(d) "Physical harm to property" means any tangible or intangible damage to property that, in any degree, results in loss to its value or interferes with its use or enjoyment. "Physical harm to property" does not include wear and tear occasioned by normal use.

(e) "Serious physical harm to persons" means any of the following:

(1) Any mental illness or condition of such gravity as would normally require hospitalization or prolonged psychiatric treatment;

(2) Any physical harm that carries a substantial risk of death;

(3) Any physical harm that involves some permanent incapacity, whether partial or total, or that involves some temporary, substantial incapacity;

(4) Any physical harm that involves some permanent disfigurement, or that involves some temporary, serious disfigurement;

(5) Any physical harm that involves acute pain of such duration as to result in substantial suffering, or that involves any degree of prolonged or intractable pain.

(f) "Serious physical harm to property" means any physical harm to property that does either of the following:

(1) Results in substantial loss to the value of the property, or requires a substantial amount of time, effort or money to repair or replace;

(2) Temporarily prevents the use or enjoyment of the property, or substantially interferes with its use and enjoyment for an extended period of time.

(g) "Risk" means a significant possibility, as contrasted with a remote possibility, that a certain result may occur or that certain circumstances may exist.

(h) "Substantial risk" means a strong possibility, as contrasted with a remote or significant possibility, that a certain result may occur or that certain circumstances may exist.

(i) "Offense of violence" means any of the following:

(1) A violation of Ohio R.C. 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.15, 2903.18, 2903.21, 2903.211, 2903.22, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.11, 2905.32, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.05, 2909.02, 2909.03, 2909.24, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2917.01, 2917.02, 2917.03, 2917.31, 2917.321, 2919.25, 2921.03, 2921.04, 2921.34, 2923.161, 2903.34(A)(1), 2911.12(A)(1) to (3) or 2919.22(B)(1) to (4), or felonious sexual penetration in violation of former Ohio R.C. 2907.12;

(2) A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this or any other state or the United States, substantially equivalent to any section listed in subsection (i)(1) hereof;

(3) An offense, other than a traffic offense, under an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this or any other state or the United States, committed, purposely or knowingly, and involving physical harm to persons or a risk of serious physical harm to persons;

(4) A conspiracy or attempt to commit, or complicity in committing any offense under subsection (i)(1), (2) or (3) hereof.

(5) A violation of division (C) of Ohio R.C. 959.131.

(j) (1) "Property" means any property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, and any interest or license in that property. "Property" includes, but is not limited to, cable television service, other telecommunications service, telecommunications devices, information service, computers, data, computer software, financial instruments associated with computers, other documents associated with computers, or copies of the documents, whether in machine or human readable form, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, patents, and property protected by a trademark, copyright, or patent. “Financial instruments associated with computers” include, but are not limited to, checks, drafts, warrants, money orders, notes of indebtedness, certificates of deposit, letters of credit, bills of credit or debit cards, financial transaction authorization mechanisms, marketable securities, or any computer system representations of any of them.

(2) As used in this section, “trade secret” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 1333.61, and “telecommunications service” and “information service” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2913.01.

(3) As used in this section, “cable television service”, “computer”, “computer software”, “computer system”, “computer network”, “data”, and “telecommunications device” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2913.01.

(k) "Law enforcement officer" means any of the following:

(1) A sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer of a township or joint police district, marshal, deputy marshal, municipal police officer, member of a police force employed by a metropolitan housing authority under Ohio R.C. 3735.31(D) or State highway patrol trooper;

(2) An officer, agent or employee of the State or any of its agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, upon whom, by statute, Charter or ordinance, a duty to conserve the peace or to enforce all or certain laws is imposed and the authority to arrest violators is conferred, within the limits of that statutory duty and authority;

(3) A mayor or manager in the mayor’s or manager’s capacity as chief conservator of the peace within the mayor’s or manager’s municipal corporation;

(4) A member of an auxiliary police force organized by county, township or municipal law enforcement authorities, within the scope of the member's appointment or commission;

(5) A person lawfully called pursuant to Ohio R.C. 311.07 to aid a sheriff in keeping the peace, for the purposes and during the time when the person is called;

(6) A person appointed by a mayor pursuant to Ohio R.C. 737.10 as a special patrolling officer during riot or emergency, for the purposes and during the time when the person is appointed;

(7) A member of the organized militia of this State or the armed forces of the United States, lawfully called to duty to aid civil authorities in keeping the peace or protect against domestic violence;

(8) A prosecuting attorney, assistant prosecuting attorney, secret service officer or municipal prosecutor;

(9) A veterans' home police officer appointed under Ohio R.C. 5907.02;

(10) A member of a police force employed by a regional transit authority under Ohio R.C. 306.35(Y);

(11) A special police officer employed by a port authority under Ohio R.C. 4582.04 or 4582.28;

(12) The Senate Sergeant of Arms and or Assistant Sergeant at Arms;

(13) A special police officer employed by a municipal corporation at a municipal airport, or other municipal air navigation facility, that has scheduled operations, as defined in Section 119.3 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, 14 C.F.R. 119.3, as amended, and that is required to be under a security program and is governed by aviation security rules of the transportation security administration of the United States Department of Transportation as provided in Parts 1542 and 1544 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as amended.

(l) "Privilege" means an immunity, license or right conferred by law, or bestowed by express or implied grant, or arising out of status, position, office or relationship, or growing out of necessity.

(m) "Contraband" means any property that is illegal for a person to acquire or possess under a statute, ordinance, or rule, or that a trier of fact lawfully determines to be illegal to possess by reason of the property’s involvement in an offense. “Contraband” includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Any controlled substance, as defined in Ohio R.C. 3719.01, or any device, or paraphernalia;

(2) Any unlawful gambling device, or paraphernalia;

(3) Any dangerous ordnance or obscene material.

(n) “School safety zone” consists of a school, school building, school premises, school activity, and school bus.

(o) “School”, “school building” and “school premises” have the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2925.01.

(p) “School activity” means any activity held under the auspices of a board of education of a city, local, exempted village, joint vocational, or cooperative education school district; a governing authority of a community school established under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3314; a governing board of an educational service center; or the governing body of a nonpublic school for which the Ohio Director of Education and Workforce prescribes minimum standards under Ohio R.C. 3301.07.

(q) “School bus” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4511.01.

(ORC 2901.01)

501.02 CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENSES.

As used in the Codified Ordinances:

(a) Offenses include misdemeanors of the first, second, third and fourth degree, minor misdemeanors and offenses not specifically classified.

(b) Regardless of the penalty that may be imposed, any offense specifically classified as a misdemeanor is a misdemeanor.

(c) Any offense not specifically classified is a misdemeanor if imprisonment for not more than one year may be imposed as a penalty.

(d) Any offense not specifically classified is a minor misdemeanor if the only penalty that may be imposed is one of the following:

(1) For an offense committed prior to January 1, 2004, a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00);

(2) For an offense committed on or after January 1, 2004, a fine not exceeding one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00), community service under division (D) of Ohio R.C. 2929.27, or a financial sanction other than a fine under Ohio R.C. 2929.28.

(ORC 2901.02)

501.03 COMMON LAW OFFENSES ABROGATED.

(a) No conduct constitutes a criminal offense against the Municipality unless it is defined as an offense in the Codified Ordinances or any other Municipal ordinance.

(b) An offense is defined when one or more sections of the Codified Ordinances state a positive prohibition or enjoin a specific duty, and provide a penalty for violation of such prohibition or failure to meet such duty.

(c) This section does not affect the power of a court to punish for contempt or to employ any sanction authorized by law to enforce an order, civil judgment or decree.

(ORC 2901.03)

501.04 RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) hereof, sections of the Codified Ordinances defining offenses or penalties shall be strictly construed against the Municipality and liberally construed in favor of the accused.

(b) Rules of criminal procedure and sections of the Ohio Revised Code providing for criminal procedure shall be construed so as to effect the fair, impartial, speedy and sure administration of justice.

(c) Any provision of a section of the Codified Ordinances that refers to a previous conviction of or plea of guilty to a violation of a section of the Codified Ordinances or Ohio Revised Code or of a division of a section of the Codified Ordinances or Ohio Revised Code shall be construed to also refer to a previous conviction of or plea of guilty to a substantially equivalent offense under an existing or former law of this State, another state, or the United States or under an existing or former municipal ordinance.

(d) Any provision of the Codified Ordinances that refers to a section, or to a division of a section, of the Codified Ordinances that defines or specifies a criminal offense shall be construed to also refer to an existing or former law of this State, another state, or the United States, to an existing or former municipal ordinance, or to an existing or former division of any such existing or former law or ordinance that defines or specifies, or that defined or specified, a substantially equivalent offense.
(ORC 2901.04)

501.05 CRIMINAL LAW JURISDICTION.

(a) A person is subject to misdemeanor prosecution and punishment in this Municipality if any of the following occur:

(1) The person commits an offense under the laws of this Municipality, any element of which takes place in this Municipality.

(2) While in this Municipality, the person attempts to commit, or is guilty of complicity in the commission of, an offense in another jurisdiction, which offense is an offense under both the laws of this Municipality or this State and the other jurisdiction, or, while in this Municipality, the person conspires to commit an offense in another jurisdiction, which offense is an offense under both the laws of this Municipality or this State and the other jurisdiction, and a substantial overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy is undertaken in this Municipality by the person or another person involved in the conspiracy, subsequent to the person’s entrance into the conspiracy. In any case in which a person attempts to commit, is guilty of complicity in the commission of, or conspires to commit an offense in another jurisdiction as described in this subsection, the person is subject to criminal prosecution and punishment in this Municipality for the attempt, complicity, or conspiracy, and for any resulting offense that is committed or completed in the other jurisdiction.

(3) While out of this Municipality, the person conspires or attempts to commit, or is guilty of complicity in the commission of, an offense in this Municipality.

(4) While out of this Municipality, the person omits to perform a legal duty imposed by the laws of this Municipality, which omission affects a legitimate interest of the Municipality in protecting, governing or regulating any person, property, thing, transaction or activity in this Municipality.

(5) While out of this Municipality, the person unlawfully takes or retains property and subsequently brings any of the unlawfully taken or retained property into this Municipality.

(6) While out of this Municipality, the person unlawfully takes or entices another and subsequently brings the other person into this Municipality.

(7) The person, by means of a computer, computer system, computer network, telecommunication, telecommunications device, telecommunications service, or information service, causes or knowingly permits any writing, data, image, or other telecommunication to be disseminated or transmitted into this Municipality in violation of the law of this Municipality.

(b) This Municipality includes the land and water within its boundaries and the air space above such land and water, and real property outside the corporate limits, with respect to which this Municipality has either exclusive or concurrent legislative jurisdiction. Where the boundary between this Municipality and another jurisdiction is disputed, the disputed territory is conclusively presumed to be within this Municipality for purposes of this section.

(c) When an offense is committed under the laws of this Municipality, and it appears beyond a reasonable doubt that the offense or any element of the offense took place either in this Municipality or in another jurisdiction or jurisdictions, but it cannot reasonably be determined in which it took place, the offense or element is conclusively presumed to have taken place in this Municipality for purposes of this section.

(d) When a person is subject to criminal prosecution and punishment in this Municipality for an offense committed or completed outside of this Municipality, the person is subject to all specifications for that offense that would be applicable if the offense had been committed within this Municipality.

(e) Any act, conduct, or element that is a basis of a person being subject under this section to criminal prosecution and punishment in this Municipality need not be committed personally by the person as long as it is committed by another person who is in complicity or conspiracy with the person.

(f) This section shall be liberally construed, consistent with constitutional limitations, to allow this Municipality the broadest possible jurisdiction over offenses and persons committing offenses in, or affecting, this Municipality.

(g) For purposes of subsection (a)(2) of this section, an overt act is substantial when it is of a character that manifests a purpose on the part of the actor that the object of the conspiracy should be completed.

(h) As used in this section, “computer”, “computer system”, “computer network”, “information service”, “telecommunication”, “telecommunications device”, “telecommunications service”, “data”, and “writing” have the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2913.01.
(ORC 2901.11)

501.06 LIMITATION OF CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a prosecution shall be barred unless it is commenced within the following periods after an offense is committed:

(1) For misdemeanor other than a minor misdemeanor, two years;

(2) For a minor misdemeanor, six months.

(b) If the period of limitation provided in subsection (a) hereof has expired, prosecution shall be commenced for an offense of which an element is fraud or breach of a fiduciary duty, within one year after discovery of the offense either by an aggrieved person, or by his legal representative who is not himself a party to the offense.

(c) (1) If the period of limitation provided in this section has expired, prosecution shall be commenced for the following offenses during the following specified periods of time:

A. For an offense involving misconduct in office by a public servant at any time while the accused remains a public servant, or within two years thereafter;

B. For an offense by a person who is not a public servant but whose offense is directly related to the misconduct in office of a public servant, at any time while that public servant remains a public servant, or within two years thereafter.

(2) As used in this subsection:

A. An “offense is directly related to the misconduct in office of a public servant” includes, but is not limited to, a violation of Ohio R.C. 101.71, 101.91, 121.61 or 2921.13, division (F) or (H) of Ohio R.C. 102.03, division (A) of Ohio R.C. 2921.02, division (A) or (B) of Ohio R.C. 2921.43, or division (F) or (G) of Ohio R.C. 3517.13, that is directly related to an offense involving misconduct in office of a public servant.

B. “Public servant” has the same meaning as in Section 525.01.

(d) An offense is committed when every element of the offense occurs. In the case of an offense of which an element is a continuing course of conduct, the period of limitation does not begin to run until such course of conduct or the accused's accountability for it terminates, whichever occurs first.

(e) A prosecution is commenced on the date an indictment is returned or an information filed, or on the date a lawful arrest without a warrant is made, or on the date a warrant, summons, citation or other process is issued, whichever occurs first. A prosecution is not commenced by the return of an indictment or the filing of an information unless reasonable diligence is exercised to issue and execute process on the same. A prosecution is not commenced upon issuance of a warrant, summons, citation or other process, unless reasonable diligence is exercised to execute the same.

(f) The period of limitation shall not run during any time when the corpus delicti remains undiscovered.

(g) The period of limitation shall not run during any time when the accused purposely avoids prosecution. Proof that the accused absented himself from this Municipality or concealed his identity or whereabouts is prima-facie evidence of his purpose to avoid prosecution.

(h) The period of limitation shall not run during any time a prosecution against the accused based on the same conduct is pending in this State, even though the indictment, information or process that commenced the prosecution is quashed or the proceedings on the indictment, information or process are set aside or reversed on appeal.

(i) The period of limitation for a violation of any provision of this General Offenses Code that involves a physical or mental wound, injury, disability or condition of a nature that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect of a child under eighteen years of age or of a child with a developmental disability or physical impairment under twenty-one years of age shall not begin to run until either of the following occurs:

(1) The victim of the offense reaches the age of majority.

