How HB 20 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies and increases penalties for obstructing official business when the victim is an emergency service responder and clarifies penalties for menacing a probation officer.

• Section 2903.22

  menacing is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. → menacing is one of the following: (1) Except as otherwise provided in division (B)(2) of this section, a misdemeanor of the first degree;

  The penalty for menacing an emergency service responder is increased to a misdemeanor of the first degree.

• Section 2903.22

  menacing is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. → menacing is a felony of the fourth degree.

  The penalty for menacing an emergency service responder with a prior conviction is changed to a felony of the fourth degree.

• Section 2921.31

  obstructing official business is a misdemeanor of the second degree. → obstructing official business is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

  The penalty for obstructing official business is increased to a misdemeanor of the first degree when the victim is an emergency service responder.

• Section 2921.31

  obstructing official business is a misdemeanor of the second degree. → obstructing official business is a felony of the fourth degree.

  The penalty is changed to a felony of the fourth degree if obstructing an emergency service responder creates a risk of physical harm.

• Section 2921.31

  obstructing official business is a misdemeanor of the second degree. → obstructing official business is a felony of the fifth degree.

  The penalty is changed to a felony of the fifth degree if obstructing official business creates a risk of physical harm to someone other than an emergency service responder.

• Section 2903.22

  A prosecution for a violation of this section does not preclude a prosecution of a violation of any other section of the Revised Code.

  The provisions regarding prosecution of multiple offenses under this section are clarified.

• Section 2903.22

  probation officer. → probation officer.

  The definition of emergency service responder is clarified to explicitly include probation officers.