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.
- ❌ 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
- ❌ SB245 Prohibit utilities from recovering political expenditure costs
The bill prohibits public utilities from recovering costs associated with political expenditures from their customers. It defines political expenditures broadly and establishes penalties for utilities that violate this prohibition, including fines and the requirement to refund customers. Additionally, it creates a fund to assist customers with past-due utility bills using fines collected from violations. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts the ability of public utilities to recover costs, which may conflict with free market principles and property rights emphasized by both the LP and LPO. The broad definition of political expenditures could also be seen as an overreach of government regulation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over utility operations
- Possibility of unintended consequences affecting utility funding
- Risk of reduced transparency in political spending
- ❌ SB244 Designate Abbey Gate Remembrance Day
The bill designates August 26th as 'Abbey Gate Remembrance Day' to honor members of the United States armed forces who lost their lives during an attack at the Abbey Gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Allies Refuge in 2021. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the Libertarian Party or Libertarian Party of Ohio principles as it involves government designation of a day of remembrance, which may be seen as a form of state endorsement of military actions and could conflict with the principles of limited government and individual liberty.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in commemorative events
- May conflict with principles of non-interventionism
- ❌ SB243 Require certain offices assist with claiming unclaimed funds
The bill requires the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and deputy registrars to assist individuals in locating and claiming unclaimed funds during in-person transactions. If a person requests assistance, the registrar or deputy registrar must check for unclaimed funds and help submit a claim if applicable. The registrar may adopt necessary policies and procedures for implementation. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill introduces a government requirement for registrars to assist with unclaimed funds, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual responsibility. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government roles in personal and economic matters, suggesting a mixed alignment with the bill.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in personal financial matters
- May lead to inefficiencies in government services
- Potential for misuse of personal information
- ❌ SB242 Regards the sale of used catalytic converters
The bill regulates the sale of used catalytic converters by requiring scrap metal dealers to register with the state, maintain records of transactions, and limits the number of converters that can be purchased from an individual. It establishes penalties for violations, including fines and potential felony charges for theft of catalytic converters. Additionally, it creates a task force to address catalytic converter theft. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes significant regulations on scrap metal dealers and restricts individual transactions, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. The penalties and regulatory requirements may also be viewed as an overreach of state power, undermining individual rights and property rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight and regulation of private business
- Potential for abuse of power by law enforcement
- Higher costs for scrap metal dealers due to compliance requirements
- ❌ SB241 Regards specified workers' compensation employer appeals
The bill imposes a fine of $50,000 against employers who appeal workers' compensation awards related to cancer incurred by firefighters if the employer loses the appeal. It outlines the appeal process, including timelines for filing notices and the conditions under which penalties and costs may be assessed. The bill applies specifically to cases involving firefighters and their claims for compensation or benefits for cancer contracted during official duties. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over employer actions by imposing penalties for appealing workers' compensation decisions, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of limited government intervention and individual rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of personal liberty and minimal government interference in economic matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over employer decisions
- Discourages employers from appealing legitimate claims
- Potentially raises costs for businesses
- ❌ SB240 Authorize county marijuana tax for art, culture, entertainment
SB240 authorizes county commissioners to levy an excise tax on the retail sale of adult use marijuana to fund artistic, cultural, and entertainment opportunities. The tax rate can be up to three percent and must be approved by a majority of voters in the county. The tax is in addition to existing taxes and can be levied for a maximum of ten years. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the legalization and taxation of marijuana, aligning with some Libertarian principles regarding personal liberty and self-ownership. However, it introduces a new tax mechanism, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on minimal taxation and government intervention, leading to a lower alignment score for both parties.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government control over marijuana sales
- Public funds may be misallocated or mismanaged
- Encourages reliance on tax revenue for cultural funding
- ❌ SB24 Adopt the 1905 Wright Flyer III as the state airplane
This bill enacts a new section of the Revised Code to officially designate the 1905 Wright Flyer III as the state airplane 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 represents a government action that designates a state symbol, which may be seen as unnecessary government involvement in cultural matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in cultural affairs
- Diverts attention from more pressing issues
- May set a precedent for further state designations
- ❌ SB239 Regards contributions to the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund
The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code regarding contributions to the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund, establishing a maximum thirty-year amortization period for unfunded actuarial accrued pension liabilities and detailing the contribution rates for police and firefighter employers. It requires the board to report if the amortization period exceeds thirty years and allows for adjustments to contribution rates based on actuarial valuations. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government-mandated contributions and taxation to fund public pensions, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and fiscal responsibility. It imposes financial obligations on employers and municipalities, which contradicts the Libertarian Party's advocacy for free markets and limited government.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over financial obligations
- Potential for higher taxes on property and businesses
- Long-term financial liabilities for municipalities
- ✔️ SB238 Limit liability for firearms dealers re: firearm hold agreements
The bill limits liability for federally licensed firearms dealers regarding firearm hold agreements, stating that no person can sue these dealers for actions arising from such agreements that result in personal injury or death, except in cases of unlawful conduct or if the firearm owner becomes prohibited from possessing firearms during the agreement period. It does not require dealers to enter into these agreements. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill supports the rights of firearms dealers and owners by limiting liability, aligning with the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for the right to bear arms and oppose restrictions on firearm ownership.
