The Columbus Dispatch reports that a legislative panel cleared the rules Thursday. Statehouse spokesman Gregg Dodd has said the requirement was prompted by concerns about public safety.
The policy follows attempts to visit the Statehouse by a barefoot activist who says going shoeless is a healthy lifestyle.
Bob Neinast of the Columbus suburb of Pickerington says his feet hurt when he wears shoes, so he goes barefoot nearly everywhere, even in winter.
The new rule approved by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review says all visitors must be wearing "shoes or comparable footwear."
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
