Rep. Craig Supports Bill to Protect First Responders and Ensure the Safety of Ohio Communities

COLUMBUS— The Ohio House of Representatives passed commonsense legislation to ensure first responders can carry out their responsibilities effectively during emergency situations, announced State Representative Meredith Craig (R-Smithville).

House Bill 20 will increase the penalty of obstructing official business from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor if the victim of the offense is an emergency service responder, commonly known as a first responder, who is responding to an emergency in an official capacity. The bill will also extend current law to include probation officers under the definition of emergency service responder.

“As the wife of a Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy, this legislation hits close to home,” said Craig. “Ensuring that our first responders feel safe while performing their duties is essential. When we protect those who protect us, everyone in our community benefits.”

House Bill 20 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.