A bill that would explicitly require drivers and passengers to provide basic identifying information during certain traffic stops is awaiting action from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine after receiving approval from the Ohio General Assembly. House Bill 492 passed the Ohio Senate on June 10 after previously passing the Ohio House in November.

Legislation Details

The legislation is sponsored by Sharon Ray and Cindy Abrams. If signed into law, the measure would establish criminal penalties for individuals who refuse to provide identifying information during qualifying traffic stops. Under House Bill 492, a person who refuses to provide a name, address, or date of birth during a traffic stop could be charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor.

Supporters of the legislation say the measure would clarify existing law and provide law enforcement officers with a clearer legal framework during traffic stops. Law enforcement officials testified during committee hearings that uncertainty in current law can complicate routine traffic stops.

Medina Police Chief Edward Kinney told lawmakers that minor traffic offenses fall into what he described as a legal gray area regarding identification requirements. Ohio law already requires drivers to provide a driver’s license or satisfactory proof of licensure when requested by law enforcement during a traffic stop.

Opposition and Next Steps

Opposition testimony during legislative hearings came from the Office of the Ohio Public Defender. Legislative officer Zach Miller expressed concern about increasing criminal penalties for conduct that does not involve violence. Under Ohio law, the governor has 10 days, excluding Sundays, to sign or veto legislation after it is formally presented to him.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.