Governor Signs Bill to Protect Ohioans from Electronic Tracking

COLUMBUS-The Governor has signed multiple bills to protect Ohioans, including Senate Bill 100, sponsored by State Senators Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood).

Senate Bill 100 prohibits the installation of an electronic tracking device on someone else’s property without consent. A violation would be a first degree misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1000. The violation would be a fourth degree felony in certain circumstances, such as repeat offenses.

"This legislation is the result of investigative reporting that found Ohio law does not explicitly outlaw the use of electronic tracking devices as a means to stalk others," Manning said. "Senate Bill 100 will hold people who use electronic tracking devices for nefarious purposes accountable for their actions and will protect vulnerable Ohioans.” "

Governor DeWine also signed other bills that had the support of Senator Manning, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. These bills include: House Bill 5, which modernizes Ohio's adoption law to streamline the judicial process for families
House Bill 289, which tolls, or pauses, the time a sex offender has to serve on the offender registry if they are not complying with the registration duty under the SORN law, extending the time those individuals must serve on the registry
House Bill 111, which increases penalties and creates a presumption of a prison sentence for repeat domestic violence offenders
House Bill 234, which prohibits a court from imposing harsher sentences on those who submit an Alford plea (pleading guilty while maintaining innocence) based on whether the defendant shows genuine remorse for the offense. 
"These bills will make a difference in the lives of Ohioans and safeguard our communities," said the senator. "It was a privilege to work on them through the committee process and to see them become law."