cops
House passes bill creating new criminal charges for protesters
Ohio House Republicans passed legislation Friday that would expand the definition of “obstruction of justice” broadly enough to capture protest activity, according to social justice activists and civil rights advocates who testified against the bill. The legislation would qualify failing to follow a “lawful order from a law enforcement officer” as the obstruction of justice. […]
Senate passes bill making new penalties for crimes against police
The Ohio Senate unanimously passed legislation Wednesday that would increase penalties on protesters and others for alleged offenses against police. Senate Bill 16 would create a new criminal offense: “unlawfully impeding public passage of an Emergency Service Responder (ESR).” It prohibits people from “recklessly obstructing” a highway, street, or sidewalk in such a manner as […]
House Republicans pitch $1,000 bonus for cops, EMS, firefighters
Ohio House Republicans announced Wednesday a proposal pay $1,000 bonuses to police, firefighters, and EMS workers. Relief dollars from the American Rescue Plan, President Joe Biden’s signature COVID-19 economic relief package, would pay for the checks. The plan at large would cost about $83 million, the sponsors said. Rep. Craig Riedel, R-Defiance, said at a […]
One year after murder of George Floyd, police reform stalled in Ohio
About a month after a Minneapolis police officer murdered George Floyd during an arrest last summer, Gov. Mike DeWine announced a package of proposals he said would impose accountability on police. As of Tuesday, the one-year anniversary of Floyd’s death, none of those proposals became law or even went up for a vote. In mid-April […]
Bill removing duty to tell cops about concealed weapons advances
Republicans on a state House committee passed legislation Tuesday removing a requirement for licensed Ohioans to notify police that they’re carrying a concealed handgun or have one in the vehicle. Under House Bill 89, the CCW (concealed carry) licensees would only need to inform police about a weapon if the officer in question asks. Only […]