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Ohio proposal would add penalty when offenders conceal identity during crimes, sponsors say
Summary
House Bill 236 would create criminal specifications and mandatory penalties for committing certain offenses while wearing a mask or disguise; sponsors say it targets those who hide identity to intimidate or avoid accountability, and they said the bill includes exceptions for undercover and legitimate law-enforcement operations.
Representative Williams told the House Judiciary Committee HB236 would prohibit wearing a mask to harass, trespass, or commit violent crimes and would enhance certain crimes, including aggravated riot, when a mask is used to conceal identity. The bill would create a mandatory one-year term for felony offenders who commit crimes while wearing a mask or disguise, sponsors said.
Sponsors emphasized the measure is not intended to target peaceful protesters or lawful assembly. Committee members raised concerns about exceptions for undercover narcotics or gang units and about federal supremacy if a law singled out federal agents; sponsors replied the bill is drafted to avoid those conflicts and to include exceptions where necessary for legitimate law-enforcement functions.
Members also debated potential collateral effects (medical masking, religious coverings) and whether intent should be required; sponsors said prosecutorial charging discretion and indictment specifications would address such concerns.
