Ginter, Miller Introduce Bill Protecting Display of Thin Blue Line Flag

State Reps. Tim Ginter (R-Salem) and Kevin Miller (R-Newark) have introduced House Bill 712, which further supports the display of the thin blue line flag. The flag is known nationwide to be in support of law enforcement. Ginter previously introduced the measure at the Statehouse.

“I introduced this same measure during the 132nd General Assembly, and I believe we should continue showing our support for the courage and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers,” Ginter said.

Specifically, the bill would prohibit manufactured home park operators, condominium associations, neighborhood associations, and landlords from restricting the display of the thin blue line flag. 

Miller, who has been with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for over twenty years, had this very issue come up within his district.

“Unfortunately, a home association tried to deter the father of Kirkersville Police Department’s former Chief Eric DiSario, from displaying the flag that was in support of his late son Eric,” Miller said. “With rising crime nationwide, now more than ever we need to commend the efforts and bravery of our law enforcement officers, and displaying this flag is not something groups should be prohibiting.”

Miller is referencing former Kirkersville Police Chief, Eric DiSario, who was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty on May 12, 2017.

Both representatives have been staunch supporters of law enforcement to assist the agencies in protecting residents and communities. Their support for law enforcement has been through several bills, including the state budget that had significant funding for:

·         Law Enforcement Training – $15 million for a one-year police training pilot program to assist law enforcement agencies with training costs. The legislation would also create a 12-member Law Enforcement Training Funding Study Commission to study possible long-term methods for providing state aid to law enforcement agencies for training peace officers.

·         Body Cameras – $10 million for grants to state and local law enforcement agencies to implement or enhance body-worn camera programs.

·         School Safety Grants – $24 million for safety grants for schools, educational service centers, local law enforcement agencies, and schools operated by county boards of developmental disabilities.

·         Crime Reduction Grants – Provides $4 million for grants to local law enforcement agencies for crime reduction initiatives. 

The legislation currently has several cosponsors and awaits its committee assignment.