Bill > SB188

This bill amends Ohio law to expand the offense of failure to comply with an order or signal of a law enforcement officer. Specifically, the bill broadens the definition of non-compliance by changing references from "police officer" to "law enforcement officer" and adding new provisions that create more stringent penalties for resisting or evading law enforcement. The bill introduces several key changes: it creates new felony-level offenses for refusing to exit a location when an officer is attempting to apprehend someone for a felony or violent misdemeanor, establishes escalating degrees of penalties based on the circumstances of non-compliance (such as creating a risk of harm or having a weapon), and mandates consecutive prison terms for certain violations. For example, if a person refuses to comply with an officer's order and creates a risk of serious physical harm, or indicates possession of a weapon, they could face a second-degree felony with a mandatory prison term. The bill also modifies sentencing guidelines to provide judges with more specific instructions on how to impose prison terms and consider the severity of the offense, ultimately aiming to enhance law enforcement's ability to safely and effectively carry out their duties.

Justice

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb188