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.
- ✔️ 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
- ❌ 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
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.