OH HB222

Increases penalty for assault against Ohio transit system employees to a felony of the fifth degree, with optional fines up to $5,000 and six-month transit riding prohibition; elevates to felony of the fourth degree for repeat offenders with lifetime transit riding prohibition.

Authorizes Ohio transit systems to post warning notices stating that abuse or assault of staff will not be tolerated and might result in felony conviction.

Amends section 2917.41 to increase penalty for evading payment of known public transportation fares from misdemeanor of the fourth degree to misdemeanor of the second degree.

Creates new section 306.20 establishing requirements and standards for warning notices that transit systems may post in buses and rail cars.

Applies enhanced assault penalties only when the offender knew or should have reasonably known the victim was a transit employee engaged in performing their duties.