A new Ohio law taking effect this fall will create a 15-foot buffer zone around police officers and other first responders, making it a crime for people to ignore warnings to keep their distance while emergency personnel are performing their duties.
Details of the Law
Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 20 into law on July 7 after it passed the Ohio House and Senate with bipartisan support. The legislation, sponsored by Reps. Thomas Hall and Phil Plummer, will take effect in October.
Under the new law, a person who knowingly approaches or remains within 15 feet of a first responder after being warned to stay back — while interfering with the responder’s duties or threatening physical harm — can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.
A conviction could carry penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. The law also increases criminal penalties in more serious situations. If the violation creates a risk of physical harm to a first responder, the offense can be elevated to a fourth-degree felony. If it creates a risk of physical harm to someone other than a first responder, the charge can become a fifth-degree felony.
Support and Opposition
Supporters say the measure provides clearer legal authority for officers and emergency personnel to maintain safe working distances during emergencies. Robert Butler, police chief for the City of Independence and president of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, said during legislative testimony that the bill is intended to improve safety without limiting constitutional rights.
The legislation drew opposition from the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, which argued the language could be interpreted too broadly. Gary Daniels, the organization’s legislative director, told lawmakers the bill could potentially affect constitutionally protected activities such as peaceful protests if not applied carefully.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
