Two Republican state lawmakers are introducing a bill to crack down on people they call looters and rioters – those who perpetuate violence or damage to property as part of protests. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports.
Representative Cindy Abrams says the bill protects free speech of protestors.
“This bill, in no way, infringes upon the rights of Ohioans to freely speak and peacefully assemble.”
But Representative Sara Carruthers says it increases penalties for those who commit violence against police and vandalize property.
“When businesses are boarded up as they are now and shut down by irresponsible actions of a few agitators, law abiding citizens suffer the loss.”
The pair say they’re hoping the bill will be taken up in the lame duck legislative session, though Republicans will still be in control next year.