Ohio Adds New Hate‑Crime Law to Protect Everyone

House Bill 306 was introduced to the Judiciary Committee on February 25 by a Democrat and a Republican. The bill expands Ohio’s hate‑crime statutes, which previously covered only race, color, religion or national origin.

Key Provisions

• New Hate‑Crime Category
  Creates a crime for attacks based on:
• Race, religion, sex, disability, politics, age, military or family status

• Ancestry, national origin, or labor disputes

• Threats and Intimidation
  Makes it illegal to threaten or scare someone with violence because of the above traits.

• Enhanced Penalties
  Raises the penalty for an underlying offense by one level (e.g., a misdemeanor could become a felony).

• Additional Offenses
  Adds crimes such as “swatting” and the distribution of threatening messages on private property.

• Civil Remedies
  Victims may sue for damages, lawyer fees, and up to $25 000 in a civil case.

• Prosecutorial Proof of Bias
  Allows prosecutors to prove the attacker’s bias motive. If that standard is not met, victims still retain a civil claim.

Support and Opposition

• Proponents argue the law protects entire communities from hate‑motivated attacks, not just individuals.
• Critics warn that proving bias is difficult and that an overly broad law could infringe on free speech. The bill attempts to safeguard expression by limiting criminal liability to threats that can lead to violence, create fear, or are reckless.

Additional Context

• The proposal touches on antisemitism and strengthens protection against religious hate while preserving Ohio’s existing definitions.
• Both parties agree that targeting people for who they are is unacceptable, but the debate highlights the challenge of balancing civil rights with free expression.

The bill represents a potential step forward, contingent on fair judicial enforcement.