OH HB674

Enacts the Public Bus Driver Protection Act to increase penalties for assaults against Ohio transit system employees, including bus operators, rail car operators, and maintenance workers.

Makes assault against a transit system employee a felony of the fifth degree when the offender knows or has reasonable cause to know the victim's employment status and is engaged in performance of duties.

Authorizes Ohio transit systems to post warning notices in buses and rail cars stating the system will not tolerate threatening or aggressive behavior toward staff and that assaults might result in felony convictions.

Adds new definitions to Ohio law for "Ohio transit system bus," "Ohio transit system rail car," and "Ohio transit system" to support the protective measures.

Applies to contracted employees providing bus operation, rail car operation, or maintenance services to Ohio transit systems, in addition to direct employees.