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Ohio committee hears bill to create 14-foot ‘halo’ around emergency scenes
Summary
Sponsors told the House Public Safety Committee HB20 would establish a 14-foot buffer around emergency and crime scenes to keep bystanders from impeding first responders; members raised questions about definitions, criminal penalties, and how the law would interact with existing obstruction statutes.
Chair Abrams convened the House Public Safety Committee on March 5 for the first hearing on House Bill 20, a measure sponsors said would create a defined 14-foot buffer around emergency scenes so police, fire and EMS personnel can work without interference. "Just give us 14 feet to do our jobs," Representative Palmer said during sponsor testimony, summarizing the proposal’s practical aim.
Sponsors framed the bill as primarily protective and educational. Representative Thomas Hall said the measure is not intended to stop helpful bystanders or people who…
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