Rep. Brennan Applauds Enactment of Bipartisan HALO Act Protecting Ohio's First Responders and Probation Officers

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) today celebrated the enactment of the bipartisan HALO Act, legislation he proudly supported to provide additional protections for Ohio’s emergency service responders and probation officers while they perform their official duties.

HALO stands for “Helping Heroes Actively on Location.” The name reflects the bill’s purpose: creating a protective buffer around first responders who are actively working at emergency scenes so they can safely perform their duties without unnecessary interference or threats.

“As a former teacher, city council president, and now state representative, I have always believed that supporting public safety and protecting civil society go hand in hand,” Rep. Brennan said. “Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and probation officers serve our communities every day, often placing themselves in dangerous situations. They deserve the ability to do their jobs without intimidation or obstruction.”

The legislation makes several important changes to Ohio law:

• Creates a 15-foot safety zone: After an emergency service responder gives a clear verbal warning directing someone to maintain their distance, a person may not knowingly remain within 15 feet if they impede the responder’s work or threaten them with physical harm.
• Strengthens penalties for obstruction: Obstructing official business involving an emergency service responder after a warning is increased from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor.
• Increases penalties when safety is endangered: If the obstruction creates a risk of physical harm to an emergency service responder, the offense becomes a fourth-degree felony. If the conduct creates a risk of harm to another person, it remains a fifth-degree felony.
• Extends enhanced menacing protections to probation officers: The law clarifies that probation officers receive the same heightened protections against menacing that already apply to other emergency service responders, recognizing the important public safety role they fulfill.

Importantly, the law does not prohibit peaceful observation, recording, or constitutionally protected speech. Instead, it applies only after a responder issues a warning and when an individual knowingly interferes with the responder’s lawful duties or threatens physical harm.

“I know there have been questions about this legislation, and I believe it is important for Ohioans to understand exactly what it does,” Rep. Brennan added. “People retain their First Amendment rights, including the ability to observe and record public officials. What this law addresses are intentional interference that prevents first responders from doing their jobs safely after they have given a lawful warning.”

Rep. Brennan noted that the legislation received bipartisan support because protecting those who protect our communities should never be a partisan issue.

“I want to thank the police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and probation officers who serve Parma, Parma Heights, Cleveland, and communities throughout Cuyahoga County and Ohio. Their commitment and professionalism make our neighborhoods safer every day. This legislation recognizes the difficult work they perform and provides them with additional tools to safely carry out their responsibilities,” Rep. Brennan noted.

“Supporting first responders, protecting constitutional rights, and keeping everyone safe at a scene are not competing values,” Rep. Brennan concluded. “We can, and should, do all of these. I was proud to vote for legislation that helps ensure our emergency personnel can focus on saving lives and protecting the public while respecting the rights of Ohio citizens.”