COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio is in the final stretch ahead of Decision 2024, and political yard signs are being displayed across properties ahead of election day.

Now, a bill has been introduced at the Ohio Statehouse that would let people place all types of yard signs across their private property without interference from their homeowners association.

State Rep. Brian Lorenz, R-District 60, introduced House Bill 668. It aims to prohibit homeowners associations from restricting political yard signs no matter where a person leans on the political spectrum.

"Individuals want to be able to express their support of candidates and issues on both sides of the aisle," Lorenz said. "So, I've had a number of people in my district, you know, raise those concerns with me. And so I thought now would be a good time to bring it forward."

Lorenz said all yard signs will fall under his bill, including graduation and birthday signs. He says some homeowners associations have tried to get their residents to take down signs if they believe it interferes with the way a neighborhood looks. It could depend on the HOA from gentle reminders to fines for those who don’t oblige.

"We're not asking for a huge display, flags and things like that," Lorenz said. "So the bill really concentrates on a normal, four by two by four sign."

He says it all comes down to the first amendment, and free speech is covered under it. Lorenz says the legislature has been supportive in the past of similar efforts. He brought up an example of the state legislature passing a bill last year allowing a firefighters flag.

State Rep. Casey Weinstein, D-District 34, says he is supporting this proposal at the moment.

"I'm actually supportive of this Republican effort to remove restrictions on folks being able to place a sign on their property," Weinstein said. "I've had many constituents reach out to me frustrated at limitations that are placed on them. I think it varies significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood."

Meanwhile, back in the year 2000, the ACLU filed lawsuits challenging local municipalities' ban on signs. Gary Daniels, representing the ACLU, says they believe free speech is critical and are supporting this proposal. But, the handful of lines it adds to the exisiting laws could spark minor discussion.

"What the bill does not do is overturn or change all of these local laws with regards to political yard signage," Daniels said. "But, only as it applies to an HOA type environment."

The proposal still needs to be assigned to a committee before moving forward with further discussion.