OH HB276

Expands the offense of aggravated menacing under Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.21 to include threatening utility workers, cable operator workers, or broadband workers with a deadly weapon when the offender intends to obstruct utility, cable, or broadband service operations.

Requires that the offender knows or has reasonable cause to know the worker's profession and that the worker is engaged in performing their duties for the offense to apply.

Establishes enhanced penalties: violation of the new provision is a felony of the fifth degree, or a felony of the fourth degree if the offender has a prior conviction for aggravated menacing.

Defines key terms including "utility worker," "cable operator worker," and "broadband worker" as employees, contractors, or agents of entities that operate or maintain utility, cable, or broadband infrastructure.

Maintains existing penalties for aggravated menacing as a misdemeanor of the first degree, with enhanced penalties for offenses against public children services agency employees or those with prior convictions.