Reps. Abrams and Plummer Introduce the Larry Henderson Act

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) recently introduced legislation entitled the Larry Henderson Act after the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy who was tragically killed while working security detail at the University of Cincinnati’s Spring Commencement on May 2, 2025. 

The Larry Henderson Act aims to increase penalties for aggravated murder in the State of Ohio when the victim is a peace officer, prosecutor, first responder, or military member. The legislation will specifically mandate the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for adult offenders convicted of killing individuals in these protected roles.

“Our first responders should be able to do their jobs without fear of violent retaliation,” said Abrams. “And the families of deceased first responders shouldn’t have to go through the stress and grief of wondering whether or not the parole board will keep their loved ones’ murderer behind bars.”

“The Larry Henderson Act will hold adults accountable for knowingly killing a peace officer, prosecutor, first responder, or military member,” said Plummer. “The offender will receive either the death penalty or life without parole. This is a major consequence for a serious crime.” 

Deputy Henderson served his community with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for 33 years, beginning in 1991. 

The legislation awaits a bill number and House committee assignment.