Ohio Governor Signs Bill to Empower & Protect First Responders

COLUMBUS—State Representative Thomas Hall (R-Madison Twp.) is pleased to announce that Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 20, legislation to ensure first responders can safely and efficiently carry out their responsibilities during emergency situations.

The legislation, sponsored by Hall and State Representative Phil Plummer (R-Dayton), creates the offense of harassing an emergency service responder, commonly known as a first responder, ensuring they have the necessary amount of space to get their jobs done and remain focused on the incident at hand.  An individual commits the offense if, after receiving a warning, they remain within 15 feet of a first responder performing official duties and either interfere with the responder’s work or threaten them with physical harm.

House Bill 20 also strengthens penalties for obstructing official business, increasing the offense from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. If the violation creates a risk of physical harm to a first responder, the offense is elevated from a second-degree misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony.

The bill will also extend current law to include probation officers under the definition of emergency service responder.

“I’m grateful to see this commonsense bill signed into law,” said Hall. “It will directly increase the safety and wellbeing of our communities and our first responders by making sure they are able to do their jobs.”