OH HB309

Establishes new section 306.20 authorizing Ohio transit systems to post notices in buses and rail cars stating "WE WILL NOT TOLERATE any form of threatening or aggressive behavior toward our staff" and warning that assaults might result in felony conviction.

Adds division (C)(10) to section 2903.13 making assault against an Ohio transit system bus or rail car operator a felony of the fifth degree, or a felony of the fourth degree if the offender has prior assault or homicide convictions; court may prohibit offender from riding transit for six months or lifetime.

Increases penalty for evading payment of public transportation fares under section 2917.41 from a misdemeanor of the fourth degree to a misdemeanor of the second degree.

Includes definitions of "Ohio transit system bus," "Ohio transit system rail car," and related terms to specify scope of transit operator protections.

Changes penalty classification for violating fare evasion provisions while maintaining separate penalties for other transportation misconduct violations like vandalism and non-compliance with officer orders.