1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent to express my strong opposition to Ohio Senate Bill 188. As written, SB 188 grants overly broad authority to law enforcement while placing troubling restrictions on free speech. These provisions go beyond what is necessary for public safety and risk undermining fundamental constitutional rights. Granting expansive discretionary power without sufficient safeguards invites abuse and erodes public trust in both law enforcement and government institutions. Free speech and the right to express dissent are cornerstones of a healthy democracy. Any legislation that chills lawful expression or allows citizens to be penalized for protected speech should be approached with extreme caution. SB 188, in its current form, fails to strike an appropriate balance between safety and civil liberties. I urge you to oppose SB 188 and to advocate for policies that protect public safety without sacrificing the rights and freedoms guaranteed to Ohioans. Please stand up for the constitutional principles that serve as the foundation of our state and country. In light of the apparent overreach of law enforcement that ended the life of a woman in Minnesota, this is an issue I take very seriously and has serious implications for the future of democracy in our state and our nation. Thank you for your time and for representing our community. I look forward to your position on this matter.