Bill > HB20

This bill amends Ohio law to strengthen protections for emergency service responders and probation officers by creating enhanced penalties for harassing or impeding them while they are performing their official duties. The legislation expands the definition of "emergency service responder" to explicitly include probation officers and creates more severe criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly harass, menace, or obstruct these public servants. Specifically, the bill increases the potential punishment for menacing an emergency service responder or their family members from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor, and potentially a fourth-degree felony if the offender has a prior violent offense against such a professional. Additionally, the bill establishes escalating penalties for obstructing an emergency service responder's official duties, ranging from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor if the responder has issued a warning, and potentially a fifth-degree felony if the obstruction creates a risk of physical harm. The legislation aims to provide greater legal protection and deterrence against interference with critical public service professionals by clarifying existing laws and introducing more stringent consequences for violations.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb20