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House passes Indecent Exposure Modernization Act after heated floor debate
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Summary
The House approved H.B. 249 to update indecent-exposure language and bar obscene performances in the presence of minors; sponsors said it fills gaps in the code while opponents warned of chilling effects and constitutional risk. The bill passed 63–30.
After extended debate, the Ohio House approved House Bill 249, the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act, which sponsors said updates statutory language (replacing an undefined term with a defined one) and clarifies prohibitions on obscene performances where minors are present.
Representative King, a sponsor, said the bill "protects the innocence of Ohio's children in both public and private spaces" and stressed that it does not target lawful activities like drag performances: "House Bill 249's only purpose is to protect children," King said on the floor. Sponsors argued the change clarifies criminal statutes and responds to problematic case law.
Opponents spoke at length. Representative Piccolantonio objected, saying the measure "does not make our children safer" and warned it would chill legal adult behavior and potentially harm the state's economy; Representative Jerrells and others said the bill singles out transgender and gender-nonconforming people and risked dehumanization. The debate on the bill included multiple committee witnesses and constitutional concerns about vagueness and enforcement.
The recorded vote was 63 in favor and 30 opposed. Sponsors asserted existing obscenity definitions in the Ohio Revised Code apply, while critics urged caution and highlighted potential litigation and enforcement ambiguities. The House agreed to the bill's title without objection after passage.
