Abrams, Carruthers Introduce Law and Order Legislation

COLUMBUS— State Reps. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton) today announced the introduction of House Bill 784, legislation that creates new criminal offenses to combat rioting, looting, and violence in Ohio.

“Freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are important cornerstones of our democracy,” said Abrams during a virtual press conference. “This legislation embraces the right of all Americans to peacefully assemble and make their voice heard in the public arena while supporting first responders, law enforcement, small businesses and law-abiding Ohioans.”

H.B. 784 creates a new Riot Assault charge if a person engaged in an aggravated riot recklessly causes physical harm that is punishable by a fifth-degree felony. The charge is a fourth-degree felony if the assault is against a peace officer and a third-degree felony if the peace officer sustains serious physical harm.

Under the bill, penalties are increased for vandalizing public and private property and obstructing roadways during a disorderly assembly. H.B. 784 also allows peace officers who suffer injury to file civil suit against those responsible, including riot organizers.

Carruthers noted that these types of reckless and irresponsible actions are usually from a handful of agitators and detract from the core message of law-abiding demonstrators.

“When businesses are boarded up and shut down as a result of the actions of a few agitators, law-abiding Ohioans lose, small businesses lose, and jobs are lost,” said Carruthers. “This is a common sense bill that supports the right to peacefully assemble while holding accountable those who break the law.”

Today’s press conference can be viewed on OhioChannel.org. The bill awaits referral to a House committee.