- ❌ SB236 Enact the Suicide Self-Defense Act
The bill establishes a 'do not possess firearms' registry in Ohio, allowing individuals to voluntarily register to prohibit themselves from purchasing, possessing, or transporting firearms. The Attorney General will manage the registry and develop a public awareness campaign. Individuals enrolled in the registry must surrender any firearms within 48 hours of registration, and violations of the registry's provisions will incur civil fines or community service requirements. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of self-ownership and individual rights by imposing a government registry that restricts the right to bear arms. It also contradicts the Libertarian Party of Ohio's platform advocating for the repeal of laws that restrict firearm ownership, as it creates a mechanism for individuals to voluntarily limit their rights.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for misuse of the registry leading to unjust restrictions on individual rights.
- Increased government control over personal choices regarding firearms.
- Risk of creating a precedent for further restrictions on personal liberties.
- ❌ SB235 Prohibit certain conduct that accelerates firearm's rate of fire
SB235 prohibits the importation, manufacture, sale, transfer, or possession of devices that accelerate the rate of fire of semi-automatic firearms, such as trigger cranks and bump-fire devices. The bill establishes penalties for violations, classifying them as felonies, and outlines exceptions for government entities. It also amends existing laws regarding firearm possession by individuals with certain legal disabilities. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts the ownership and use of certain firearm accessories, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of individual rights and the right to bear arms without government restrictions. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for the repeal of laws that limit firearm ownership and oppose government regulations on firearms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal property rights
- Potential for legal challenges regarding individual rights
- Criminalization of possession of certain firearm accessories
- ❌ SB234 Increase the state minimum wage
This bill amends sections of the Revised Code to increase the state minimum wage to $12 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with annual increases up to $15 per hour by January 1, 2029. It prohibits political subdivisions from establishing a different minimum wage and mandates the director of commerce to adjust the wage rate annually based on specified criteria. Employers must maintain records and provide information to employees regarding wage rates. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government-mandated wage increases, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for free markets and minimal government interference in employment contracts. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of voluntary agreements between employers and employees without government-imposed wage controls.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased unemployment due to higher labor costs for employers.
- Potential for reduced hours or layoffs as businesses adjust to mandated wage increases.
- Encouragement of inflationary pressures as businesses pass on costs to consumers.
- ❌ SB233 Create the Ohio Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force
The bill establishes the Ohio Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force, which will consist of various stakeholders including farmers, food processors, and community representatives. The task force is tasked with developing a plan to expand and support local and organic food systems in Ohio, identifying obstacles, opportunities for land preservation, and strategies for increasing food access. The task force must submit its report to the General Assembly within two years of its creation. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill creates a government task force aimed at expanding state involvement in local and organic food systems, which conflicts with the LP's principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. The LPO also opposes government contracts that create cronyism, which this bill may inadvertently support by favoring certain agricultural sectors.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government intervention in agriculture
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism in food production
- Financial burdens on taxpayers for task force operations
- ❌ SB232 Revise the law governing high volume dog breeders
The bill revises the law governing high volume dog breeders in Ohio, establishing requirements for the care and treatment of dogs, including food, water, housing conditions, exercise, and veterinary care. It mandates inspections of high volume breeders by the director of agriculture and outlines penalties for non-compliance. The bill also defines terms related to dog breeding and establishes standards for the welfare of breeding dogs. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes significant regulations on dog breeders, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and property rights. It restricts the freedom of breeders to operate without government oversight, which is contrary to the Libertarian Party's advocacy for individual rights and free markets. The Libertarian Party of Ohio also opposes excessive government regulation, which this bill exemplifies.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private businesses
- Potential for overreach in enforcement and inspections
- Negative impact on small breeders and pet businesses
- ❌ SB231 Establish community energy program and pilot program
The bill establishes a community energy program and pilot program in Ohio, defining community energy facilities and outlining the process for their construction, operation, and certification. It mandates public meetings for proposed facilities, allows township trustees to limit or prohibit construction, and sets guidelines for bill credits for subscribers of community energy facilities. The program aims to facilitate consumer participation and ensure equitable savings for subscribers. (Introduced In Senate) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in energy markets and imposes regulations on energy facilities, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. The requirement for public meetings and township resolutions adds layers of bureaucracy that may hinder individual property rights and market freedom.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over energy markets
- Potential for cronyism in the certification process
- Restrictions on property rights through local resolutions
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.