House Committees Begin Hearings on Legislation to Prohibit Curfews Set by Municipalities, to Codify Criminal Rule 46

COLUMBUS –State Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) yesterday provided sponsor testimony on two important pieces of legislation.

In response to recent curfews set in Columbus, House Bill 180 will restrict a municipality or charter county from imposing a curfew unless the curfew applies to individuals under the age of 18 or is in response to a state of emergency. 

“This is a law that would protect the general health, safety, and welfare of law abiding Ohioans conducting lawful business in the state,” said Swearingen during sponsor testimony. “The city should not be able to pick winners and losers.”

This legislation will continue to receive hearings in the House Government Oversight Committee.

House Bill 191 will codify Criminal Rule 46, which addresses pretrial release and detention for individuals accused of a crime. With the recent election by the Supreme Court to repeal this rule and direct guidance for pretrial release and detention to be determined by the General Assembly, this legislation will provide clear guidance to Ohio Judges.

This bill will continue to receive hearings in the House Criminal Justice Committee.