(2) A public children services agency, or a municipal or county peace officer that is not the parent or guardian of the child, in the county in which the child resides or in which the abuse or neglect is occurring or has occurred has been notified that abuse or neglect is known, suspected, or believed to have occurred. (ORC 2901.13)

(j) This section shall not apply to prosecutions commenced within the period of limitations set forth in Ohio R.C. 718.12(B) for violations of the Municipal income tax ordinance.

501.07 REQUIREMENTS FOR CRIMINAL LIABILITY.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) hereof, a person is not guilty of an offense unless both of the following apply:

(1) The person’s liability is based on conduct that includes either a voluntary act, or an omission to perform an act or duty that the person is capable of performing;

(2) The person has the requisite degree of culpability for each element as to which a culpable mental state is specified by the language defining the offense.

(b) When the language defining an offense does not specify any degree of culpability, and plainly indicates a purpose to impose strict criminal liability for the conduct described in the section, then culpability is not required for a person to be guilty of the offense. The fact that one subsection of a section plainly indicates a purpose to impose strict liability for an offense defined in that subsection does not by itself plainly indicate a purpose to impose strict criminal liability for an offense defined in other subsections of the section that do not specify a degree of culpability.

(c) (1) When language defining an element of an offense that is related to knowledge or intent or to which mens rea could fairly be applied neither specifies culpability nor plainly indicates a purpose to impose strict liability, the element of the offense is established only if a person acts recklessly.

(2) Subsection (c)(1) of this section does not apply to offenses defined in the Traffic Code.

(3) Subsection (c)(1) of this section does not relieve the prosecution of the burden of proving the culpable mental state required by any definition incorporated into the offense.

(d) Voluntary intoxication may not be taken into consideration in determining the existence of a mental state that is an element of a criminal offense. Voluntary intoxication does not relieve a person of a duty to act if failure to act constitutes a criminal offense. Evidence that a person was voluntarily intoxicated may be admissible to show whether or not the person was physically capable of performing the act with which the person is charged.

(e) As used in this section:

(1) Possession is a voluntary act if the possessor knowingly procured or received the thing possessed, or was aware of the possessor’s control of the thing possessed for a sufficient time to have ended possession.

(2) Reflexes, convulsions, body movements during unconsciousness or sleep, and body movements that are not otherwise a product of the actor's volition, are involuntary acts.

(3) "Culpability" means purpose, knowledge, recklessness or negligence, as defined in Section 501.08.

(4) “Intoxication” includes, but is not limited to, intoxication resulting from the ingestion of alcohol, a drug, or alcohol and a drug.

(ORC 2901.21)

501.08 CULPABLE MENTAL STATES.

(a) A person acts purposely when it is the person’s specific intention to cause a certain result, or when the gist of the offense is a prohibition against conduct of a certain nature, regardless of what the offender intends to accomplish thereby, it is the offender’s specific intention to engage in conduct of that nature.

(b) A person acts knowingly, regardless of purpose, when the person is aware that the person’s conduct will probably cause a certain result or will probably be of a certain nature. A person has knowledge of circumstances when the person is aware that such circumstances probably exist.

When knowledge of the existence of a particular fact is an element of an offense, such knowledge is established if a person subjectively believes that there is a high probability of its existence and fails to make inquiry or acts with a conscious purpose to avoid learning the fact.

(c) A person acts recklessly when, with heedless indifference to the consequences, the person perversely disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the person’s conduct is likely to cause a certain result or is likely to be of a certain nature. A person is reckless with respect to circumstances when, with heedless indifference to the consequences, the person perversely disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that such circumstances are likely to exist.

(d) A person acts negligently when, because of a substantial lapse from due care, the person fails to perceive or avoid a risk that the person’s conduct may cause a certain result or may be of a certain nature. A person is negligent with respect to circumstances when, because of a substantial lapse from due care, the person fails to perceive or avoid a risk that such circumstances may exist.

(e) When the section defining an offense provides that negligence suffices to establish an element thereof, then recklessness, knowledge or purpose is also sufficient culpability for such element. When recklessness suffices to establish an element of an offense, then knowledge or purpose is also sufficient culpability for such element. When knowledge suffices to establish an element of an offense, then purpose is also sufficient culpability for such element.

(ORC 2901.22)

501.09 ATTEMPT.

(a) No person, purposely or knowingly, and when purpose or knowledge is sufficient culpability for the commission of an offense, shall engage in conduct that, if successful, would constitute or result in the offense.

(b) It is no defense to a charge under this section that, in retrospect, commission of the offense that was the object of the attempt was either factually or legally impossible under the attendant circumstances, if that offense could have been committed had the attendant circumstances been as the actor believed them to be.

(c) No person who is convicted of committing a specific offense or of complicity in the commission of an offense, shall be convicted of an attempt to commit the same offense in violation of this section.

(d) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section that the actor abandoned the actor’s effort to commit the offense or otherwise prevented its commission, under circumstances manifesting a complete and voluntary renunciation of the actor’s criminal purpose.

(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of an attempt to commit an offense. An attempt to commit a drug abuse offense for which the penalty is determined by the amount or number of unit doses of the controlled substance involved in the drug abuse offense is an offense of the same degree as the drug abuse offense attempted would be if that drug abuse offense had been committed and had involved an amount or number of unit doses of the controlled substance that is within the next lower range of controlled substance amounts than was involved in the attempt. An attempt to commit any other misdemeanor is a misdemeanor of the next lesser degree than the misdemeanor attempted. In the case of an attempt to commit an offense other than a violation of Ohio R.C. Chapter 3734 that is not specifically classified, an attempt is a misdemeanor of the first degree if the offense attempted is a felony under the Ohio Revised Code, and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree if the offense attempted is a misdemeanor. An attempt to commit a minor misdemeanor is not an offense under this section.

(f) As used in this section, “drug abuse offense” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2925.01.
(ORC 2923.02)

501.10 COMPLICITY.

(a) No person, acting with the kind of culpability required for the commission of an offense, shall do any of the following:

(1) Solicit or procure another to commit the offense;

(2) Aid or abet another in committing the offense;

(3) Cause an innocent or irresponsible person to commit the offense.

(b) It is no defense to a charge under this section that no person with whom the accused was in complicity has been convicted as a principal offender.

(c) No person shall be convicted of complicity under this section unless an offense is actually committed, but a person may be convicted of complicity in an attempt to commit an offense in violation of Section 501.09.

(d) If an alleged accomplice of the defendant testifies against the defendant in a case in which the defendant is charged with complicity in the commission of or an attempt to commit an offense, an attempt to commit an offense or an offense, the court when it charges the jury, shall state substantially the following:

"The testimony of an accomplice does not become inadmissible because of his complicity, moral turpitude or self-interest, but the admitted or claimed complicity of a witness may affect his credibility and make his testimony subject to grave suspicion, and require that it be weighed with great caution.

"It is for you, as jurors, in the light of all the facts presented to you from the witness stand, to evaluate such testimony and to determine its quality and worth or its lack of quality and worth."

(e) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section that, prior to the commission of or attempt to commit the offense, the actor terminated his complicity, under circumstances manifesting a complete and voluntary renunciation of his criminal purpose.

(f) Whoever violates this section is guilty of complicity in the commission of an offense, and shall be prosecuted and punished as if he were a principal offender. A charge of complicity may be stated in terms of this section, or in terms of the principal offense.

(ORC 2923.03)

501.11 ORGANIZATIONAL CRIMINAL LIABILITY.

(a) An organization may be convicted of an offense under any of the following circumstances:

(1) The offense is a minor misdemeanor committed by an officer, agent or employee of the organization acting in its behalf and within the scope of the officer’s, agent’s or employee’s office or employment, except that if the section defining the offense designates the officers, agents or employees for whose conduct the organization is accountable or the circumstances under which it is accountable, those provisions shall apply.

(2) A purpose to impose organizational liability plainly appears in the section defining the offense, and the offense is committed by an officer, agent or employee of the organization acting in its behalf and within the scope of the officer’s, agent’s or employee’s office or employment, except that if the section defining the offense designates the officers, agents or employees for whose conduct the organization is accountable or the circumstances under which it is accountable, those provisions shall apply.

(3) The offense consists of an omission to discharge a specific duty imposed by law on the organization.

(4) If, acting with the kind of culpability otherwise required for the commission of the offense, its commission was authorized, requested, commanded, tolerated or performed by the board of directors, trustees, partners or by a high managerial officer, agent or employee acting in behalf of the organization and within the scope of such a board’s or person’s office or employment.

(b) If strict liability is imposed for the commission of an offense, a purpose to impose organizational liability shall be presumed, unless the contrary plainly appears.

(c) In a prosecution of an organization for an offense other than one for which strict liability is imposed, it is a defense that the high managerial officer, agent or employee having supervisory responsibility over the subject matter of the offense exercised due diligence to prevent its commission. This defense is not available if it plainly appears inconsistent with the purpose of the section defining the offense.

(d) As used in this section, "organization" means a corporation for profit or not for profit, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, unincorporated nonprofit association, estate, trust or other commercial or legal entity. "Organization" does not include an entity organized as or by a governmental agency for the execution of a governmental program. (ORC 2901.23)

501.12 PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ORGANIZATIONAL CONDUCT.

(a) An officer, agent or employee of an organization as defined in Section 501.11 may be prosecuted for an offense committed by such organization, if he acts with the kind of culpability required for the commission of the offense, and any of the following apply:

(1) In the name of the organization or in its behalf, he engages in conduct constituting the offense, or causes another to engage in such conduct, or tolerates such conduct when it is of a type for which he has direct responsibility;

(2) He has primary responsibility to discharge a duty imposed on the organization by law, and such duty is not discharged.

(b) When a person is convicted of an offense by reason of this section, he is subject to the same penalty as if he had acted in his own behalf.
(ORC 2901.24)

501.99 PENALTIES FOR MISDEMEANORS.

(a) Financial Sanctions. In addition to imposing court costs pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2947.23, the court imposing a sentence upon an offender for a misdemeanor committed under the Codified Ordinances, including a minor misdemeanor, may sentence the offender to any financial sanction or combination of financial sanctions authorized under this section and, if the offender is being sentenced for a criminal offense as defined in Ohio R.C. 2930.01, shall sentence the offender to make restitution pursuant to this section and Ohio R.C. 2929.281. If the court, in its discretion or as required by this section, imposes one or more financial sanctions, the financial sanctions that may be imposed pursuant to this section include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Restitution.

A. Unless the misdemeanor offense could be disposed of by the traffic violations bureau serving the court under Traffic Rule 13, restitution by the offender to the victim of the offender’s crime or the victim’s estate, in an amount based on the victim’s economic loss. The court may not impose restitution as a sanction pursuant to this section if the offense could be disposed of by the traffic violations bureau serving the court under Traffic Rule 13. If the court requires restitution, the court shall order that the restitution be made to the victim in open court or to the adult probation department that serves the jurisdiction or the clerk of the court on behalf of the victim.

B. The court shall determine the amount of restitution to be paid by the offender. The victim, victim’s representative, victim’s attorney, if applicable, the prosecutor or the prosecutor’s designee, and the offender may provide information relevant to the determination of the amount of restitution. The amount the court orders as restitution shall not exceed the amount of the economic loss suffered by the victim as a direct and proximate result of the commission of the offense. If the court imposes restitution for the cost of accounting or auditing done to determine the extent of economic loss, the court may order restitution for any amount of the victim’s costs of accounting or auditing provided that the amount of restitution is reasonable and does not exceed the value of property or services stolen or damaged as a result of the offense. If the court decides to or is required to impose restitution, the court shall hold an evidentiary hearing on restitution if the offender, victim, victim’s representative, victim’s attorney, if applicable, or victim’s estate disputes the amount of restitution. The court shall determine the amount of full restitution by a preponderance of the evidence.

C. All restitution payments shall be credited against any recovery of economic loss in a civil action brought by the victim or the victim’s estate against the offender. No person may introduce evidence of an award of restitution under this section in a civil action for purposes of imposing liability against an insurer under Ohio R.C. 3937.18.

D. The court may order that the offender pay a surcharge, of not more than five percent (5%) of the amount of the restitution otherwise ordered, to the entity responsible for collecting and processing restitution payments.

E. The victim, victim’s attorney, if applicable, or the attorney for the victim’s estate may request that the prosecutor in the case file a motion, or the offender may file a motion, for modification of the payment terms of any restitution ordered. If the court grants the motion, it may modify the payment terms as it determines appropriate but shall not reduce the amount of restitution ordered, except as provided in Ohio R.C. 2929.281(A).

(2) Fines. A fine in the following amount:

A. For a misdemeanor of the first degree, not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000);

B. For a misdemeanor of the second degree, not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00);

C. For a misdemeanor of the third degree, not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00);

D. For a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00);

E. For a minor misdemeanor, not more than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).

(3) Reimbursement of costs of sanctions.

A. Reimbursement by the offender of any or all of the costs of sanctions incurred by the government, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. All or part of the costs of implementing any community control sanction, including a supervision fee under Ohio R.C. 2951.021 and the costs of global positioning system device monitoring;

2. All or part of the costs of confinement in a jail or other residential facility, including, but not limited to, a per diem fee for room and board, the costs of medical and dental treatment, and the costs of repairing property damaged by the offender while confined.

B. The amount of reimbursement ordered under subsection (a)(3)A. of this section shall not exceed the total amount of reimbursement the offender is able to pay and shall not exceed the actual cost of the sanctions. The court may collect any amount of reimbursement the offender is required to pay under that subsection. If the court does not order reimbursement under that subsection, confinement costs may be assessed pursuant to a repayment policy adopted under Ohio R.C. 2929.37. In addition, the offender may be required to pay the fees specified in Ohio R.C. 2929.38 in accordance with that section.

(ORC 2929.28)

(b) Jail Terms.

(1) Except as provided in Ohio R.C. 2929.22 or 2929.23 of the Revised Code, and unless another term is required or authorized pursuant to law, if the sentencing court imposing a sentence upon an offender for a misdemeanor elects or is required to impose a jail term on the offender pursuant to this General Offenses Code, the court shall impose a definite jail term that shall be one of the following:

A. For a misdemeanor of the first degree, not more than one hundred eighty days;

B. For a misdemeanor of the second degree, not more than ninety days;

C. For a misdemeanor of the third degree, not more than sixty days;

D. For a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, not more than thirty days.

(2) A. A court that sentences an offender to a jail term under this section may permit the offender to serve the sentence in intermittent confinement or may authorize a limited release of the offender as provided in Ohio R.C. 2929.26(B). The court retains jurisdiction over every offender sentenced to jail to modify the jail sentence imposed at any time, but the court shall not reduce any mandatory jail term.

B. 1. If a prosecutor, as defined in Ohio R.C. 2935.01, has filed a notice with the court that the prosecutor wants to be notified about a particular case and if the court is considering modifying the jail sentence of the offender in that case, the court shall notify the prosecutor that the court is considering modifying the jail sentence of the offender in that case. The prosecutor may request a hearing regarding the court’s consideration of modifying the jail sentence of the offender in that case, and, if the prosecutor requests a hearing, the court shall notify the eligible offender of the hearing.

