Legislation Empowering First Responders Sent to Ohio Governor for Signature

COLUMBUS- State Representatives Thomas Hall (R- Madison Twp.) and Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) are pleased to announce that the Ohio House of Representatives concurred with Senate amendments to House Bill 20, legislation to ensure first responders can safely and efficiently carry out their responsibilities during emergency situations.

The legislation, sponsored by Hall and Plummer, creates the offense of harassing an emergency service responder, commonly known as a first responder. An individual commits the offense if, after receiving a warning, they remain within 15 feet of a first responder performing official duties and either interfere with the responder's work or threaten them with physical harm.

House Bill 20 also strengthens penalties for obstructing official business, increasing the offense from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. If the violation creates a risk of physical harm to a first responder, the offense is elevated from a second-degree misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony.

The bill will also extend current law to include probation officers under the definition of emergency service responder.

"I am grateful for the Senate's work and passage of this important legislation," said Hall. "Protecting those who protect us is good policy and I'm thankful to see this legislation heading to the Governor's desk."

"H.B. 20 will provide First Responders the appropriate space to safely tend to emergency scenes. Anyone obstructing them, after receiving a warning, will be dealt with by being imposed criminal penalties," said Plummer.

House Bill 20 now awaits a signature from the Ohio Governor.