The bill amends sections 2927.12 and 4112.01 of the Revised Code and enacts section 4112.20 to define antisemitism for state agency investigations and proceedings. It introduces a formal definition of "antisemitism" based on the working definition adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016. Additionally, the bill expands the offense of ethnic intimidation to include acts of riot and aggravated riot that are committed due to the race, color, religion, or national origin of individuals or groups.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that state agencies consider the newly defined antisemitism when reviewing or investigating potential violations of laws or policies against discrimination. It clarifies that the definition of antisemitism does not infringe upon rights protected by the First Amendment or any other antidiscrimination laws. The existing sections 2927.12 and 4112.01 are repealed, streamlining the legal framework surrounding ethnic intimidation and antisemitism in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2927.12, 4112.01