By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 20 establishing a 15-foot mandatory buffer zone around working law enforcement officers in Ohio.
- The legislation forbids individuals from remaining within the 15-foot zone around officers after receiving a warning or if their presence interferes with police actions.
- The law also elevates “obstructing official business” to a fourth-degree felony if the violation creates a risk of physical harm to a first responder.
- Representative Phil Plummer stated the legislation is designed to allow first responders to focus on their duties and remain focused on incidents without obstruction.
- The bill’s sponsors characterized the measure as protecting first responders while preserving citizens’ rights to record events and provide assistance.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 20 into law, establishing a 15-foot buffer zone around working law enforcement officers to enhance officer safety and operational effectiveness during emergency response activities.
The legislation prohibits individuals from remaining within a 15-foot perimeter around police officers after receiving a warning to vacate the area or if their presence materially interferes with law enforcement operations. The statute applies regardless of whether the individual’s actions constitute a direct threat to officer safety.
House Bill 20 also establishes that violating the buffer zone restriction constitutes obstructing official business, a standard misdemeanor offense. However, if the violation creates a risk of physical harm to a first responder, the offense elevates to a fourth-degree felony, a more serious classification carrying enhanced criminal penalties.
Representative Phil Plummer, one of the bill’s sponsors, characterized the measure as balancing public and officer interests. “In this legislation, we are not saying people cannot be helpful, and we are not saying people cannot record the event that is going on,” Plummer stated. “This legislation is simply providing the first responders the ability and opportunity to do their jobs more effectively and remain focused on the incident at hand.”
The bill’s sponsors stated the measure is designed to allow first responders to focus on their duties and protect communities by reducing distractions and hazards created by civilian proximity during active police operations.