OH HB504

Increases the penalty for "disturbing a lawful meeting" from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor when the violation targets religious worship assemblages at tax-exempt places of worship.

Applies enhanced penalty when conduct is intended to disturb or disquiet any assemblage of people met for religious worship, whether the conduct occurs within the place of worship or on its property.

Extends enhanced penalty protection to virtual meetings or gatherings for religious worship conducted through computers, computer systems, telecommunications devices, or other electronic systems.

Defines "virtual meeting or gathering" as a meeting or gathering by interactive video conference or teleconference, or by a combination thereof.

Repeals the existing section 2917.12 of the Revised Code and replaces it with the amended version.