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HB 656

Create the offense of negligent assault of a peace officer

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Monica Blasdel and 2 co-sponsors

Ohio bill creates "negligent assault of peace officer" charge for causing physical harm to officers through negligent conduct during law enforcement duties.

Introduced
#crimes #corrections #andlawenforcement #lawenforcement
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 656

Legislative bill overview

HB 656 creates a new criminal offense in Ohio called "negligent assault of a peace officer." The bill establishes that a person commits this offense when they negligently cause physical harm to a peace officer while the officer is performing official duties. This adds a distinct charge below intentional assault but above accidental harm.

Why is this important

This legislation affects how Ohio prosecutes incidents involving injuries to law enforcement. It creates a middle ground between intentional assault charges and unintentional accidents, potentially allowing prosecutors more charging flexibility and increasing criminal liability for actions that harm officers during enforcement activities. The outcome could influence penalties officers' assailants face and how incident investigations proceed.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "negligence" in police interactions: Determining what constitutes criminal negligence versus reasonable accidents during chaotic or confrontational situations could be disputed, creating inconsistent enforcement.
  • Disparate impact concerns: Critics may argue this creates different legal standards for harming officers versus civilians, potentially privileging law enforcement and raising equal protection questions.
  • Scope of "official duties": The bill's application depends on how broadly or narrowly courts interpret when an officer is "performing official duties," which could expand liability in borderline situations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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