Columbus, Ohio – In response to a recent incident in which a Lorain police officer faced nationwide harassment after being cleared of wrongdoing, State Rep. Gayle Manning (R‑North Ridgeville) has sponsored a bipartisan bill to protect law enforcement officers and their families from the unlawful disclosure of personal information online.
Key provisions of the proposed law
The measure would make it a third‑degree felony to publicly share an officer’s private identifying details – such as home address, birth date or telephone number – when the purpose is to intimidate, threaten, or cause physical harm. Penalties could include fines up to $10,000, probation, or imprisonment.
Rep. Manning emphasized that the legislation is narrowly targeted at malicious doxxing and harassment. “It would not affect the news,” she said, adding that routine reporting or legitimate public‑interest speech would remain protected under the First Amendment.
Legislative context and support
The bill enjoys bipartisan backing in the Ohio General Assembly, with two retired law‑enforcement officers who now serve as legislators having signed on. Manning noted that this cross‑party support signals strong momentum for the proposal.
While a similar federal measure was introduced in Congress last September to safeguard federal law‑enforcement personnel, it has stalled in committee. Manning believes Ohio’s effort has a better chance of moving forward, especially as the current legislative session draws to a close.
Next steps and timeline
With the session winding down, proponents acknowledge limited time to secure passage this year. However, Manning pledged to reintroduce the bill in the next session if necessary, underscoring the administration’s commitment to protecting officers and their families from online abuse.
Stakeholders, including police unions and civil‑rights groups, are expected to weigh in during upcoming committee hearings. The outcome will shape how Ohio balances the protection of individual safety with constitutional free‑speech rights.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
