Ohio panel hears emotional appeals to strengthen "move over" law after roadside deaths

Columbus — The Ohio House Judiciary Committee heard proponent testimony on House Bill 132, commonly referred to by supporters as the "Philip Waggle" law, aimed at increasing criminal penalties and public education tied to Ohio's move-over law to protect firefighters, police and roadside workers.

Supporters told the committee the bill would create a new vehicular-assault offense for serious injuries caused by move-over violations, raise fines and mandate license suspensions in the most serious cases, require driver's-education instruction on the law, and direct the Ohio Department of Transportation to add warning signage about criminal penalties. "House Bill 132 delivers exactly that. It creates a new vehicular assault offense when serious harm is caused due to violations of the Move…