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Bill

Bill

SB 188

Regards failure to comply with an order of law enforcement

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Patton

SB 188 modifies Ohio's criminal penalties and definitions for failing to comply with law enforcement orders during police interactions.

Referred to committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 188

Legislative bill overview

SB 188 addresses the crime of failing to comply with orders from law enforcement officers. The bill appears to establish or modify penalties and definitions related to non-compliance with police commands, though specific language details are limited in available records. This is a criminal justice measure that would affect how Ohio prosecutes resistance or failure-to-obey charges.

Why is this important

Police command compliance is central to law enforcement operations and public safety interactions. How states define and penalize non-compliance affects both officer safety and civilian rights, making this a consequential area of criminal law that impacts thousands of encounters annually between police and the public.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: Whether the bill clearly defines what constitutes a lawful order, and how it handles situations where the legality of a command is disputed
  • Proportionality of penalties: Concerns about whether punishment levels are appropriate, and whether the bill creates disparities in enforcement across different demographics
  • Officer discretion: Questions about how much latitude officers have in issuing orders and whether adequate safeguards exist against abuse of authority

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

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