structures.
- Potential for unjust disqualifications based on non-violent offenses.
- Encouragement of a punitive approach rather than rehabilitation.
- ❌ SB264 Enact Megan's Way Out Act
The bill requires all new drive-through facilities and those undergoing major renovations in Ohio to include a separate by-pass lane adjacent to the drive-through lane for emergency vehicle access. The by-pass lane must meet specific width, clearance, and signage requirements. Exceptions apply for existing facilities where compliance would force closure or relocation. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional regulations on businesses, which conflicts with the LP and LPO principles advocating for minimal government intervention and free market operations. It restricts property owners' rights to manage their facilities without government mandates.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over private property
- Imposes additional costs on businesses
- May lead to reduced business flexibility and innovation
- ❌ SB263 Regards professional employer organizations and Unemployment Law
Bill SB263 amends section 4141.24 of the Revised Code to modify the treatment of professional employer organizations and alternate employer organizations under the Unemployment Compensation Law. It establishes rules for the reporting of wages and contributions for shared employees, outlines conditions for account transfers based on negative balances, and specifies the responsibilities of employers regarding unemployment benefits. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces regulatory measures that may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in employment and compensation agreements. It establishes government oversight in employer-employee relationships, which is contrary to the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and individual contracts. Both LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government involvement in labor markets, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over employer-employee relationships
- Potential for reduced flexibility in employment agreements
- Regulatory burden on businesses
- ❌ SB262 Require construction contracts note variation from standard form
The bill requires public authorities or other parties involved in construction contracts to note any variations from an industry standard form. It mandates that alterations to the standard form be clearly indicated, and failure to do so renders the alterations void. The bill applies to contracts entered into on or after its effective date. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional requirements on construction contracts, which may conflict with the LP and LPO principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. It may be seen as increasing government control over contractual agreements, which is contrary to the platforms' emphasis on individual rights and economic freedom.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private contracts
- Potential for cronyism in public contracting
- Limits on the freedom to contract freely
- ❌ SB261 Enact the Tithing Protection Act
The Tithing Protection Act amends section 5747.01 of the Revised Code to allow a personal income tax deduction for donations made to churches. This act applies to taxpayers who make such donations and is effective for taxable years ending on or after its enactment. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a tax deduction specifically for donations to churches, which aligns with government support for religious institutions and may be seen as a form of government intervention in personal financial decisions. This conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government and individual autonomy over financial matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in religious funding
- Potential for discrimination against non-religious organizations
- Encourages reliance on tax benefits for charitable giving
- ❌ SB260 Enact the Voter Registration Modernization Act
The Voter Registration Modernization Act allows electors to change their party affiliation through the voter registration process and establishes provisions for electronic transmission of voter registration information. It mandates that designated agencies provide voter registration applications and assistance, and outlines the procedures for updating voter registration records. The act also includes provisions for maintaining a statewide voter registration database and ensuring the confidentiality of voter registration information. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the Libertarian principles of individual rights and self-ownership by facilitating voter registration and party affiliation changes. However, it also involves government processes that may be seen as increasing state control over personal choices, which could conflict with LP principles. The LPO aligns more closely with the bill as it emphasizes state sovereignty and the facilitation of voter participation, which is consistent with our platform.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over the voter registration process
- Potential for data privacy issues with electronic voter registration
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.