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Bill

SB 308

Expand State Highway Patrol jurisdiction; candidate security

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Willis Blackshear and 6 co-sponsors

SB 308 expands Ohio State Highway Patrol jurisdiction and establishes security protections for political candidates during electoral activities.

Referred to committee
#publicsafety #stateandlocalgovernment
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Bill Summary · SB 308

Legislative bill overview

SB 308 expands the jurisdiction of Ohio's State Highway Patrol and establishes security provisions for political candidates. The bill grants the highway patrol additional authority beyond traditional highway enforcement and creates a framework for protecting candidates during electoral activities.

Why is this important

Expanding law enforcement jurisdiction affects public safety resources, accountability structures, and the scope of state police powers. Candidate security provisions directly impact electoral safety and the ability of individuals to run for office without undue harassment or threat.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope creep concerns: Expanding highway patrol jurisdiction beyond roads may strain resources, create overlapping authority with local police, and raise questions about whether the agency is equipped for broader duties
  • Candidate security standards: Defining what constitutes sufficient candidate protection, who qualifies for security, and how costs are allocated between state and candidates could be controversial
  • Partisan application risk: Security provisions for candidates could face criticism about equitable application across party lines or fairness to challengers versus incumbents

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

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