2. If the prosecutor requests a hearing regarding the court’s consideration of modifying the jail sentence of the offender in that case, the court shall hold the hearing before considering whether or not to release the offender from the offender’s jail sentence.

(3) If a court sentences an offender to a jail term under this section and the court assigns the offender to a county jail that has established a county jail industry program pursuant to Ohio R.C. 5147.30, the court shall specify, as part of the sentence, whether the offender may be considered for participation in the program. During the offender’s term in the county jail, the court retains jurisdiction to modify its specification regarding the offender’s participation in the county jail industry program.

(4) If a person is sentenced to a jail term pursuant to this section, the court may impose as part of the sentence pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.28 a reimbursement sanction, and, if the local detention facility in which the term is to be served is covered by a policy adopted pursuant to Ohio R.C. 307.93, 341.14, 341.19, 341.21, 341.23, 753.02, 753.04, 753.16, 2301.56, or 2947.19 and Ohio R.C. 2929.37, both of the following apply:

A. The court shall specify both of the following as part of the sentence:

1. If the person is presented with an itemized bill pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.37 for payment of the costs of confinement, the person is required to pay the bill in accordance with that section.

2. If the person does not dispute the bill described in subsection (b)(4)A.1. of this section and does not pay the bill by the times specified in Ohio R.C. 2929.37, the clerk of the court may issue a certificate of judgment against the person as described in that section.

B. The sentence automatically includes any certificate of judgment issued as described in subsection (b)(4)A.2. of this section.

(ORC 2929.24)

(c) Organizations. Regardless of the penalties provided in subsections (a) and (b) hereof, an organization convicted of an offense pursuant to Section 501.11 shall be fined, in accordance with this section. The court shall fix the fine as follows:

Type of Misdemeanor	Maximum Fine
First degree	$ 5000.00
Second degree	4000.00
Third degree	3000.00
Fourth degree	2000.00
Minor	1000.00
Misdemeanor not specifically classified	2000.00
Minor misdemeanor not specifically classified	1000.00

(1) When an organization is convicted of an offense that is not specifically classified, and the section defining the offense or penalty plainly indicates a purpose to impose the penalty provided for violation upon organizations, then the penalty so provided shall be imposed in lieu of the penalty provided in this subsection (c).

(2) When an organization is convicted of an offense that is not specifically classified, and the penalty provided includes a higher fine than the fine that is provided in this subsection (c), then the penalty imposed shall be pursuant to the penalty provided for the violation of the section defining the offense.

(3) This subsection (c) does not prevent the imposition of available civil sanctions against an organization convicted of an offense pursuant to Section 501.11, either in addition to or in lieu of a fine imposed pursuant to this subsection (c).

(ORC 2929.31)

505.001 DEFINITIONS.

As used in this chapter unless otherwise specifically provided herein:

(a) (1) “Dangerous dog” means a dog that, without provocation, and subject to subsection (a)(2) hereof has done any of the following:

A. Caused injury, other than killing or serious injury, to any person;

B. Killed another dog;

C. Been the subject of a third or subsequent violation of Section 505.01(c).

(2) “Dangerous dog” does not include a police dog that has caused injury, other than killing or serious injury, to any person or has killed another dog while the police dog is being used to assist one or more law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.

(b) “Menacing fashion” means that a dog would cause any person being chased or approached to reasonably believe that the dog will cause physical injury to that person.

(c) (1) Subject to subsection (c)(2) hereof, “nuisance dog” means a dog that without provocation and while off the premises of its owner, keeper or harborer has chased or approached a person in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack or has attempted to bite or otherwise endanger any person.

(2) “Nuisance dog” does not include a police dog that while being used to assist one or more law enforcement officers in the performance of official duties has chased or approached a person in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack or has attempted to bite or otherwise endanger any person.

(d) “Police dog” means a dog that has been trained, and may be used, to assist one or more law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.

(e) “Serious injury” means any of the following:

(1) Any physical harm that carries a substantial risk of death;

(2) Any physical harm that involves a permanent incapacity, whether partial or total, or a temporary, substantial incapacity;

(3) Any physical harm that involves a permanent disfigurement or a temporary, serious disfigurement;

(4) Any physical harm that involves acute pain of a duration that results in substantial suffering or any degree of prolonged or intractable pain.

(f) (1) “Vicious dog” means a dog that, without provocation and subject to subsection (f)(2) hereof has killed or caused serious injury to any person.

(2) “Vicious dog” does not include either of the following:

A. A police dog that has killed or caused serious injury to any person while the police dog is being used to assist one or more law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties;

B. A dog that has killed or caused serious injury to any person while a person was committing or attempting to commit a trespass or other criminal offense on the property of the owner, keeper or harborer of the dog.

(g) “Without provocation” means that a dog was not teased, tormented or abused by a person, or that the dog was not coming to the aid or the defense of a person who was not engaged in illegal or criminal activity and who was not using the dog as a means of carrying out such activity. (ORC 955.11)

505.01 DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE.

(a) No person being the owner or having charge of cattle, horses, swine, sheep, geese, ducks, goats, turkeys, chickens or other fowl or animals shall permit them to run at large upon any public place, or upon any unenclosed lands or upon the premises of another.

(ORC 951.02)

(b) No owner, keeper or harborer of any female dog shall permit it to go beyond the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer at any time the dog is in heat, unless the dog is properly in leash.

(1) Keep the dog physically confined or restrained upon the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer by a leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision, or secure enclosure to prevent escape.

(2) Keep the dog under the reasonable control of some person.

(ORC 955.22)

(d) The running at large of any such animal in or upon any of the places mentioned in this section is prima-facie evidence that it is running at large in violation of this section.

(ORC 951.02)

(e) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. (ORC 951.99)

(2) A. Whoever violates subsection (b) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor for a first offense and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree for each subsequent offense.

B. In addition to the penalties prescribed in subsection (e)(2)A. hereof, if the offender is guilty of a violation of subsection (b) hereof, the court may order the offender to personally supervise the dog that the offender owns, keeps or harbors, to cause that dog to complete dog obedience training, or to do both.

(3) A. 1. Whoever violates subsection (c) hereof that involves a dog that is not a nuisance dog, dangerous dog or vicious dog is guilty of a minor misdemeanor for a first offense and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree for each subsequent offense.

2. In addition to the penalties prescribed above, if the offender is guilty of a violation of subsection (c) hereof, that involves a dog that is not a nuisance dog, dangerous dog or vicious dog, the court may order the offender to personally supervise the dog that the offender owns, keeps or harbors, to cause that dog to complete dog obedience training, or to do both.

B. 1. Whoever commits a violation of subsection (c) hereof, that involves a nuisance dog is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on the first offense and of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on each subsequent offense involving the same dog. Upon a person being convicted of or pleading guilty to a third violation of subsection (c) hereof, involving the same dog, the court shall require the offender to register the involved dog as a dangerous dog.

2. In addition to the penalties prescribed above, if a violation of subsection (c) hereof involves a nuisance dog, the court may order the offender to personally supervise the nuisance dog that the offender owns, keeps or harbors, to cause that dog to complete obedience training, or to do both.

C. Whoever commits a violation of subsection (c) hereof that involves a dangerous dog, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense and of a misdemeanor of the third degree on each subsequent offense. Additionally, the court may order the offender to personally supervise the dangerous dog that the offender owns, keeps or harbors, to cause that dog to complete dog obedience training, or to do both, and the court may order the offender to obtain liability insurance pursuant to division (E) of Ohio R.C. 955.22. The court, in the alternative, may order the dangerous dog to be humanely destroyed by a licensed veterinarian, the County Dog Warden, or the County Humane Society at the owner’s expense. With respect to a violation of subsection (c) hereof that involves a dangerous dog, until the court makes a final determination and during the pendency of any appeal of a violation of that division and at the discretion of the Dog Warden, the dog shall be confined or restrained in accordance with division (D) of Ohio R.C. 955.22 or at the County Dog Pound at the owner’s expense.

D. 1. Whoever commits a violation of subsection (c) hereof that involves a vicious dog is guilty of one or the following:

a. A felony, if the dog kills a person, and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. Additionally, the court shall order that the vicious dog be humanely destroyed by a licensed veterinarian, the County Dog Warden or the County Humane Society at the owner’s expense.

b. A misdemeanor of the first degree if the dog causes serious injury to a person. Additionally, the court may order the vicious dog to be humanely destroyed by a licensed veterinarian, the County Dog Warden, or the County Humane Society;

2. If the court does not order the vicious dog to be destroyed under subsection (e)(3)D.1.b. hereof, the court shall issue an order that specifies that division (D) of Ohio R.C. 955.11 and divisions (D) to (I) of Ohio R.C. 955.22 apply with respect to the dog and the owner, keeper or harborer of the dog as if the dog were a dangerous dog and that Ohio R.C. 955.54 applies with respect to the dog as if it were a dangerous dog. As part of the order, the court shall order the offender to obtain the liability insurance required under division (E)(1) of Ohio R.C. 955.22 in an amount, exclusive of interest and costs, that equals or exceeds one hundred thousand dollars. Until the court makes a final determination and during the pendency of any appeal of a violation of subsection (c) hereof and at the discretion of the Dog Warden, the dog shall be confined or restrained in accordance with the provisions described in division (D) of Ohio R.C. 955.22 or at the County Dog Pound at the owner’s expense. (ORC 955.99)

(f) (1) Whoever violates subsection (b) or (c) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor for a first offense and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree for each subsequent offense.

(2) In addition to the penalties prescribed in subsection (f)(1) hereof, if the offender is guilty of a violation of subsection (b) or (c) hereof, the court may order the offender to personally supervise the dog that the offender owns, keeps or harbors, to cause that dog to complete dog obedience training, or to do both. (ORC 955.99)

505.02 IMPOUNDING AND DISPOSITION; RECORDS.

(a) A police officer or animal warden may impound every animal or dog found in violation of Section 505.01. If the dog is not wearing a valid registration tag and the owner is not otherwise reasonably determined, notice shall be posted in the pound or animal shelter both describing the dog and place where seized and advising the unknown owner that unless the dog is redeemed within three days, it may thereafter be sold or destroyed according to law. If the dog is wearing a valid registration tag or the identity of the owner, keeper or harborer is otherwise reasonably determined, notice shall be given by certified mail to such owner, keeper or harborer that the dog has been impounded and unless redeemed within fourteen days of the date of notice, it may thereafter be sold or destroyed according to law. Any dog seized and impounded may be redeemed by its owner, keeper or harborer at any time prior to the applicable redemption period upon payment of all lawful costs assessed against the animal and upon providing the dog with a valid registration tag if it has none.

(b) A record of all dogs impounded, the disposition of the same, the owner's name and address where known, and a statement of any costs assessed against the dog shall be kept by any poundkeeper.

505.03 ANNUAL REGISTRATION OF DOGS; TAGS REQUIRED.

(a) Except for guide dogs registered under Ohio R.C. 955.011 and dogs kept by an institution or organization for teaching and research purposes under Ohio R.C. 955.16, no person shall own, keep or harbor a dog more than three months of age without annually registering such dog with the County Auditor. Failure of any dog at any time to wear a valid registration tag shall be prima-facie evidence of lack of registration and subject such dog to impounding and disposition as provided by Ohio R.C. 955.16.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor for a first offense and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree for each subsequent offense.

(ORC 955.99)

505.04 ABANDONING ANIMALS.

(a) No owner or keeper of a dog, cat or other domestic animal shall abandon such animal.
(ORC 959.01)

(b) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree on a first offense and a misdemeanor of the first degree on each subsequent offense.

(ORC 959.99 (E)(3))

505.05 KILLING OR INJURING ANIMALS.

(a) No person shall maliciously, or willfully, and without the consent of the owner, kill or injure a farm animal, dog, cat or other domestic animal that is the property of another. This section does not apply to a licensed veterinarian acting in an official capacity, or to trespassing animals as set forth in Ohio R.C. 959.04.

(ORC 959.02)

(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. If the value of the animal killed or the injury done amounts to three hundred dollars ($300.00) or more, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(ORC 959.99)

505.06 POISONING ANIMALS.

(a) No person shall maliciously, or willfully and without the consent of the owner, administer poison, except a licensed veterinarian acting in such capacity, to a farm animal, dog, cat, poultry or other domestic animal that is the property of another; and no person shall, willfully and without the consent of the owner, place any poisoned food where it may be easily found and eaten by any of such animals, either upon his own lands or the lands of another. This section does not apply to trespassing animals as set forth in Ohio R.C. 959.04.

(ORC 959.03)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(ORC 959.99)

505.07 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS GENERALLY.

(a) No person shall:

(1) Torture an animal, deprive one of necessary sustenance, unnecessarily or cruelly beat, needlessly mutilate or kill, or impound or confine an animal without supplying it during such confinement with a sufficient quantity of good wholesome food and water;

(2) Impound or confine an animal without affording it, during such confinement, access to shelter from wind, rain, snow or excessive direct sunlight if it can reasonably be expected that the animal would otherwise become sick or in some other way suffer. This subsection (a)(2) does not apply to animals impounded or confined prior to slaughter. For the purpose of this section, "shelter" means a man-made enclosure, windbreak, sunshade or natural windbreak or sunshade that is developed from the earth's contour, tree development or vegetation;

(3) Carry or convey an animal in a cruel or inhuman manner;

(4) Keep animals other than cattle, poultry or fowl, swine, sheep or goats in an enclosure without wholesome exercise and change of air, nor feed cows on food that produces impure or unwholesome milk;

(5) Detain livestock in railroad cars or compartments longer than twenty-eight hours after they are so placed without supplying them with necessary food, water and attention, nor permit such livestock to be so crowded as to overlie, crush, wound or kill each other.

(b) Upon the written request of the owner or person in custody of any particular shipment of livestock, which written request shall be separate and apart from any printed bill of lading or other railroad form, the length of time in which such livestock may be detained in any cars or compartments without food, water and attention, may be extended to thirty-six hours without penalty therefor. This section does not prevent the dehorning of cattle.

(ORC 959.13)

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. In addition, the court may order the offender to forfeit the animal or livestock and may provide for its disposition including, but not limited to, the sale of the animal or livestock. If an animal or livestock is forfeited and sold pursuant to this subsection, the proceeds from the sale first shall be applied to pay the expenses incurred with regard to the care of the animal from the time it was taken from the custody of the former owner. The balance of the proceeds from the sale, if any, shall be paid to the former owner of the animal.
(ORC 959.99)

505.071 CRUELTY TO COMPANION ANIMALS.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Animal rescue for dogs”, has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 956.01.

(2) “Boarding kennel” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 956.01.

(3) “Companion animal” means any animal that is kept inside a residential dwelling and any dog or cat regardless of where it is kept, including a pet store as defined in Ohio R.C. 956.01. The term does not include livestock or any wild animal.

(4) “Cruelty”, “torment” and “torture” have the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 1717.01.

(5) “Dog kennel” means an animal rescue for dogs, a boarding kennel or a training kennel.

