OH HB20

Increases the penalty for obstructing official business from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor when the victim is an emergency service responder performing their legal duty and has issued a verbal warning to the person before or during the obstructing conduct.

Defines "warning" as a verbal command by an emergency service responder instructing a person to maintain distance, stay away, back away, not interfere, or similar instruction communicated in a manner a reasonable person would understand requires compliance.

Expands the definition of "emergency service responder" in the menacing statute to explicitly include probation officers appointed by municipal courts, county courts, and courts of common pleas.

Maintains existing penalty structure where obstructing official business that creates a risk of physical harm remains a fifth-degree felony, and standard obstructing official business remains a second-degree misdemeanor.

Amends Ohio Revised Code sections 2903.22 (menacing) and 2921.31 (obstructing official business).