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.
- ✔️ 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
- ❌ SB26 Create the Joint Law Enforcement Oversight Committee
The bill creates the Joint Law Enforcement Oversight Committee (JLEOC) to evaluate training standards and programs for peace officers in Ohio. The committee will consist of appointed members from the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives and will meet monthly to review and recommend improvements in peace officer training. The bill also includes provisions for appropriating funds for the committee's operational expenses. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill establishes a government committee to oversee law enforcement training, which may increase government control over law enforcement practices, conflicting with LP principles of limited government and individual rights. The LPO's concerns about government overreach and the need for limited law enforcement powers also align with the bill's implications of increased oversight.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight may lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- Potential for misuse of authority by the committee.
- Risk of imposing standardized training that may not respect local needs.
- ❌ SB259 Designate new congressional district boundaries
This bill amends and enacts new sections to designate new congressional district boundaries in Ohio based on the 2020 decennial census. It repeals existing sections related to congressional district boundaries. The bill affects the geographical delineation of congressional districts within the state. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not directly address individual liberties or economic freedoms, nor does it significantly align with the principles of limited government advocated by both the Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of Ohio. It primarily focuses on administrative changes to district boundaries, which may not resonate with core libertarian values.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for gerrymandering
- Increased government control over electoral processes
- Lack of transparency in districting decisions
- ❌ SB258 Enact the Better Access to Health Care Act
The Better Access to Health Care Act modifies laws governing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Ohio, allowing them to provide maternity care, including inpatient and follow-up care for mothers and newborns, with specific coverage requirements. It establishes minimum inpatient care durations and outlines the roles of physicians and APRNs in decision-making regarding patient care. The act also prohibits health insurers from penalizing providers for recommending necessary care. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill expands healthcare access through APRNs, which aligns with some Libertarian principles of personal choice in healthcare. However, it also imposes regulations and mandates on insurance coverage, which may conflict with the LP's emphasis on minimal government intervention and free market principles. The LPO's support for healthcare access aligns more closely with the bill's intent but still faces concerns about government mandates.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government regulation of healthcare providers
- Potential for reduced competition in healthcare markets
- Mandated insurance coverage may lead to higher costs
- ❌ SB257 Establish the SCOPE Pilot Program
The bill establishes the Support Children's Overall Psychological and Emotional Health (SCOPE) Pilot Program, which provides mental health services to eligible individuals under the Program for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs. It includes identifying mental health conditions, describing services, establishing criteria for service provision, and generating a list of service providers. The program will operate for one year or until funding is exhausted, with a requirement for a survey to assess its effectiveness upon termination. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government intervention in mental health services and appropriates state funds, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement and fiscal restraint. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government and individual autonomy, which this bill does not support.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for dependency on state-funded services
- Limited individual choice in mental health care
- ❌ SB256 Provide for licensure of debt services providers
The bill provides for the licensure of debt services providers in Ohio, requiring them to obtain a license from the superintendent of financial institutions before offering debt resolution services. It establishes criteria for disqualification based on criminal offenses, mandates the filing of a surety bond, and outlines the application and renewal process for licenses. The bill also specifies the rights of consumers and the obligations of licensees regarding fees and service agreements. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a regulatory framework that imposes licensing requirements on debt services providers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both the LP and LPO platforms oppose occupational licensing and government mandates that restrict individual freedom and market competition.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private business operations
- Potential for reduced competition in the debt services market
- Imposition of barriers to entry for new providers
- ❌ SB255 Provide grants for mortgage, property tax, and utility bill help
The bill provides grants to qualifying homeowners in Ohio for assistance with mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility bills. Eligible applicants must have an adjusted gross income not exceeding $75,000 and be either 65 years or older, disabled, or a caretaker of a disabled individual. The Ohio housing finance agency will administer the program with a budget of up to $10 million. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government intervention in the housing market by providing financial assistance, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement and free market solutions. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize individual rights and limited government, opposing state-funded programs that redistribute wealth.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over housing assistance
- Potential for dependency on government aid
- Misallocation of resources away from free market solutions
- ❌ SB254 Change Ohio Deaf History Month to the month of April
This bill amends section 5.2281 of the Revised Code to change the designation of 'Ohio Deaf History Month' from the period beginning the thirteenth day of March and ending the fifteenth day of April to the month of April. The bill does not specify any penalties or exceptions. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not significantly align with the core principles of the Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Ohio, as it does not address individual rights, economic freedom, or government overreach. It is a minor administrative change with limited implications for personal liberty or market dynamics.