(6) “Federal Animal Welfare Act” means the “Laboratory Animal Act of 1966", Pub. L. No. 89-544, 80 Stat. 350 (1966), 7 U.S.C. §2131 et seq., as amended by the “Animal Welfare Act of 1970", Pub. L. No. 91-579, 84 Stat. 1560 (1970), the “Animal Welfare Act Amendments of 1976", Pub. L. No. 94-279, 90 Stat. 417 (1976) and the “Food Security Act of 1985", Pub. L. No. 99-198, 99 Stat. 1354 (1985), and as it may be subsequently amended.

(7) “Practice of veterinary medicine” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4741.01.

(8) “Residential dwelling” means a structure or shelter or the portion of a structure or shelter that is used by one or more humans for the purpose of a habitation.

(9) “Wild animal” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 1531.01.

(b) No person shall knowingly torture, torment, needlessly mutilate or maim, cruelly beat, poison, needlessly kill, or commit an act of cruelty against a companion animal.

(c) No person who confines or who is the custodian or caretaker of a companion animal shall negligently do any of the following:

(1) Torture, torment or commit an act or cruelty against the companion animal;

(2) Deprive the companion animal of necessary sustenance, or confine the companion animal without supplying it during the confinement with sufficient quantities of good, wholesome food and water, if it can reasonably be expected that the companion animal would become sick or suffer in any other way as a result of or due to the deprivation or confinement;

(3) Impound or confine the companion animal without affording it, during the impoundment or confinement, with access to shelter from heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, or excessive direct sunlight if it can reasonably be expected that the companion animal would become sick or suffer in any other way as a result of or due to the lack of adequate shelter.

(d) No person who confines or who is the custodian or caretaker of a companion animal shall recklessly deprive the companion animal of necessary sustenance or confine the companion animal without supplying it during the confinement with sufficient quantities of good, wholesome food and water.

(e) No owner, manager or employee of a dog kennel who confines or is the custodian or caretaker of a companion animal shall negligently do any of the following:

(1) Torture, torment, or commit an act of cruelty against the companion animal;

(3) Impound or confine the companion animal without affording it, during the impoundment or confinement, with access to shelter from heat, cold, wind, rain, snow or excessive direct sunlight if it can reasonably be expected that the companion animal would become sick or suffer in any other way as a result of or due to the lack of adequate shelter.

(f) Subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this section do not apply to any of the following:

(1) A companion animal used in scientific research conducted by an institution in accordance with the federal animal welfare act and related regulations;

(2) The lawful practice of veterinary medicine by a person who has been issued a license, temporary permit, or registration certificate to do so under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4741;

(3) Dogs being used or intended for use for hunting or field trial purposes, provided that the dogs are being treated in accordance with usual and commonly accepted practices for the care of hunting dogs;

(4) The use of common training devices, if the companion animal is being treated in accordance with usual and commonly accepted practices for the training of animals;

(5) The administering of medicine to a companion animal that was properly prescribed by a person who has been issued a license, temporary permit, or registration certificate under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4741.

(g) Notwithstanding any section of the Ohio Revised Code that otherwise provides for the distribution of fine moneys, the Clerk of Court shall forward all fines the Clerk collects that are so imposed for any violation of this section to the Treasurer of the municipality, whose county humane society or law enforcement agency is to be paid the fine money as determined under this section. The Treasurer shall pay the fine moneys to the county humane society or the county, township, municipal corporation, or state law enforcement agency in this state that primarily was responsible for or involved in the investigation and prosecution of the violation. If a county humane society receives any fine moneys under this section, the county humane society shall use the fine moneys either to provide the training that is required for humane society agents under Ohio R.C. 1717.061 or to provide additional training for humane society agents.

(ORC 959.131)

(h) (1) Whoever violates subsection (b) or (d) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree on a first offense. On each subsequent offense such person is guilty of a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(2) Whoever violates subsection (c) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree on a first offense and a misdemeanor of the first degree on each subsequent offense.

(3) Whoever violates subsection (e) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(4) A. A court may order a person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this section to forfeit to an impounding agency, as defined in Ohio R.C. 959.132, any or all of the companion animals in that person’s ownership or care. The court also may prohibit or place limitations on the person’s ability to own or care for any companion animals for a specified or indefinite period of time.

B. A court may order a person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this section to reimburse an impounding agency for the reasonably necessary costs incurred by the agency for the care of a companion animal that the agency impounded as a result of the investigation or prosecution of the violation, provided that the costs were not otherwise paid under Ohio R.C. 959.132.

(5) If a court has reason to believe that a person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this section has a mental or emotional disorder that contributed to the violation, the court may impose as a community control sanction or as a condition of probation a requirement that the offender undergo psychological evaluation or counseling. The court shall order the offender to pay the costs of the evaluation or counseling. (ORC 959.99)

505.08 NUISANCE CONDITIONS PROHIBITED.

(a) No person shall permit a place where an animal or fowl is kept to become so noisy, filthy or offensive in any manner that such a place is injurious to the health or comfort of persons living in the vicinity thereof. No person shall keep, transport, unload or collect any animal or fowl in such a manner that the stench therefrom or noise caused thereby is annoying or offensive to any person.

(b) No person being the owner or in charge or control of any dog, except a seeing-eye/guide dog shall allow or permit such a dog to defecate upon any public property or any private property, other than the property of owner or person in charge or control of such dog, unless permission of the owner of such property is granted or unless the owner or person in charge or control of such dog immediately removes all feces deposited by such dog and disposes of same in a sanitary manner, in which latter event such nuisance shall be considered abated. Any dog, except a seeing eye/guide dog which defecates upon any public or private property, other than the property owner or person in charge of such animal, is hereby declared to be a nuisance.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.

(Ord. 1663-20. Passed 10-12-20.)

505.09 BARKING OR HOWLING DOGS.

(a) No person shall keep or harbor any dog within the Municipality which, by frequent and habitual barking, howling or yelping, creates unreasonably loud and disturbing noises of such a character, intensity and duration as to disturb the peace, quiet and good order of the Municipality. Any person who shall allow any dog habitually to remain, be lodged or fed within any dwelling, building, yard or enclosure, which he occupies or owns, shall be considered as harboring such dog.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

505.10 ANIMAL BITES; REPORTS AND QUARANTINE.

(a) Whenever any person is bitten by a dog or other animal, report of such bite shall be made to the Health Commissioner within twenty-four hours. Whenever it is reported to the Health Commissioner that any dog or cat has bitten a person, that dog or cat shall be quarantined under an order issued by the Health Commissioner. The dog or cat shall be quarantined by its owner or by a harborer, or shall be quarantined in a pound or kennel. In all cases, such quarantine shall be under the supervision of the Health Commissioner and shall be at the expense of the owner or harborer. Quarantine shall continue until the Health Commissioner determines that the dog or cat is not afflicted with rabies. The quarantine period hereby required shall not be less than ten days from the date on which the person was bitten. If at any time during the quarantine, the Health Commissioner requires the dog or cat to be examined for symptoms of rabies, then the examination shall be by a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine. The veterinarian shall report to the Health Commissioner the conclusions reached as a result of the examinations. The examination by a veterinarian shall be at the expense of the owner or harborer. No dog or cat shall be released from the required quarantine unless and until it has been properly vaccinated against rabies.

No person shall fail to comply with the requirements of this section or with any order of the Health Commissioner made pursuant thereto, nor fail to immediately report to the Health Commissioner any symptoms or behavior suggestive of rabies.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

505.11 HUNTING PROHIBITED.

(a) No person shall hunt, kill or attempt to kill any animal or fowl by the use of firearms, bow and arrow, air rifle or any other means within the corporate limits of the Municipality.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

505.12 COLORING RABBITS OR BABY POULTRY; SALE OR DISPLAY OF POULTRY.

(a) No person shall dye or otherwise color any rabbit or baby poultry, including, but not limited to, chicks and ducklings. No person shall sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, raffle or give away any rabbit or poultry which has been dyed or otherwise colored. No poultry younger than four weeks of age may be sold, given away or otherwise distributed to any person in lots of less than three. Stores, shops, vendors and others offering young poultry for sale or other distribution shall provide and operate brooders or other heating devices that may be necessary to maintain poultry in good health, and shall keep adequate food and water available to the poultry at all times.

(ORC 925.62)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

505.13 DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS AND RESTRICTED SNAKES.

(a) For purposes of this section, “dangerous wild animal” and “restricted snake” have the same meanings as set forth in Ohio R.C. 935.01.

(b) (1) Except for a restricted snake specified in Ohio R.C. 935.01(L)(1), no person shall sell or offer for sale at auction a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake.

(2) Except for a microchip removed for purposes of a medical emergency by a veterinarian that is qualified to provide veterinary care to the dangerous wild animal, no person shall knowingly remove a microchip that is implanted in a dangerous wild animal as required in Ohio R.C. 935.04.

(3) No person that possesses a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake shall fail to post and display any of the following:

A. On each cage in which a dangerous wild animal is confined, signs warning the public that a dangerous wild animal is confined in the cage;

B. At each entrance to the property where a dangerous wild animal is confined, a sign warning the public that a dangerous wild animal is on the property;

C. On each container in which a restricted snake is confined, a sign warning the public that a restricted snake is in the container;

D. At the main entrance to each structure where a restricted snake is confined, a sign warning the public that a restricted snake is in the structure;

E. On a vehicle that is used to transport a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake, a sign warning that a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake, as applicable, is in the vehicle.

The signs shall comply with standards established in rules adopted by the State Director of Agriculture.

(4) No person shall allow a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake to roam off the property where it is confined.

(5) No person shall remove any teeth or claws from a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake, as applicable, unless determined to be medically necessary by a veterinarian. (ORC 935.18)

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree on the first offense. On a second or subsequent offense, such person is guilty of a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. (ORC 935.99)

505.14 DANGEROUS DOGS.

(a) Except when a dangerous dog is lawfully engaged in hunting or training for the purpose of hunting and is accompanied by the owner, keeper, harborer, or handler of the dog, no owner, keeper, or harborer of a dangerous dog shall fail to do either of the following:

(1) While that dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, securely confine it at all times in a building, in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure that has a top;

(2) While that dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, keep that dog on a chain-link leash or tether that is not more than six feet in length and additionally do at least one of the following:

A. Keep that dog in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure that has a top;

B. Have the leash or tether controlled by a person who is of suitable age and discretion or securely attach, tie or affix the leash or tether to the ground or stationary object or fixture so that the dog is adequately restrained and station such a person in close enough proximity to that dog so as to prevent it from causing injury to any person;

C. Muzzle that dog.

(b) No owner, keeper or harborer of a dangerous dog shall fail to do the following:

(1) Obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this State providing coverage in each occurrence because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the dangerous dog if so ordered by a court and provide proof of that liability insurance upon request to any law enforcement officer, County Dog Warden, or public health official charged with enforcing this section;

(2) Obtain a dangerous dog registration certificate from the County Auditor pursuant to Ohio R.C. 955.22(I), affix a tag that identifies the dog as a dangerous dog to the dog’s collar, and ensure that the dog wears the collar and tag at all times;

(3) Notify the local Dog Warden immediately if any of the following occurs:

A. The dog is loose or unconfined.

B. The dog bites a person, unless the dog is on the property of the owner of the dog, and the person who is bitten is unlawfully trespassing or committing a criminal act within the boundaries of that property.

C. The dog attacks another animal while the dog is off the property of the owner of the dog.

(4) If the dog is sold, given to another person, or dies, notify the County Auditor within ten days of the sale, transfer or death.

(ORC 955.22)

(c) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense and of a misdemeanor of the third degree on each subsequent offense. Additionally, the court may order the offender to personally supervise the dangerous dog that the offender owns, keeps or harbors, to cause that dog to complete dog obedience training, or to do both, and the court may order the offender to obtain liability insurance pursuant to subsection (b) hereof. The court, in the alternative, may order the dangerous dog to be humanely destroyed by a licensed veterinarian, the Dog Warden or the humane society at the owner’s expense.

(d) (1) Whoever violates subsection (b)(2) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(2) Whoever violates subsections (b)(1), (3) or (4) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. (ORC 955.99)

505.15 ANIMAL FIGHTS.

(a) No person shall engage in or be employed at dogfighting, cockfighting, bearbaiting, putting an animal against another, or cruelty to animals; no person shall receive money for the admission of another to a place kept for such purpose; no person shall use, train or possess a dog or other animal for seizing, detaining or maltreating a domestic animal. Any person who knowingly purchases a ticket of admission to such place, or is present thereat, or witnesses such spectacle, is an aider and abettor.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

505.16 RIGHTS OF BLIND, DEAF OR HEARING IMPAIRED, OR MOBILITY IMPAIRED PERSON, OR TRAINER WITH ASSISTANCE DOG.

(a) When either a blind, deaf or hearing impaired, or mobility impaired person, or a training of an assistance dog is accompanied by an assistance dog, the person or trainer, as applicable, is entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, and privileges of all public conveyances, hotels, and lodging places, all places of public accommodation, amusement, or resort, and other places to which the general public is invited, and may take the dog into such conveyances and places, subject only to the conditions and limitations applicable to all persons not so accompanied, except that:

(1) The dog shall not occupy a seat in any public conveyance; and

(2) The dog shall be leashed while using the facilities of a common carrier.

(3) Any dog in training to become an assistance dog shall be covered by a liability insurance policy provided by the nonprofit special agency engaged in such work protecting members of the public against personal injury or property damage caused by the dog.

(b) No person shall deprive a blind, deaf or hearing impaired, or mobility impaired person, or a training of an assistance dog who is accompanied by an assistance dog, of any of the advantages, facilities or privileges provided in subsection (a) of this section, nor charge the person or training a fee or charge for the dog.

(ORC 955.43(A), (B))

(1) “Assistance dog” means a dog that has been trained by a nonprofit or for-profit special agency and that is one of the following:

A. A guide dog;

B. A hearing dog;

C. A service dog.

(2) “Blind” means either of the following:

A. Vision 20/20 or less in the better eye with proper correction;

B. Field defect in the better eye with proper correction that contracts the peripheral field so that the diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than twenty degrees.

(3) “Guide dog” means a dog that has been trained or is in training to assist a blind person.

(4) “Hearing dog” means a dog that has been trained or is in training to assist a deaf or hearing-impaired person.

(5) “Institutions of education” means:

A. Any state university or college as defined in Ohio R.C. 3345.32;

B. Any private college or university that holds a certificate of authorization issued by the Ohio Board of Regents pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 1713;

C. Any elementary or secondary school operated by a board of education;

D. Any chartered or nonchartered nonpublic elementary or secondary school; or

E. Any school issued a certificate of registration by the state Board of Career Colleges and Schools.

(6) “Person with a mobility impairment” means any person, regardless of age, who is subject to a physiological impairment regardless of its cause, nature or extent that renders the person unable to move about without the aid of crutches, a wheelchair, or any other form of support, or that limits the person’s functional ability to ambulate, climb, descend, sit, rise, or perform any related function. The phrase includes a person with a neurological or psychological disability that limits the person’s functional ability to ambulate, climb, descend, sit, rise or perform any related function. The phrase also includes a person with a seizure disorder and a person who is diagnosed with autism.

