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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Ohio Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Anti-Protest Legislation

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Friday, April 23, 2021   

COLUMBUS, Ohio - As protests against racial injustice continue across the country, lawmakers in the Buckeye State are considering bills opponents say would have a chilling effect on free speech.

They include House Bill 109, which had a hearing yesterday before the Ohio House Criminal Justice Committee. Supporters say the measure strengthens state laws about rioting and corrupt activity.

Gary Daniels, chief lobbyist with the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio argued the bill is extremely broad, and includes language similar to anti-terrorism laws created after 9/11.

"In a not-so-roundabout way," said Daniels, "House Bill 109 equates people who engage in civil disobedience at almost all levels with terrorists, and says that the punishment can be the state shut down your organization as a result."

Testimony was also heard on House Bill 22, which would criminalize "taunting" a police officer. Daniels says both bills are part of a wave of new anti-protest bills popping up in several states.

Michael Weinman, director of government affairs for the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, testified in support of HB 109.

"The bill has been framed by some as a choice between protecting the right to protest or protecting police officers," said Weinman. "These two things are not mutually exclusive. The bill strikes a balance by allowing peaceful protesting and protecting police officers against rioters."

Other supporters said they welcome free speech and peaceful protest, but contend violence and property destruction should be punished.

According to Daniels, that's a problem with a very small number of protesters. And he noted there's no legislation proposed regarding police practices or accountability.

"People go into the streets, they protest, they demonstrate, they do any number of things," said Daniels. "But you are certainly not going to cut down on these protests if you do not first address the underlying issues of police accountability, and some of the things that police do to violate people's rights."

Similiar measures are also being considered in the Ohio Senate.

Senate Bill 16 would create penalties for intimidation or assault of first responders, including obstructing roadways that limit access for first responders. And Senate Bill 41 would require people convicted of rioting to pay for any property damage and the cost of the police response.

This story was produced in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.


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