Ohio Senate Passes Johnson Bill Protecting Jewish Ohioans

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 297, sponsored by State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), to protect Jewish students from intimidation, harassment, and violence.

Senate Bill 297 expands the offense of ethnic intimidation to include both riot and aggravated riot committed by reason of the race, color, religion, or national origin of another person or group of persons. The bill also defines antisemitism so state agencies can investigate and lead proceedings on these offenses.

"Following the events of October 7, our Jewish students have felt targeted on campus and, in some dangerous situations, have been harassed and attacked," Johnson said. "We must protect our Jewish neighbors, and this legislation accomplishes this while upholding our First Amendment. Senate Bill 297 gives our law enforcement entities and universities the tools to do so."