Butler County Today

State Representatives Thomas Hall and Phil Plummer have announced the passage of House Bill 20 by the Ohio House of Representatives. The legislation aims to enhance the ability of first responders to perform their duties effectively during emergencies.

The bill, led by Hall and Plummer, proposes an increase in the penalty for obstructing official business from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor if the victim is an emergency service responder. This category includes first responders attending to emergencies in an official capacity. Additionally, the bill seeks to expand the definition of emergency service responder to encompass probation officers.

"This bill will allow our first responders the space to do their jobs and increase public safety as a result," said Hall. "It is essential that our first responders are able to safely and efficiently carry out their duties without distraction or interference."

Plummer added, "H.B. 20 will add another layer of protections to our first responders. It will increase penalties for individuals who obstruct first responders while they are performing their duties."

House Bill 20 will now proceed to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.