(7) “Service dog” means a dog that has been trained or is in training to assist a person with a mobility impairment.

(ORC 955.011(B), 955.43(C))

(d) Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. (ORC 955.99(D))

505.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

509.01 RIOT.

(a) No person shall participate with four or more others in a course of disorderly conduct in violation of Section 509.03:

(1) With purpose to commit or facilitate the commission of a misdemeanor, other than disorderly conduct;

(2) With purpose to intimidate a public official or employee into taking or refraining from official action, or with purpose to hinder, impede or obstruct a function of government;

(3) With purpose to hinder, impede or obstruct the orderly process of administration or instruction at an educational institution, or to interfere with or disrupt lawful activities carried on at such institution.

(b) No person shall participate with four or more others with purpose to do an act with unlawful force or violence, even though such act might otherwise be lawful.

(ORC 2917.03)

509.011 INCITING TO VIOLENCE.

(a) No person shall knowingly engage in conduct designed to urge or incite another to commit any offense of violence, when either of the following apply:

(1) The conduct takes place under circumstances that create a clear and present danger that any offense of violence will be committed;

(2) The conduct proximately results in the commission of any offense of violence.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of inciting to violence. If the offense of violence that the other person is being urged or incited to commit is a misdemeanor, inciting to violence is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(ORC 2917.01)

509.02 FAILURE TO DISPERSE.

(a) Where five or more persons are participating in a course of disorderly conduct in violation of Section 509.03, and there are other persons in the vicinity whose presence creates the likelihood of physical harm to persons or property or of serious public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, a law enforcement officer or other public official may order the participants and such other persons to disperse. No person shall knowingly fail to obey such order.

(b) Nothing in this section requires persons to disperse who are peaceably assembled for a lawful purpose.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(3) hereof, failure to disperse is a minor misdemeanor.

(3) Failure to disperse is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree if the failure to obey the order described in subsection (a) hereof, creates the likelihood of physical harm to persons or is committed at the scene of a fire, accident, disaster, riot, or emergency of any kind.

(ORC 2917.04)

509.03 DISORDERLY CONDUCT; INTOXICATION.

(a) No person shall recklessly cause inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to another by doing any of the following:

(1) Engaging in fighting, in threatening harm to persons or property, or in violent or turbulent behavior;

(2) Making unreasonable noise or offensively coarse utterance, gesture or display, or communicating unwarranted and grossly abusive language to any person, which by its very utterance or usage inflicts injury or tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;

(3) Insulting, taunting or challenging another, under circumstances in which that conduct is likely to provoke a violent response;

(4) Hindering or preventing the movement of persons on a public street, road, highway or right of way, or to, from, within or upon public or private property, so as to interfere with the rights of others, and by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender;

(5) Creating a condition that is physically offensive to persons or that presents a risk of physical harm to persons or property, by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender.

(b) No person, while voluntarily intoxicated shall do either of the following:

(1) In a public place or in the presence of two or more persons, engage in conduct likely to be offensive or to cause inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to persons of ordinary sensibilities, which conduct the offender, if the offender were not intoxicated, should know is likely to have that effect on others;

(2) Engage in conduct or create a condition that presents a risk of physical harm to the offender or another, or to the property of another.

(c) Violation of any statute or ordinance of which an element is operating a motor vehicle, locomotive, watercraft, aircraft or other vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any drug of abuse, is not a violation of subsection (b) hereof.

(d) If a person appears to an ordinary observer to be intoxicated, it is probable cause to believe that person is voluntarily intoxicated for purposes of subsection (b) hereof.

(e) (1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of disorderly conduct.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (e)(3) and (e)(4), disorderly conduct is a minor misdemeanor.

(3) Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree if any of the following applies:

A. The offender persists in disorderly conduct after reasonable warning or request to desist.

B. The offense is committed in the vicinity of a school or in a school safety zone.

C. The offense is committed in the presence of any law enforcement officer, firefighter, rescuer, medical person, emergency medical services person, or other authorized person who is engaged in the person’s duties at the scene of a fire, accident, disaster, riot or emergency of any kind.

D. The offense is committed in the presence of any emergency facility person who is engaged in the person’s duties in an emergency facility.

(4) If an offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or more violations of subsection (b) of this section, a violation of subsection (b) of this section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(f) As used in this section:

(1) “Emergency medical services person” is the singular of “emergency medical services personnel” as defined in Ohio R.C. 2133.21.

(2) “Emergency facility person” is the singular of “emergency facility personnel” as defined in Ohio R.C. 2909.04.

(3) “Emergency facility” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2909.04.

(4) “Committed in the vicinity of a school” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2925.01.

(ORC 2917.11)

509.04 DISTURBING A LAWFUL MEETING.

(a) No person, with purpose to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting, procession or gathering, shall do either of the following:

(1) Do any act which obstructs or interferes with the due conduct of such meeting, procession or gathering;

(2) Make any utterance, gesture or display which outrages the sensibilities of the group.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of disturbing a lawful meeting. Except as otherwise provided in this section, disturbing a lawful meeting is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Disturbing a lawful meeting is a misdemeanor of the first degree if either of the following applies:

(1) The violation is committed with the intent to disturb or disquiet any assemblage of people met for religious worship at a tax-exempt place of worship, regardless of whether the conduct is within the place at which the assemblage is held or is on the property on which that place is located and disturbs the order and solemnity of the assemblage.

(2) The violation is committed with the intent to prevent, disrupt, or interfere with a virtual meeting or gathering of people for religious worship, through use of a computer, computer system, telecommunications device, or other electronic device or system, or in any other manner.

(1) “Computer” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2913.01.

(2) “Computer system” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2913.01.

(3) “Telecommunications device” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2913.01.

(4) “Virtual meeting or gathering” means a meeting or gathering by interactive video conference or teleconference, or by a combination thereof.

(ORC 2917.12)

509.05 MISCONDUCT AT AN EMERGENCY.

(a) No person shall knowingly do any of the following:

(1) Hamper the lawful operations of any law enforcement officer, firefighter, rescuer, medical person, emergency medical services person, or other authorized person, engaged in the person’s duties at the scene of a fire, accident, disaster, riot, or emergency of any kind;

(2) Hamper the lawful activities of any emergency facility person who is engaged in the person’s duties in an emergency facility;

(3) Fail to obey the lawful order of any law enforcement officer engaged in the law enforcement officer’s duties at the scene of or in connection with a fire, accident, disaster, riot, or emergency of any kind.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit access or deny information to any news media representative in the lawful exercise of the news media representative’s duties.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of misconduct at an emergency. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, misconduct at an emergency is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If a violation of this section creates a risk of physical harm to persons or property, misconduct at an emergency is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) “Emergency medical services person” is the singular of “emergency medical services personnel” as defined in Ohio R.C. 2133.21.

(2) “Emergency facility person” is the singular of “emergency facility personnel” as defined in Ohio R.C. 2909.04.

(3) “Emergency facility” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2909.04.

(ORC 2917.13)

509.06 INDUCING PANIC.

(a) No person shall cause the evacuation of any public place, or otherwise cause serious public inconvenience or alarm, by doing any of the following:

(1) Initiating or circulating a report or warning of an alleged or impending fire, explosion, crime or other catastrophe, knowing that such report or warning is false;

(2) Threatening to commit any offense of violence;

(3) Committing any offense, with reckless disregard of the likelihood that its commission will cause serious public inconvenience or alarm.

(b) Division (a) hereof does not apply to any person conducting an authorized fire or emergency drill.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of inducing panic, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If inducing panic results in physical harm to any person, economic harm of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, if the public place involved in a violation of this section is a school or an institution of higher education, or if the violation pertains to a purported, threatened or actual use of a weapon of mass destruction, inducing panic is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(d) Any act that is a violation of this section and any other section of the Codified Ordinances may be prosecuted under this section, the other section, or both sections.

(e) As used in this section:

(1) “Biological agent” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2917.33.

(2) “Economic harm” means any of the following:

A. All direct, incidental, and consequential pecuniary harm suffered by a victim as a result of criminal conduct. “Economic harm” as described in this division includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

1. All wages, salaries, or other compensation lost as a result of the criminal conduct;

2. The cost of all wages, salaries, or other compensation paid to employees for time those employees are prevented from working as a result of the criminal conduct;

3. The overhead costs incurred for the time that a business is shut down as a result of the criminal conduct;

4. The loss of value to tangible or intangible property that was damaged as a result of the criminal conduct.

B. All costs incurred by the Municipality as a result of, or in making any response to, the criminal conduct that constituted the violation of this section or Section 509.07, including, but not limited to, all costs so incurred by any law enforcement officers, firefighters, rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel of the state or the political subdivision.

(3) “Emergency medical services personnel” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2133.21.

(4) “Institution of higher education” means any of the following:

A. A state university or college as defined in Ohio R.C. 3345.12(A)(1), community college, state community college, university branch, or technical college;

B. A private, nonprofit college, university or other post-secondary institution located in this State that possesses a certificate of authorization issued by the Chancellor of Higher Education pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 1713.

C. A post-secondary institution with a certificate of registration issued by the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3332. (ORC 2917.31)

(5) “School” means any school operated by a board of education or any school for which the Director of Education and Workforce prescribes minimum standards under Ohio R.C. 3301.07, whether or not any instruction, extracurricular activities, or training provided by the school is being conducted at the time a violation of this section is committed.

(6) “Weapon of mass destruction” means any of the following:

A. Any weapon that is designed or intended to cause death or serious physical harm through the release, dissemination, or impact of toxic or poisonous chemicals, or their precursors;

B. Any weapon involving a disease organism or biological agent;

C. Any weapon that is designed to release radiation or radioactivity at a level dangerous to human life;

D. Any of the following, except to the extent that the item or device in question is expressly excepted from the definition of “destructive device” pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(4) and regulations issued under that section:

1. Any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or similar device;

2. Any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any item or device into any item or device described in division (e)(3)D.1. of this section and from which an item or device described in that division may be readily assembled.

509.07 MAKING FALSE ALARMS.

(a) No person shall do any of the following:

(1) Initiate or circulate a report or warning of an alleged or impending fire, explosion, crime or other catastrophe, knowing that the report or warning is false and likely to cause public inconvenience or alarm;

(2) Knowingly cause a false alarm of fire or other emergency to be transmitted to or within any organization, public or private, for dealing with emergencies involving a risk of physical harm to persons or property;

(3) Report to any law enforcement agency an alleged offense or other incident within its concern, knowing that such offense did not occur.

(4) Initiate or circulate a report or warning of an alleged or impending fire, explosion, crime, or other catastrophe, knowing that the report or warning is false and likely to impede the operation of a critical infrastructure facility.

(b) This section does not apply to any person conducting an authorized fire or emergency drill.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of making false alarms, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If a violation of this section results in economic harm of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, or if a violation of this section pertains to a purported, threatened, or actual use of a weapon of mass destruction, making false alarms is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(d) Any act that is a violation of this section and any other section of the Codified Ordinances may be prosecuted under this section, the other section, or both sections.

(e) As used in this section:

(1) “Critical infrastructure facility” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2911.21.

(2) “Economic harm”and “weapon of mass destruction” have the same meaning as in Section 509.06. (ORC 2917.32)

509.08 NOISE DISTURBANCES.

(a) No person shall unreasonably make or continue, or cause to be made or continued, or permit any noise disturbance.

(b) As used in this section, “noise” means any sound which annoys or disturbs persons or which causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect on persons. “Noise disturbance” means any sound which:

(1) Endangers or injures the safety or health of persons or animals;

(2) Annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensibilities; or

(3) Endangers or injures personal or real property.

(c) The following acts, and the causing or permitting thereof, are hereby declared to be violations of this section, but such enumerations are neither deemed to be exclusive of nor limited to:

(1) Radios, television sets, musical instruments, and similar devices which produce, reproduce, or amplify sound in such a manner or with such volume as to annoy or disturb the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of persons where such a noise is plainly audible at a distance of more than fifty feet within the City from 12:00 p.m. midnight until 8:00 a.m. For the purpose of this subsection, “plainly audible” means any sound which clearly can be heard, by unimpaired auditory senses based on a direct line of sight of fifty or more feet, however, words or phrases need not be discernible and said sound shall include bass reverberation.

(2) Radios and sound-producing devices such as “boom boxes”.

A. No person shall play any radio, music player such as a “boom box”, tape cassette, disc player, television, audio system, musical instrument or any other type of sound device upon any public road, street, highway or private property within the City in a manner or at a volume as to disturb the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of other persons. An exception is made for organized events which have received a valid permit from the City as set forth in Section 311.02 of the Traffic Code and any other applicable section.

B. No person shall play any radio, music player such as a “boom box”, tape cassette, disc player, television, audio system, musical instrument or any other type of sound device in a manner or at a volume as to disturb the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of neighboring inhabitants or at a volume which is plainly audible to persons other than those who are in the room in which such device or instrument is played and who are voluntary listeners thereto.

C. No person shall play any radio, music player or audio system in a motor vehicle at such volume as to disturb the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of other persons or at a volume which is plainly audible to persons other than the occupants of said vehicle.

(3) Animals and birds. Keeping any bird or animal which, by causing frequent or long continued noise, disturbs the comfort and repose of any person in the vicinity, where such noise can be distinctly heard at a distance of more than fifty feet from its source;

(4) Signal devices. Sounding any horn, bell or other signal or warning devices on any motor vehicle, motorcycle, bus or other vehicle in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance, except as a danger or warning signal;

(5) Vehicles. Using or operating any motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such a manner as to create loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise so as to cause a noise disturbance;

(6) Vehicle or motorboat repairs and testing. Repairing, rebuilding, modifying or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, motorized vehicle or motorboat in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary;

(7) Loading and unloading. Loading, unloading, opening, closing or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans or similar objects in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary;

(8) Heavy vehicles; racing engines. Operating or permitting the operation of any motor vehicle with a gross weight rating in excess of 10,000 pounds, or any auxiliary equipment attached to such vehicle, for longer than five minutes in any hour while the vehicle is stationary, for reasons other than traffic congestion, except while loading and unloading perishables, where such noise creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary, or racing the motor of any vehicle unnecessarily or operating any motor vehicle, except in an emergency, in such a manner that the vehicle is so rapidly accelerated or started from a stopped position that the exhaust system emits a loud, cracking or chattering noise unusual to its normal operation, or whereby the tires of such vehicle squeal or leave tire marks on the pavement or other surface, commonly known as “peeling”;

(9) Construction. Operating or permitting the operation of any tools, other than domestic tools, or equipment used in construction, drilling or demolition work, between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day, such that the sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary, except for emergency work of public service utilities or by a special permit by the Safety-Service Director’s office; (A.O.)

(10) Domestic power tools. Operating or permitting the operation of any mechanically powered saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, lawnmower or similar device used outdoors, other than powered snow removal equipment, in residential areas between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of the following day; and (Ord. 1487-15. Passed 6-22-15.)

