The bill amends sections 2903.13 and 2917.41 of the Revised Code and enacts section 306.20 to enhance penalties for assaults against operators of Ohio transit system buses or rail cars, as well as for evading public transportation fares. It classifies assaults against transit operators as a fifth-degree felony, with increased penalties for repeat offenders. The bill also allows transit systems to post notices that inform the public about the zero-tolerance policy for threatening or aggressive behavior towards staff, which may lead to felony charges. The new section 306.20 outlines the requirements for these notices, ensuring they are prominently displayed and communicate the rights of staff to work safely.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions related to the protection of emergency service responders and transit operators, specifying the circumstances under which offenses are committed against them. It also modifies existing laws to increase penalties for fare evasion and non-compliance with public transportation police orders, elevating the classification of certain misdemeanors. A portion of the fines collected from these violations will be allocated to the county treasury and the relevant transit authority. The bill ultimately repeals the existing sections 2903.13 and 2917.41, which may have contained outdated provisions, thereby streamlining the legal framework surrounding public transportation offenses.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2903.13, 2917.41