- ❌ SB253 Designate Black Ohioan Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient Day
This bill designates February 20th as 'Black Ohioan Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient Day' to honor Black soldiers from Ohio who received the congressional medal of honor for their actions during the American Civil War. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the Libertarian Party or Libertarian Party of Ohio principles as it establishes a government-recognized day of observance, which could be seen as a form of government endorsement of specific historical narratives, conflicting with the principles of limited government and individual rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in recognizing specific groups
- May lead to further government involvement in historical narratives
- ❌ SB252 Prohibit a person from declawing a cat
The bill prohibits any person from performing declawing procedures on cats, defined as onychectomy, partial digit amputation, phalangectomy, or tendonectomy, unless deemed necessary for therapeutic purposes by a licensed veterinarian. Exceptions include trimming nonviable claw husks or applying nonpermanent nail caps. Violators face civil penalties escalating with repeated offenses. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts individual rights by prohibiting a specific veterinary procedure, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and personal liberty. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize minimal government intervention in personal choices and property rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over veterinary practices
- Limits pet owners' rights to make decisions regarding their pets
- Potentially leads to unintended consequences for animal care
- ❌ SB251 Designate Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Vance M. Andrews Mem Hwy
This bill designates a portion of State Route 13 in Knox County as the 'Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Vance M. Andrews Memorial Highway' and allows the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the Libertarian Party or Libertarian Party of Ohio principles, as it involves government action to designate a memorial highway, which can be seen as an unnecessary expansion of government involvement in public naming and memorialization.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public spaces
- Potential for misuse of government resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ SB250 Enact the Promised Land Act
The bill establishes a nonrefundable, transferable tax credit for eligible nonprofit organizations that construct owner-occupied housing in Ohio. The credit is set at 10% of the total construction cost and is applicable after the housing units are sold to owner-occupants. The total amount of tax credits issued is capped at $25 million per fiscal year. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government tax credit program that involves state intervention in housing markets, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for minimal government involvement in economic matters and free markets. The reliance on government funding for housing construction also contradicts the LPO's stance against government contracts that exceed fair market prices.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over housing markets
- Potential for cronyism in the allocation of tax credits
- Encouragement of dependency on government funding
- ❌ SB25 Prohibit sun lamp tanning services to individuals under age 16
The bill prohibits tanning facilities from providing sun lamp tanning services to individuals under the age of 16. For individuals aged 16 to 17, parental consent is required for each session, and they are limited to 45 sessions within a 90-day period. The bill also mandates that a parent or guardian must be present during each session for those aged 16 to 17. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts individual rights by limiting access to tanning services based on age, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and personal liberty. It imposes government regulations on personal choices regarding health and body autonomy.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Infringement on personal liberties
- Increased government regulation
- Potential for overreach in parental rights
- ✔️ SB249 Authorize dispensing of ivermectin without a prescription
The bill authorizes pharmacists and pharmacy interns to dispense ivermectin without a prescription to individuals aged 18 and older, provided they follow a protocol established by a prescriber. The protocol must include a risk assessment tool and a fact sheet about the drug. Pharmacists may charge an administrative fee for their services. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports individual autonomy in health decisions by allowing access to ivermectin without a prescription, aligning with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and personal liberty. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for minimal government interference in personal choices, which this bill promotes.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential misuse of ivermectin without proper medical guidance
- Increased liability for pharmacists and prescribers
- ❌ SB247 Designate the buckeye as the state candy
This bill designates the buckeye, a confection made of peanut butter fudge and chocolate, as the official state candy of Ohio. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the core principles of the Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Ohio, as it involves government designation of a state symbol, which may be seen as unnecessary government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in cultural matters
- May set a precedent for more government designations
- ❌ SB246 Prohibit terminating electric, gas service to certain households
The bill prohibits the termination of electric and gas services to certain households, including those with children under five, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with low income. It establishes a payment plan for affected customers and requires utility companies to inform customers of available aid for utility bills. The bill also mandates that companies cannot disconnect services during specific winter months unless certain conditions are met. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on utility companies and mandates payment plans, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market operations. It also introduces government control over private contracts and services, which is contrary to both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private enterprises
- Potential for reduced service quality due to financial burdens on utility companies
- Encouragement of dependency on government aid
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.