(11) Vibration. Operating or permitting the operation of any device that creates vibration which is above the vibration perception threshold of any individual at or beyond the property boundary of the source. For the purpose of this section, “vibration perception threshold” means the minimum ground or structure-born vibrational motion necessary to cause a normal person to be aware of the vibration by direct means, such as, but not limited to, sensation by touch or visual observation of moving objects.

(d) This section shall not apply to the emission of sound for the purpose of alerting persons to the existence of an emergency, or to the emission of sound in the performance of emergency work. Noncommercial public speaking and public assembly activities conducted on any public space or public right of way are also exempt from this section.

(e) Whoever willfully or knowingly violates any of the provisions of this section for which no penalty is otherwise provided, is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. Whoever willfully or knowingly persists in violating any of the provisions of this section, for which no penalty is otherwise provided, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day, or part thereof, during or on which a violation occurs or continues.

(1) Whoever violates paragraph (c)(2)A., B., C. hereof shall, upon a first offense, be fined seventy-five dollars ($75.00), which fine shall not be suspended, waived or otherwise reduced below that amount. In addition the equipment or device used in the commission of a violation of paragraph (c)(2)A., B., or C. hereof may be seized and held as evidence. After disposition of any charges thereunder, said equipment or devices shall be returned to the owner thereof. In the case of any violation of paragraphs (c)(2) C. and (5) through (11) hereof, the arresting or citing officer may cause said vehicle or equipment to be towed, impounded or stored and held for a period not to exceed twenty-four hours; and the owner of any such vehicle or equipment so towed, impounded, stored or held may, upon proof of ownership and payment of towing charges and any accrued storage charges, regain possession of such vehicle or equipment.

(2) In addition to any other method of enforcement provided for in this chapter, paragraphs (c)(2)A., B. and (5) through (11) hereof may be enforced by the issuance of a citation in compliance with Rule 4.1 of the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure, and paragraph (c)(2)C. hereof may be enforced by the issuance of an Ohio Uniform Traffic Ticket in compliance with the Ohio Traffic Rules promulgated by the Ohio Supreme Court pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2935.17 and 2937.46.

(3) Whoever violates paragraph (c)(2)A., B. or C. hereof within thirty-six hours of having been charged with a first offense thereof or within thirty-six hours of having been warned by a police officer to desist from violating one of those sections is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(4) Whoever violates paragraph (c)(2)A., B. or C. hereof shall, upon any subsequent offense, be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

(5) Each day upon which a violation occurs or continues shall be a separate offense and punishable as such hereunder.

509.09 CURFEW FOR MINORS.

(a) No person having the control and custody of, or being the parent or guardian of, a minor under the age of eighteen years, shall permit such minor to remain away from the minor’s residence or on unenclosed lands within the Village between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day on Sunday through Thursday, and 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or a responsible person twenty-one years of age or older.

(b) The restrictions set forth in subsection (a) hereof shall not apply to minors on an emergency errand or on legitimate business, such as the delivery of newspapers or returning home from work.

(c) In the event that any school, church, lodge or other organization within the Village sponsors a function attended by minors within the age limitations set forth in this section, and such minors will be dismissed from such functions at an hour later than provided in this section, such school, church, lodge or other organization shall first obtain the approval of the Police Chief or authorized personnel to have minors remain to the time when the entertainment or function will end. Minors attending such functions or entertainment shall be required to be at home and off the streets, sidewalks, public places, places of amusement and entertainment and unenclosed lands within the Village within thirty minutes after such entertainment or function has ended.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of curfew violation, a minor misdemeanor.

(Ord. 1026. Passed 8-7-00.)

509.10 CHILDREN OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL AGE TO BE IN SCHOOL; PARENTAL DUTY IMPOSED.

(a) No child between the ages of six and seventeen, inclusive, other than a child who has been suspended or expelled from school, shall be at any place within the Village except in attendance at school during regularly scheduled class time during any school day, unless the child has written proof from school authorities excusing him or her from attending school at that particular time, or unless the child is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to supervise the child.

(b) Each parent or legal guardian of a child between the ages of six and seventeen, inclusive, shall have a duty to prohibit the child from behaving contrary to subsection (a) hereof. No person shall negligently fail to fulfill the duty imposed by this subsection.

(c) It shall be an affirmative defense to subsections (a) and (b) hereof that the child, at the time he or she was found at a place other than in school, was not required by law to be in attendance at school.

(d) It shall be an affirmative defense to subsection (b) hereof that the parent or legal guardian initiated the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court against the child prior to the time that the child was found violating subsection (a) hereof.

(e) A police officer or school attendance officer may transport any child found violating subsection (a) hereof to the child’s residence and may release the child into the care of a parent or legal guardian, to the school the child usually attends, or to any location designated by the school authorities as a receiving center for such children, the choice of destination to be made at the discretion of the police officer or school attendance officer based on the proximity of the destination and other relevant factors, and subject to the need to respond to emergency or priority calls.

(f) Any child who violates subsection (a) hereof is an unruly child and subject to the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court.

(g) Any person who violates subsection (b) hereof is guilty of negligently failing to supervise a child of compulsory school age, a minor misdemeanor.

(h) Any person who previously has been convicted of subsection (b) hereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree and shall be subject to the penalty as provided in Section 501.99.

509.11 IMPEDING PUBLIC PASSAGE OF AN EMERGENCY SERVICE RESPONDER.

(a) No person, without privilege to do so, shall recklessly obstruct any highway, street, sidewalk, or any other public passage in such a manner as to render the highway, street, sidewalk, or passage impassable without unreasonable inconvenience or hazard if both of the following apply:

(1) The obstruction prevents an emergency vehicle from accessing a highway or street, prevents an emergency service responder from responding to an emergency, or prevents an emergency vehicle or an emergency service responder from having access to an exit from an emergency.

(2) Upon receipt of a request or order from an emergency service responder to remove or cease the obstruction, the person refuses to remove or cease the obstruction.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section does not limit or affect the application of Ohio R.C. 2921.31 or any other section of the Ohio Revised Code. Any conduct that is a violation of subsection (a) of this section and that also is a violation of Ohio R.C. 2921.31 or any other section of the Ohio Revised Code may be prosecuted under this section, the other section of the Ohio Revised Code or both sections.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawfully impeding public passage of an emergency service responder, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(d) As used in this section, “emergency service responder” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2903.13. (ORC 2917.14)

509.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

513.01 DEFINITIONS.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Words, terms and phrases and their derivatives used in this chapter which are not defined in this section shall have the meanings given to them in the Ohio Revised Code.

(a) “Administer.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(b) “Adulterate.” To cause a drug to be adulterated as described in Ohio R.C. 3715.63.

(d) “Bulk amount.” Of a controlled substance, means any of the following:

(1) For any compound, mixture, preparation, or substance included in Schedule I, Schedule II, or Schedule III, with the exception of any controlled substance analog, marihuana, cocaine, L.S.D., heroin, any fentanyl-related compound, and hashish and except as provided in subsection (c)(2), (5), or (6) of this definition, whichever of the following is applicable:

A. An amount equal to or exceeding ten grams or twenty-five unit doses of a compound, mixture, preparation or substance that is or contains any amount of a Schedule I opiate or opium derivative;

B. An amount equal to or exceeding ten grams of a compound, mixture, preparation or substance that is or contains any amount of raw or gum opium;

C. An amount equal to or exceeding thirty grams or ten unit doses of a compound, mixture, preparation or substance that is or contains any amount of a Schedule I hallucinogen other than tetrahydrocannabinol or lysergic acid amide, or a Schedule I stimulant or depressant;

D. An amount equal to or exceeding twenty grams or five times the maximum daily dose in the usual dose range specified in a standard pharmaceutical reference manual of a compound, mixture, preparation or substance that is or contains any amount of a Schedule II opiate or opium derivative;

E. An amount equal to or exceeding five grams or ten unit doses of a compound, mixture, preparation or substance that is or contains any amount of phencyclidine;

F. An amount equal to or exceeding 120 grams or thity times the maximum daily dose in the usual dose range specified in a standard pharmaceutical reference manual of a compound, mixture, preparation or substance that is or contains any amount of a Schedule II stimulant that is in a final dosage form manufactured by a person authorized by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq., as amended) and the federal drug abuse control laws, as defined in this section, that is or contains any amount of a Schedule II depressant substance or a Schedule II hallucinogenic substance;

G. An amount equal to or exceeding three grams of a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance that is or contains any amount of a Schedule II stimulant, or any of its salts or isomers, that is not in a final dosage form manufactured by a person authorized by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq., as amended) and the federal drug abuse control laws;

(2) An amount equal to or exceeding 120 grams or thirty times the maximum daily dose in the usual dose range specified in a standard pharmaceutical reference manual of a compound, mixture, preparation or substance that is or contains any amount of a Schedule III or IV substance other than an anabolic steroid or a Schedule III opiate or opium derivative;

(3) An amount equal to or exceeding twenty grams or five times the maximum daily dose in the usual dose range specified in a standard pharmaceutical reference manual of a compound, mixture, preparation or substance that is or contains any amount of a Schedule III opiate or opium derivative;

(4) An amount equal to or exceeding 250 milliliters or 250 grams of a compound, mixture, preparation or substance that is or contains any amount of a Schedule V substance;

(5) An amount equal to or exceeding 200 solid dosage units, sixteen grams, or sixteen milliliters of a compound, mixture, preparation or substance that is or contains any amount of a Schedule III anabolic steroid;

(6) For any compound, mixture, preparation, or substance that is a combination of a fentanyl-related compound and any other compound, mixture, preparation, or substance included in Schedule III, Schedule IV, or Schedule V, if the defendant is charged with a violation of Ohio R.C. 2925.11 and the sentencing provisions set forth in Ohio R.C. 2925.11(C)(10)(b) and (C)(11) will not apply regarding the defendant and the violation, the bulk amount of the controlled substance for purposes of the violation is the amount specified in division (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of this definition for the other Schedule III, Schedule IV, or Schedule V controlled substance that is combined with the fentanyl-related compound.

(e) “Certified grievance committee.” A duly constituted and organized committee of the Ohio State Bar Association or of one or more local bar associations of the state that complies with the criteria set forth in Rule V, Section 6 of the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio.

(f) “Cocaine.” Any of the following:

(1) A cocaine salt, isomer or derivative, a salt of a cocaine isomer or derivative, or the base form of cocaine.

(2) Coca leaves or a salt, compound, derivative or preparation of coca leaves, including ecgonine, a salt, isomer or derivative of ecgonine, or a salt of an isomer or derivative of ecgonine.

(3) A salt, compound, derivative or preparation of a substance identified in subsection (e)(1) or (2) of this definition that is chemically equivalent to or identical with any of those substances, except that the substances shall not include decocainized coca leaves or extraction of coca leaves if the extractions do not contain cocaine or ecgonine.

(g) “Committed in the vicinity of a juvenile.” An offense is “committed in the vicinity of a juvenile” if the offender commits the offense within 100 feet of a juvenile or within the view of a juvenile, regardless of whether the offender knows the age of the juvenile, whether the offender knows the offense is being committed within 100 feet of or within view of the juvenile, or whether the juvenile actually views the commission of the offense.

(h) “Committed in the vicinity of a school.” An offense is “committed in the vicinity of a school” if the offender commits the offense on school premises, in a school building, or within 1,000 feet of the boundaries of any school premises, regardless of whether the offender knows the offense is being committed on school premises, in a school building, or within 1,000 feet of the boundaries of any school premises.

(i) “Committed in the vicinity of a substance addiction services provider or a recovering addict”. An offense is “committed in the vicinity of a substance addiction services provider or a recovering addict” if either of the following apply:

(1) The offender commits the offense on the premises of a substance addiction services provider’s facility, including a facility licensed prior to June 29, 2019, under Ohio R.C. 5119.391 to provide methadone treatment or an opioid treatment program licensed on or after that date under Ohio R.C. 5119.37, or within 500 feet of the premises of a substance addiction services provider’s facility and the offender knows or should know that the offense is being committed within the vicinity of the substance addiction services provider’s facility.

(2) The offender sells, offers to sell, delivers, or distributes the controlled substance or controlled substance analog to a person who is receiving treatment at the time of the commission of the offense, or received treatment within 30 days prior to the commission of the offense, from a substance addiction services provider and the offender knows that the person is receiving or received that treatment.

(j) “Controlled substance.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(k) “Controlled substance analog.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(l) “Counterfeit controlled substance.” Any of the following:

(1) Any drug that bears, or whose container or label bears, a trademark, trade name or other identifying mark used without authorization of the owner of rights to the trademark, trade name or identifying mark.

(2) Any unmarked or unlabeled substance that is represented to be a controlled substance manufactured, processed, packed or distributed by a person other than the person that manufactured, processed, packed or distributed it.

(3) Any substance that is represented to be a controlled substance but is not a controlled substance or is a different controlled substance.

(4) Any substance other than a controlled substance that a reasonable person would believe to be a controlled substance because of its similarity in shape, size and color, or its markings, labeling, packaging, distribution or the price for which it is sold or offered for sale.

(m) “Cultivate.” Includes planting, watering, fertilizing or tilling.

(n) “Dangerous drug.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4729.01.

(o) “Deception.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2913.01.

(p) “Disciplinary counsel.” The disciplinary counsel appointed by the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline of the Ohio Supreme Court under the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio.

(q) “Dispense.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(r) “Distribute.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(s) “Drug.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4729.01.

(t) “Drug abuse offense.” Any of the following:

(1) A violation of Ohio R.C. 2913.02(A) that constitutes theft of drugs, or any violation of Ohio R.C. 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.041, 2925.05, 2925.06, 2925.11, 2925.12, 2925.13, 2925.22, 2925.23, 2925.24, 2925.31, 2925.32, 2925.36 or 2925.37.

(2) A violation of an existing or former law of any municipality, state or of the United States, that is substantially equivalent to any section listed in subsection (r)(1) of this definition.

(3) An offense under an existing or former law of any municipality, state or of the United States, of which planting, cultivating, harvesting, processing, making, manufacturing, producing, shipping, transporting, delivering, acquiring, possessing, storing, distributing, dispensing, selling, inducing another to use, administering to another, using or otherwise dealing with a controlled substance is an element.

(4) A conspiracy to commit, attempt to commit, or complicity in committing or attempting to commit, any offense under subsection (r)(1), (2) or (3) of this definition.

(u) “Drug of abuse.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.011.

(v) “Felony drug abuse offense.” Any drug abuse offense that would constitute a felony under the laws of this state, any other state or the United States.

