House Committee Begins Hearings on Larry Henderson Act

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) today provided sponsor testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on the Larry Henderson Act, named after the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy, who was tragically killed while working security detail at the University of Cincinnati’s Spring Commencement on May 2, 2025. 

House Bill 372, spearheaded by Abrams and Plummer, will modify the criminal sentence for the aggravated murder of a peace officer, prosecutor, first responder, or military member, to either imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole or death.

“Our first responders—those who selflessly put their lives on the line for our safety each and every day—deserve our support and protection,” said Abrams.

“The Larry Henderson Act will add another level of protection to our first responders,” said Plummer. “If you kill a first responder, your consequence will be either life without parole, or the death penalty. We have had ten officers shot in Ohio this year; this action will not be tolerated.”

Deputy Henderson was a U.S. Marine and served his community with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for 33 years, beginning in 1991. 

The Larry Henderson Act awaits further consideration from the House Judiciary Committee.