Clermont Times

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed legislation aimed at bolstering the ability of first responders to perform their duties during emergencies. State Representative Adam Bird, representing New Richmond, announced the passage of House Bill 20.

The proposed bill seeks to increase the penalty for obstructing official business from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor when the victim is an emergency service responder engaged in their official duties. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of emergency service responders to include probation officers.

"First responders are often putting their lives on the line," stated Bird. "We need to protect them as much as possible through this bill."

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