(w) “Fentanyl-related compound.” Any of the following:

(1) Fentanyl;

(2) Alpha-methylfentanyl (N-[1-(alpha-methyl-beta-phenyl)ethyl-4-piperidyl] propionanilide; 1-(1-methyl-2-phenylethyl)-4-(N-propanilido) piperidine);

(3) Alpha-methylthiofentanyl (N-[1-methyl-2-(2-thienyl)ethyl-4-piperidinyl]-N-phenylpropanamide);

(4) Beta-hydroxyfentanyl (N-[1-(2-hydroxy-2-phenethyl-4-piperidinyl]-N-phenylpropanamide);

(5) Beta-hydroxy-3-methylfentanyl (other name: N-[1-(2-hydroxy-2-phenethyl)-3-methyl-4-piperidinyl]-N-phenylpropanamide);

(6) 3-methylfentanyl (N-[3-methyl-1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidyl]-N-phenylpropanamide);

(7) 3-methylthiofentanyl (N-[3-methyl-1-[2-(thienyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinyl]-– phenylpropanamide);

(8) Para-fluorofentanyl (N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2-phenethyl)-4-piperidinyl]propanamide;

(9) Thiofentanyl (N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-thienyl)ethyl-4-piperidinyl]-propanamide;

(10) Alfentanil;

(11) Carfentanil;

(12) Remifentanil;

(13) Sufentanil;

(14) Acetyl-alpha-methylfentanyl (N-[1-(1-methyl-2-phenethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-N-phenylacetamide); and

(15) Any compound that meets all of the following fentanyl pharmacophore requirements to bind at the mu receptor, as identified by a report from an established forensic laboratory, including acetylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, valerylfentanyl, butyrylfentanyl, isobutyrylfentanyl, 4-methoxybutyrylfentanyl, para-fluorobutyrylfentanyl, acrylfentanyl, and ortho-fluorofentanyl:

A. A chemical scaffold consisting of both of the following:

1. A five, six, or seven member ring structure containing a nitrogen, whether or not further substituted;

2. An attached nitrogen to the ring, whether or not that nitrogen is enclosed in a ring structure, including an attached aromatic ring or other lipophilic group to that nitrogen.

B. A polar functional group attached to the chemical scaffold, including but not limited to a hydroxyl, ketone, amide, or ester;

C. An alkyl or aryl substitution off the ring nitrogen of the chemical scaffold; and

D. The compound has not been approved for medical use by the United States food and drug administration.

(x) “Harmful intoxicant.” Does not include beer or intoxicating liquor, but means any of the following:

(1) Any compound, mixture, preparation or substance the gas, fumes or vapor of which when inhaled can induce intoxication, excitement, giddiness, irrational behavior, depression, stupefaction, paralysis, unconsciousness, asphyxiation or other harmful physiological effects, and includes but is not limited to any of the following:

A. Any volatile organic solvent, plastic cement, model cement, fingernail polish remover, lacquer thinner, cleaning fluid, gasoline or other preparation containing a volatile organic solvent.

B. Any aerosol propellant.

C. Any fluorocarbon refrigerant.

D. Any anesthetic gas.

(2) Gamma Butyrolactone;

(3) 1,4 Butanediol.

(y) “Hashish”.

(1) A resin or a preparation of a resin to which both of the following apply:

A. It is contained in or derived from any part of the plant of the genus cannabis, whether in solid form or in a liquid concentrate, liquid extract, or liquid distillate form.

B. It has a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of more than 0.3%.

(2) The term does not include a hemp byproduct in the possession of a licensed hemp processor under Ohio R.C. Chapter 928, provided that the hemp byproduct is being produced, stored, and disposed of in accordance with rules adopted under Ohio R.C. 928.03.

(z) “Hypodermic.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(aa) “Juvenile.” A person under eighteen years of age.

(bb) “Licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4729.01.

(cc) “L.S.D.” Lysergic acid diethylamide.

(dd) “Major drug offender.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2929.01.

(ee) “Mandatory prison term.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2929.01.

(ff) “Manufacture.” To plant, cultivate, harvest, process, make, prepare or otherwise engage in any part of the production of a drug, by propagation, extraction, chemical synthesis or compounding, or any combination of the same, and includes packaging, repackaging, labeling and other activities incident to production.

(gg) “Manufacturer.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(hh) “Marihuana.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01, except that it does not include hashish.

(ii) “Methamphetamine.” Methamphetamine, any salt, isomer or salt of an isomer of methamphetamine, or any compound, mixture, preparation or substance containing methamphetamine or any salt, isomer or salt of an isomer of methamphetamine.

(jj) “Minor drug possession offense.” Either of the following:

(1) A violation of Ohio R.C. 2925.11, as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance.

(2) A violation of Ohio R.C. 2925.11, as it exists on and after July 1, 1996, or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, that is a misdemeanor or a felony of the fifth degree.

(kk) “Official written order.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(ll) “Person.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(mm) “Person with a drug dependency” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.011.

(nn) “Pharmacist.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(oo) “Pharmacy.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(pp) “Possess” or “possession.” Having control over a thing or substance but may not be inferred solely from mere access to the thing or substance through ownership or occupation of the premises upon which the thing or substance is found.

(qq) “Premises of a substance addiction services provider’s facility”. Means the parcel of real property on which any substance addiction service provider’s facility is situated.

(rr) “Prescription.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4729.01.

(ss) “Presumption for a prison term” or “presumption that a prison term shall be imposed.” A presumption as described in Ohio R.C. 2929.13(D) that a prison term is a necessary sanction for a felony in order to comply with the purposes and principles of sentencing under Ohio R.C. 2929.11.

(tt) “Professional license.” Any license, permit, certificate, registration, qualification, admission, temporary license, temporary permit, temporary certificate or temporary registration that is described in Ohio R.C. 2925.01(W)(1) to (W)(37) and that qualifies a person as a professionally licensed person.

(uu) “Professionally licensed person.” Any of the following:

(1) A person who has received a certificate or temporary certificate as a certified public accountant or who has registered as a public accountant under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4701 and who holds an Ohio permit issued under that chapter;

(2) A person who holds a certificate of qualification to practice architecture issued or renewed and registered under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4703;

(3) A person who is registered as a landscape architect under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4703 or who holds a permit as a landscape architect issued under that chapter;

(4) A person licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4707;

(5) A person who has been issued a certificate of registration as a registered barber under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4709;

(6) A person licensed and regulated to engage in the business of a debt pooling company by a legislative authority, under authority of Ohio R.C. Chapter 4710;

(7) A person who has been issued a cosmetologist’s license, hair designer’s license, manicurist’s license, esthetician’s license, natural hair stylist’s license, advanced cosmetologist’s license, advanced hair designer’s license, advanced manicurist’s license, advanced esthetician’s license, advanced natural hair stylist’s license, cosmetology instructor’s license, hair design instructor’s license, manicurist instructor’s license, esthetics instructor’s license, natural hair style instructor’s license, independent contractor’s license, or tanning facility permit under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4713;

(8) A person who has been issued a license to practice dentistry, a general anesthesia permit, a conscious sedation permit, a limited resident’s license, a limited teaching license, a dental hygienist’s license or a dental hygienist’s teacher’s certificate under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4715;

(9) A person who has been issued an embalmer’s license, a funeral director’s license, a funeral home license or a crematory license, or who has been registered for an embalmer’s or funeral director’s apprenticeship under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4717;

(10) A person who has been licensed as a registered nurse or practical nurse, or who has been issued a certificate for the practice of nurse-midwifery under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4723;

(11) A person who has been licensed to practice optometry or to engage in optical dispensing under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4725;

(12) A person licensed to act as a pawnbroker under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4727;

(13) A person licensed to act as a precious metals dealer under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4728;

(14) A person licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4729 as a pharmacist or pharmacy intern or registered under that chapter as a registered pharmacy technician, certified pharmacy technician, or pharmacy technician trainee;

(15) A person licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4729 as a manufacturer of dangerous drugs, outsourcing facility, third-party logistics provider, repackager of dangerous drugs, wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs, or terminal distributor of dangerous drugs;

(16) A person who is authorized to practice as a physician assistant under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4730;

(17) A person who has been issued a license to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4731 or has been issued a certificate to practice a limited branch of medicine under that chapter;

(18) A person licensed as a psychologist, independent school psychologist, or school psychologist under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4732;

(19) A person registered to practice the profession of engineering or surveying under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4733;

(20) A person who has been issued a license to practice chiropractic under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4734;

(21) A person licensed to act as a real estate broker or real estate salesperson under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4735;

(22) A person registered as a registered environmental health specialist under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3776;

(23) A person licensed to operate or maintain a junkyard under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4737;

(24) A person who has been issued a motor vehicle salvage dealer’s license under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4738;

(25) A person who has been licensed to act as a steam engineer under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4739;

(26) A person who has been issued a license or temporary permit to practice veterinary medicine or any of its branches, or who is registered as a graduate animal technician under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4741;

(27) A person who has been issued a hearing aid dealer’s or fitter’s license or trainee permit under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4747;

(28) A person who has been issued a class A, class B or class C license or who has been registered as an investigator or security guard employee under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4749;

(29) A person licensed to practice as a nursing home administrator under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4751;

(30) A person licensed to practice as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4753;

(31) A person issued a license as an occupational therapist or physical therapist under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4755;

(32) A person who is licensed as a licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed professional counselor, social worker, independent social worker, independent marriage and family therapist, or marriage and family therapist, or registered as a social work assistant under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4757;

(33) A person issued a license to practice dietetics under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4759;

(34) A person who has been issued a license or limited permit to practice respiratory therapy under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4761;

(35) A person who has been issued a real estate appraiser certificate under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4763;

(36) A person who has been issued a home inspector license under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4764;

(37) A person who has been admitted to the bar by order of the Ohio Supreme Court in compliance with its prescribed and published rules.

(vv) “Public premises.” Any hotel, restaurant, tavern, store, arena, hall or other place of public accommodation, business, amusement or resort.

(ww) “Sale.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(xx) “Sample drug.” A drug or pharmaceutical preparation that would be hazardous to health or safety if used without the supervision of a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs, or a drug of abuse, and that, at one time, had been placed in a container plainly marked as a sample by a manufacturer.

(yy) “Schedule I”, “Schedule II”, “Schedule III”, “Schedule IV” or “Schedule V.” Have the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(zz) “School.” Any school operated by a board of education, any community school established under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3314, or any nonpublic school for which the Director of Education and Workforce prescribes minimum standards under Ohio R.C. 3301.07, whether or not any instruction, extracurricular activities or training provided by the school is being conducted at the time a criminal offense is committed.

(aaa) “School building.” Any building in which any of the instruction, extracurricular activities or training provided by a school is conducted, whether or not any instruction, extracurricular activities or training provided by the school is being conducted in the school building at the time a criminal offense is committed.

(bbb) “School premises.” Either of the following:

(1) The parcel of real property on which any school is situated, whether or not any instruction, extracurricular activities, or training provided by the school is being conducted on the premises at the time a criminal offense is committed.

(2) Any other parcel of real property that is owned or leased by a board of education of a school, the governing authority of a community school established under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3314, or the governing body of a nonpublic school for which the Director of Education and Workforce prescribes minimum standards under Ohio R.C. 3301.07 and on which some of the instruction, extracurricular activities or training of the school is conducted, whether or not any instruction, extracurricular activities, or training provided by the school is being conducted on the parcel of real property at the time a criminal offense is committed.

(ccc) “Standard Pharmaceutical Reference Manual.” The current edition, with cumulative changes if any, of references that are approved by the State Board of Pharmacy.

(ddd) “Substance Addiction Services Provider”. Means an agency, association, corporation or other legal entity, individual, or program that provides one or more of the following at a facility:

(1) Either alcohol addiction services, or drug addiction services, or both such services that are certified by the Ohio Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services under Ohio R.C. 5119.36;

(2) Recovery supports that are related to either alcohol addiction services, or drug addiction services, or both such services and paid for with federal, state, or local funds administered by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services or a board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services.

(eee) “Unit dose.” An amount or unit or a compound, mixture or preparation containing a controlled substance that is separately identifiable and in a form that indicates that it is the amount or unit by which the controlled substance is separately administered to or taken by an individual.

(fff) “Wholesaler.” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

(ORC 2925.01)

513.02 GIFT OF MARIHUANA.

(a) No person shall knowingly give or offer to make a gift of twenty grams or less of marihuana.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of trafficking in marihuana. Trafficking in marihuana is a minor misdemeanor for the first offense and, for any subsequent offense, it is a misdemeanor of the third degree. If the offense was committed in the vicinity of a school or the vicinity of a juvenile, trafficking in marihuana is a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(c) The court may by order suspend for not more than five years the driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit of any person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to any violation of this section. However, if the offender pleaded guilty to or was convicted of a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a substantially similar municipal ordinance or the law of another state or the United States arising out of the same set of circumstances as the violation, the court shall suspend the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit in accordance with Ohio R.C. 2925.03(G). If an offender’

(ORC 2925.03)

513.03 DRUG ABUSE; CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OR USE.

(a) No person shall knowingly obtain, possess or use a controlled substance or a controlled substance analog.

(b) (1) This section does not apply to the following:

A. Manufacturers, licensed health professionals authorized to prescribe drugs, pharmacists, owners of pharmacies and other persons whose conduct was in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapters 3719, 4715, 4729, 4730, 4731 and 4741.

B. If the offense involves an anabolic steroid, any person who is conducting or participating in a research project involving the use of an anabolic steroid if the project has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration;

C. Any person who sells, offers for sale, prescribes, dispenses or administers for livestock or other nonhuman species an anabolic steroid that is expressly intended for administration through implants to livestock or other nonhuman species and approved for that purpose under the "Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act", 52 Stat. 1040 (1938), 21 U.S.C.A. 301, as amended, and is sold, offered for sale, prescribed, dispensed or administered for that purpose in accordance with that Act;

D. Any person who obtained the controlled substance pursuant to a prescription issued by a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs if the prescription was issued for a legitimate medical purpose and not altered, forged or obtained through deception or commission of a theft offense.

As used in subsection (b)(1)D. of this section, “deception” and “theft offense” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2913.01.

(2) A. As used in subsection (b)(2) of this section:

1. “Community addiction services provider” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 5119.01.

2. “Community control sanction” and “drug treatment program” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2929.01.

3. “Health care facility” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2919.16.

4. “Minor drug possession offense” means a violation of this section that is a misdemeanor or a felony of the fifth degree.

5. “Post-release control sanction” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2967.28.

6. “Peace officer” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2935.01.

7. “Public agency” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2930.01.

8. “Qualified individual” means a person who is acting in good faith who seeks or obtains medical assistance for another person who is experiencing a drug overdose, a person who experiences a drug overdose and who seeks medical assistance for that overdose, or a person who is the subject of another person seeking or obtaining medical assistance for that overdose as described in subsection (b)(2)B. of this section.

9. “Seek or obtain medical assistance” includes, but is not limited to making a 9-1-1 call, contacting in person or by telephone call an on-duty peace officer, or transporting or presenting a person to a health care facility.

B. Subject to subsection (b)(2)E. of this section, a qualified individual shall not be arrested, charged, prosecuted, convicted or penalized pursuant to this chapter for a minor drug possession offense or a violation of Ohio R.C. 2925.12, Ohio R.C. 2925.14(C)(1) or Ohio R.C. 2925.141 if all of the following apply:

1. The evidence of the obtaining, possession or use of the controlled substance or controlled substance analog, drug abuse instruments, or drug paraphernalia that would be the basis of the offense was obtained as a result of the qualified individual seeking the medical assistance or experiencing an overdose and needing medical assistance.

