HB 20: Prohibit harassing or impeding an emergency service responder
HB 20 status: Introduced — Effective 10/6/26 (updated Oct 6, 2026).
What this bill does
Overall score
Bill summary
OfficialTo amend section 2903.22 and to enact section 2927.31 of the Revised Code to prohibit a person from knowingly harassing or impeding an emergency service responder who is engaged in the lawful performance of a legal duty and to clarify that heightened penalties apply for menacing a probation officer.
Key analysis
Impact analysis
Environment
Benefits
- No direct environmental benefit identified
Risks
- No direct environmental risk identified
Economy
Benefits
- No direct economic benefit identified
Risks
- Potential for marginal increase in judicial and correctional costs.
Society
Benefits
- Enhanced legal protections for emergency responders.
- Increased deterrents for menacing probation officers.
Risks
- Potential for broad interpretation of harassment to chill protected speech.
How trustworthy & consequential it is
Source
OpenStates
Confidence
lowlow
Analysis status
OpenStates summary
Broad language regarding 'harassment' could risk constitutional challenges concerning free speech and due process.
Analysis based solely on summary; full statutory language not reviewed.
Where it stands
Introduced
CurrentEffective 10/6/26
Committee
UpcomingFloor
UpcomingGovernor
UpcomingEnacted
UpcomingHow it affects your district
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