The bill amends sections 2903.22 and 2921.31 of the Revised Code to enhance penalties for obstructing official business and menacing when the victim is an emergency service responder or a probation officer. Specifically, it establishes that if a person obstructs an emergency service responder engaged in their lawful duties after receiving a warning, the offense is classified as a misdemeanor of the first degree. Additionally, if the obstruction creates a risk of physical harm to any person, it escalates to a felony of the fifth degree. The bill also clarifies the definitions of "emergency service responder" and "probation officer," ensuring that probation officers are included under the protections afforded to emergency service responders.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the definition of menacing to include heightened penalties when the victim is an emergency service responder or a probation officer performing their official duties. The existing language regarding family members and household members is updated to align with definitions in section 2903.13 of the Revised Code. The bill repeals the previous versions of sections 2903.22 and 2921.31, effectively replacing them with the newly amended language.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2903.22
As Reported By House Committee: 2903.22, 2921.31
As Passed By House: 2903.22, 2921.31