Representatives Odioso and Abrams Introduce Bill to Extend Son of Sam Law to Crowdfunding Platforms

COLUMBUS, OH - State Representatives Mike Odioso (R-Green Twp.) and Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) yesterday introduced legislation to extend Ohio's "Son of Sam" Law to crowdfunding platforms. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability, ensuring individuals accused or convicted of violent crimes cannot profit through online fundraisers.

The legislation comes after Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson was intentionally killed on May 2nd. Following the tragedy, a fundraiser was launched on GiveSendGo to support the accused driver, raising nearly $54,000. Unlike other platforms that removed similar campaigns, GiveSendGo allowed it to continue, raising concerns about the regulation of crowdfunding sites.

The bill will require platforms to clearly disclose how funds are used, maintain transparency in payment, and set rules for returning unused funds. It will also extend "Son of Sam" protections to prevent criminals from benefiting from violent acts through crowdfunding.

"Drafted with key law enforcement input from Ohio Attorney General David Yost, the goal is to ensure subsequent fund expenditures are consistent with the published purpose while holding platforms and crowdfunders accountable for crowdfunders' ill-gotten personal gain," said Odioso.

"This legislation will close a legal loophole that turns tragedy into a spectacle," said Abrams. "We as a society have a moral obligation to uphold the law and should not be engaging in crowdfunding in support of potentially violent criminals."

It's important to note that this update will protect donors and preserve crowdfunding's role in supporting communities, while closing loopholes that allow harmful campaigns to persist.

The bill awaits a number and House committee assignment.