Two Bills Championed by Rep. Plummer Signed Into Law

State Representative Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) is pleased to share that Governor DeWine yesterday signed two pieces of his legislation, House Bills 20 and 210, into law.

House Bill 20, jointly sponsored by Reps. Plummer and Thomas Hall (R- Madison Twp.), will increase the penalty for obstructing official business from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor if the victim of the offense is an emergency service responder, commonly known as a first responder, who is responding to an emergency in an official capacity. The bill will also extend current law to include probation officers under the definition of emergency service responder.

"HB 20 will be a vital tool to protect our first responders. It allows a 15-foot buffer zone so emergency services can safely perform their jobs," Plummer said. "We must give the first responders the proper space to keep everyone safe."

House Bill 210, jointly sponsored by Reps. Plummer and Bill Roemer (R-Richfield), works to protect Ohioans from catalytic converter theft. The bill intends to better protect consumers from catalytic converter theft, equip law enforcement, and create more transparent guidelines for businesses. Catalytic converters take about three minutes to steal and appeal to those who need cash fast, as they contain precious metals.

"HB 210 will be a valuable tool to combat catalytic converter thefts. Ohioans are tired of the costly repair bills due to thieves stealing their property. This bill will hold those offenders accountable for this crime," Plummer said.

Both pieces of legislation are now enrolled.