Overview
- House Bill 492 is under active consideration after multiple hearings, including a third hearing on Tuesday, with no final vote reported.
- The measure would create a fourth-degree misdemeanor for refusing to provide a name, address, or date of birth during a stop for a suspected traffic or equipment violation, carrying up to 30 days in jail.
- The bill also broadens the motor-vehicle code’s interference provision, increasing the penalty from a minor misdemeanor to a second-degree misdemeanor.
- The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio and other law enforcement groups support the bill, citing officer safety and the need to quickly confirm identities.
- Backers say the authority is narrowly tailored to stops on roads or waterways for suspected violations, responding to more drivers influenced by online “sovereign citizen” and “know your rights” content.