Rep. David Thomas Supports Bill to Protect First Responders and Ensure the Safety of Ohio Communities

COLUMBUS— The Ohio House of Representatives passed commonsense legislation to ensure first responders can carry out their responsibilities effectively during emergency situations, announced State Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson).

House Bill 20 will increase the penalty of obstructing official business from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor if the victim of the offense is an emergency service responder, commonly known as a first responder, who is responding to an emergency in an official capacity. The bill will also extend current law to include probation officers under the definition of emergency service responder.

“Making sure that our emergency responders can stay safe and do their jobs effectively is something very important to residents,” said Thomas. “I have been contacted by several constituents prior to taking office on this issue. I was happy to support this legislation, and I thank the sponsors for their work and their past and continued service to Ohio.”

House Bill 20 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.