Opposition to HB 20 – Protecting First Amendment Rights and Public Transparency

I am writing to express my firm opposition to House Bill 20. While the safety of first responders is a goal we all share, this legislation is a redundant and dangerous overreach that threatens the constitutional rights of every Ohioan. I urge you to consider the following flaws within the bill that make it both unnecessary and harmful: - Redundancy of Law: Ohio already has statutes (ORC 2921.31) that criminalize the physical obstruction of official business. Proponents have yet to provide data showing that current laws are insufficient to protect first responders. HB 20 does not solve a new problem; it merely creates a new tool for the selective suppression of bystanders. Arbitrary Buffer Zones: The 14-foot rule creates a floating, subjective no-go zone. In practice, this allows an officer to unilaterally push witnesses and journalists so far back that they cannot effectively document an encounter. This is a direct strike against the transparency required for a healthy democracy. - Vagueness of Terminology: The bill is dangerously silent on what constitutes a "disruption" or "interruption." As written, a person could be arrested for simply yelling important medical information about a suspect or questioning the legality of an arrest from a safe distance. These low hurdles for criminal charges invite abuse and retaliatory arrests. - Chilling Effect on Accountability: By criminalizing proximity rather than actual physical interference, HB 20 creates a chilling effect. Citizens will fear exercising their First Amendment right to record police interactions, which is often the only mechanism available to deter law enforcement overreach and ensure the safety of residents. Similar buffer zone laws in other states have already faced significant legal challenges and court scrutiny for their First Amendment violations. Ohio should not invite the same litigation by passing a performative bill that inherently casts too wide a net over protected speech and activity. I ask that you stand for government transparency and the civil liberties of your constituents by voting NO on HB 20.