Bill > HB544

This bill amends Ohio's obstructing justice law to expand the definition and penalties for interfering with law enforcement. The legislation adds "arrest" to several sections describing actions that constitute obstruction of justice, such as hindering the discovery, apprehension, prosecution, or punishment of a person who committed a crime. The bill introduces a new provision specifically addressing obstruction related to immigration enforcement, establishing that preventing or obstructing an arrest by a federal immigration enforcement agency is now a third-degree felony. The bill maintains the existing framework of varying penalties based on the severity of the underlying crime, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies of different degrees. Notably, a person can be charged with obstruction of justice even if the original person they are helping is not ultimately arrested or convicted. The changes aim to provide law enforcement with broader tools to prosecute individuals who intentionally interfere with criminal investigations or arrests, with particular emphasis on adding specific language about arrests and immigration enforcement actions.

Justice

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb544