Ohio Law and Order Act Passes in the House

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 109, also known as the Ohio Law and Order Act, which creates new criminal offenses to combat rioting, looting and violence in Ohio.

“Our legislation is straight forward: It embraces the right of all Americans to peacefully assemble and make their voice heard – but it also says, when you break the law, there will be consequences,” said joint sponsor of the bill, State Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison).

Under the bill, peace officers will be allowed to bring civil suits against persons participating in a riot and increases the penalties for disorderly conduct when the offender hinders the movement of people if the violation occurs during a riot or illegal protest.

The Ohio Law and Order Act creates the following offenses:

• Riot assault that prohibits a person engaged in riot or aggravated riot from recklessly causing physical harm to another person;
• Riot vandalism that prohibits a person engaged in riot or aggravated riot from recklessly causing physical harm to certain property;
• Harassment in a place of public accommodation that prohibits a person engaged in riot or aggravated riot from recklessly harassing or intimidating another in a place of public accommodation; and
• Bias motivated intimidation that prohibits a person from harming another person or property based on the victim’s status as a first responder.

“Those who show up to cause trouble and riot are unfortunately taking away from the messages of the peaceful protestors. It is these individuals – those whose actions are violent and destructive – that are the focus of this bill,” added Abrams.

The bill now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.