2. Subject to subsection (b)(2)F. of this section, within thirty days after seeking or obtaining the medical assistance, the qualified individual seeks and obtains a screening and receives a referral for treatment from a community addiction services provider or a properly credentialed addiction treatment professional.

3. Subject to subsection (b)(2)F. of this section, the qualified individual who obtains a screening and receives a referral for treatment under subsection (b)(2)B.2. of this section, upon the request of any prosecuting attorney, submits documentation to the prosecuting attorney that verifies that the qualified individual satisfied the requirements of that subsection. The documentation shall be limited to the date and time of the screening obtained and referral received.

C. If a person who is serving a community control sanction or is under a sanction on post-release control acts pursuant to subsection (b)(2)B. of this section, then Ohio R.C. 2929.141(B), Ohio R.C. 2929.15(B)(2), Ohio R.C. 2929.25(D)(3) or Ohio R.C. 2967.28(F)(3) applies to the person with respect to any violation of the sanction or post-release control sanction based on a minor drug possession offense, as defined in Ohio R.C. 2925.11, or a violation of Ohio R.C. 2925.12, Ohio R.C. 2925.14(C)(1), or Ohio R.C. 2925.141.

D. Nothing in subsection (b)(2)B. of this section shall be construed to do any of the following:

1. Limit the admissibility of any evidence in connection with the investigation or prosecution of a crime with regards to a defendant who does not qualify for the protections of subsection (b)(2)B. of this section or with regards to any crime other than a minor drug possession offense or a violation of Ohio R.C. 2925.12, Ohio R.C. 2925.14(C)(1) or Ohio R.C. 2925.141 committed by a person who qualifies for protection pursuant to subsection (b)(2)B. of this section;

2. Limit any seizure of evidence or contraband otherwise permitted by law;

3. Limit or abridge the authority of a peace officer to detain or take into custody a person in the course of an investigation or to effectuate an arrest for any offense except as provided in that division;

4. Limit, modify or remove any immunity from liability available pursuant to law in effect prior to September 13, 2016, to any public agency or to an employee of any public agency.

E. Subsection (b)(2)B. of this section does not apply to any person who twice previously has been granted an immunity under subsection (b)(2)B. of this section. No person shall be granted an immunity under subsection (b)(2)B. of this section more than two times.

F. Nothing in this section shall compel any qualified individual to disclose protected health information in a way that conflicts with the requirements of the “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996", 104 Pub. L. No. 191, 110 Stat. 2021, 42 U.S.C. 1320d et seq., as amended, and regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services to implement the act or the requirements of 42 C.F.R. Part 2.

(1) If the drug involved in the violation is a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance included in Schedule III, IV, or V, whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of possession of drugs. Possession of drugs is a misdemeanor if the amount of the drug involved does not exceed the bulk amount. The penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows: possession of drugs is a misdemeanor of the first degree or, if the offender previously has been convicted of a drug abuse offense, a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(2) If the drug involved in the violation is marihuana or a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance containing marihuana other than hashish, whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of possession of marihuana. Possession of marihuana is a misdemeanor if the amount of the drug involved does not exceed 200 grams. The penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows:

A. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(2)B. hereof, possession of marihuana is a minor misdemeanor.

B. If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds 100 grams but is less than 200 grams, possession of marihuana is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(3) If the drug involved in the violation is hashish or a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance containing hashish, whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of possession of hashish. Possession of hashish is a misdemeanor if the amount of the drug involved does not exceed the maximum amount specified in subsection (c)(3)B. hereof. The penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows:

A. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(3)B. hereof, possession of hashish is a minor misdemeanor.

B. If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds five grams but is less than ten grams of hashish in a solid form or equals or exceeds one gram but is less than two grams of hashish in a liquid concentrate, liquid extract, or liquid distillate form, possession of hashish is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(d) In addition to any other sanction that is imposed for an offense under this section, the court that sentences an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this section may suspend for not more than five years the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit. However, if the offender pleaded guilty to or was convicted of a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a substantially similar municipal ordinance or the law of another state or the United States arising out of the same set of circumstances as the violation, the court shall suspend the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit for not more than five years.

(e) Arrest or conviction for a minor misdemeanor violation of this section does not constitute a criminal record and need not be reported by the person so arrested or convicted in response to any inquiries about the person’s criminal record, including any inquiries contained in any application for employment, license, or other right or privilege, or made in connection with the person’s appearance as a witness. (ORC 2925.11)

513.04 POSSESSING DRUG ABUSE INSTRUMENTS.

(a) No person shall knowingly make, obtain, possess or use any instrument, article or thing the customary and primary purpose of which is for the administration or use of a dangerous drug, other than marihuana, when the instrument involved is a hypodermic or syringe, whether or not of crude or extemporized manufacture or assembly, and the instrument, article or thing involved has been used by the offender to unlawfully administer or use a dangerous drug, other than marihuana, or to prepare a dangerous drug, other than marihuana, for unlawful administration or use.

(b) (1) This section does not apply to manufacturers, licensed health professionals authorized to prescribe drugs, pharmacists, owners of pharmacies and other persons whose conduct was in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapters 3719, 4715, 4729, 4730, 4731 and 4741.

(2) Division (B)(2) of Ohio R.C. 2925.11 applies with respect to a violation of this section when a person seeks or obtains medical assistance for another person who is experiencing a drug overdose, a person experiences a drug overdose and seeks medical assistance for that overdose, or a person is the subject of another person seeking or obtaining medical assistance for that overdose.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of possessing drug abuse instruments, a misdemeanor of the second degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a drug abuse offense, violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(d) In addition to any other sanction imposed upon an offender for a violation of this section, the court may suspend for not more than five years the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit. However, if the offender pleaded guilty to or was convicted of a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a substantially similar municipal ordinance or the law of another state or the United States arising out of the same set of circumstances as the violation, the court shall suspend the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit for not more than five years. (ORC 2925.12)

513.05 PERMITTING DRUG ABUSE.

(a) No person, who is the owner, operator or person in charge of a locomotive, watercraft, aircraft or other vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C 4501.01(A), shall knowingly permit the vehicle to be used for the commission of a felony drug abuse offense.

(b) No person, who is the owner, lessee or occupant, or who has custody, control or supervision of premises, or real estate, including vacant land, shall knowingly permit the premises, or real estate, including vacant land, to be used for the commission of a felony drug abuse offense by another person.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of permitting drug abuse, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the felony drug abuse offense in question is a violation of Ohio R.C. 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04 or 2925.041 as provided in Ohio R.C. 2925.13, permitting drug abuse is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(d) In addition to any other sanction imposed for an offense under this section, the court that sentences a person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this section may suspend for not more than five years the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit. However, if the offender pleaded guilty to or was convicted of a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a substantially similar municipal ordinance or the law of another state or the United States arising out of the same set of circumstances as the violation, the court shall suspend the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit for not more than five years.

(e) Any premises or real estate that is permitted to be used in violation of subsection (b) hereof constitutes a nuisance subject to abatement pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 3767.

(ORC 2925.13)

513.06 ILLEGAL CULTIVATION OF MARIHUANA.

(a) No person shall knowingly cultivate marihuana.

(b) This section does not apply to any person listed in Ohio R.C. 2925.03(B)(1) to (3) to the extent and under the circumstances described in those divisions.

(c) Whoever commits a violation of subsection (a) hereof is guilty of illegal cultivation of marihuana. Illegal cultivation of marihuana is a misdemeanor if the amount of marihuana involved does not exceed 200 grams.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(2) hereof, illegal cultivation of marihuana is a minor misdemeanor, or if the offense was committed in the vicinity of a school or in the vicinity of a juvenile, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(2) If the amount of marihuana involved equals or exceeds 100 grams but is less than 200 grams, illegal cultivation of marihuana is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, or if the offense was committed in the vicinity of a school or in the vicinity of a juvenile, a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(d) In addition to any other sanction imposed for an offense under this section, the court that sentences an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this section may suspend the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit in accordance with division (G) of Ohio R.C. 2925.03. If an offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit is suspended in accordance with that division, the offender may request termination of, and the court may terminate, the suspension in accordance with that division.

(e) Arrest or conviction for a minor misdemeanor violation of this section does not constitute a criminal record and need not be reported by the person so arrested or convicted in response to any inquiries about the person’s criminal record, including any inquiries contained in an application for employment, a license, or any other right or privilege or made in connection with the person’s appearance as a witness. (ORC 2925.04)

513.07 POSSESSING OR USING HARMFUL INTOXICANTS.

(a) Except for lawful research, clinical, medical, dental or veterinary purposes, no person, with purpose to induce intoxication or similar physiological effects, shall obtain, possess or use a harmful intoxicant.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of abusing harmful intoxicants, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a drug abuse offense, abusing harmful intoxicants is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(c) In addition to any other sanction imposed upon an offender for a violation of this section, the court may suspend for not more than five years the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit. However, if the offender pleaded guilty to or was convicted of a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a substantially similar municipal ordinance or the law of another state or the United States arising out of the same set of circumstances as the violation, the court shall suspend the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit for not more than five years. (ORC 2925.31)

513.08 ILLEGALLY DISPENSING DRUG SAMPLES.

(a) No person shall knowingly furnish another a sample drug.

(b) Subsection (a) hereof does not apply to manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacists, owners of pharmacies, licensed health professionals authorized to prescribe drugs, and other persons whose conduct is in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapters 3719, 4715, 4729, 4730, 4731, and 4741.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of illegal dispensing of drug samples. If the drug involved in the offense is a dangerous drug or a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance included in Schedule III, IV, or V, or is marihuana, the penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(2) hereof, illegal dispensing of drug samples is a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(2) If the offense was committed in the vicinity of a school or in the vicinity of a juvenile, illegal dispensing of drug samples is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(d) In addition to any other sanction imposed for an offense under this section, the court that sentences an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this section may suspend for not more than five years the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit. However, if the offender pleaded guilty to or was convicted of a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a substantially similar municipal ordinance or the law of another state or the United States arising out of the same set of circumstances as the violation, the court shall suspend the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit for not more than five years.

(ORC 2925.36)

513.09 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OR PRESCRIPTION LABELS.

(a) As used in this section, “repackager” and “outsourcing facility” have the same meanings as in ORC 4729.01.

Whenever a manufacturer sells a controlled substance, and whenever a wholesaler, repackager, or outsourcing facility sells a controlled substance in a package the wholesaler, repackager or outsourcing facility has prepared, the manufacturer or the wholesaler, repackager or outsourcing facility, as the case may be, shall securely affix to each package in which the controlled substance is contained a label showing in legible English the name and address of the vendor and the quantity, kind, and form of controlled substance contained therein. No person, except a pharmacist for the purpose of dispensing a controlled substance upon a prescription shall alter, deface or remove any label so affixed.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, when a pharmacist dispenses any controlled substance on a prescription for use by a patient, or supplies a controlled substance to a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs for use by the professional in personally furnishing patients with controlled substances, the pharmacist shall affix to the container in which the controlled substance is dispensed or supplied a label showing the following:

(1) The name and address of the pharmacy dispensing or supplying the controlled substance;

(2) The name of the patient for whom the controlled substance is prescribed and, if the patient is an animal, the name of the owner and the species of the animal;

(3) The name of the prescriber;

(4) All directions for use stated on the prescription or provided by the prescriber;

(5) The date on which the controlled substance was dispensed or supplied;

(6) The name, quantity and strength of the controlled substance and, if applicable, the name of the distributor or manufacturer.

(c) The requirements of subsection (b) of this section do not apply when a controlled substance is prescribed or supplied for administration to an ultimate user who is institutionalized.

(d) A licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs who personally furnishes a controlled substance to a patient shall comply with division (A) of ORC 4729.291 with respect to labeling and packaging of the controlled substance.

(e) No person shall alter, deface, or remove any label affixed pursuant to this section as long as any of the original contents remain.

(f) Every label for a schedule II, III or IV controlled substance shall contain the following warning:

“Caution: federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed”. (ORC 3719.08)

(g) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender has previously been convicted of a violation of this section, Ohio R.C. 3719.07 or 3719.08 or a drug abuse offense, such violation is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. (ORC 3719.99)

513.10 HYPODERMIC POSSESSION, DISPLAY AND DISPENSING.

(a) Possession of a hypodermic is authorized for the following:

(1) A manufacturer or distributor of, or dealer in, hypodermics or medication packaged in hypodermics, and any authorized agent or employee of that manufacturer, distributor or dealer, in the regular course of business;

(2) Terminal distributor of dangerous drugs, in the regular course of business;

(3) A person authorized to administer injections, in the regular course of the person’s profession or employment;

(4) A person, when the hypodermic was lawfully obtained and is kept and used for the purpose of self-administration of insulin or other drug prescribed for the treatment of disease by a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs;

(5) A person whose use of a hypodermic is for legal research, clinical, educational or medicinal purposes;

(6) A farmer, for the lawful administration of a drug to an animal;

(7) A person whose use of a hypodermic is for lawful professional, mechanical, trade or craft purposes.

(b) No manufacturer or distributor of, or dealer in, hypodermics or medication packaged in hypodermics, or their authorized agents or employees, and no terminal distributor of dangerous drugs, shall display any hypodermic for sale. No person authorized to possess a hypodermic pursuant to division (a) of this section shall negligently fail to take reasonable precautions to prevent any hypodermic in the person’s possession from theft or acquisition by any unauthorized person. (ORC 3719.172)

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. If the offender has previously been convicted of a violation of this section, Ohio R.C. 3719.05, 3719.06, 3719.13, 3719.172(B) or (E), or 3719.31 or a drug abuse offense, a violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree. (ORC 3719.99)

513.11 HARMFUL INTOXICANTS; POSSESSING NITROUS OXIDE IN MOTOR VEHICLE.

(a) As used in this section, “motor vehicle”, “street” and “highway” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 4511.01.

(b) Unless authorized under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3719, 4715, 4729, 4731, 4741 or 4765, no person shall possess an open cartridge of nitrous oxide in either of the following circumstances:

(1) While operating or being a passenger in or on a motor vehicle on a street, highway, or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular traffic or parking;

(2) While being in or on a stationary motor vehicle on a street, highway, or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular traffic or parking.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of possessing nitrous oxide in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(d) In addition to any other sanction imposed upon an offender for possessing nitrous oxide in a motor vehicle, the court may suspend for not more than five years the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit. (ORC 2925.33)

513.12 DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.

(a) As used in this section, "drug paraphernalia" means any equipment, product or material of any kind that is used by the offender, intended by the offender for use or designed for use, in propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body, a controlled substance in violation of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2925. "Drug paraphernalia" includes, but is not limited to, any of the following equipment, products or materials that are used by the offender, intended by the offender for use or designated by the offender for use, in any of the following manners:

(1) A kit for propagating, cultivating, growing or harvesting any species of a plant that is a controlled substance or from which a controlled substance can be derived;

(2) A kit for manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing or preparing a controlled substance;

(3) Any object, instrument, or device for manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, or preparing methamphetamine;

(4) An isomerization device for increasing the potency of any species of a plant that is a controlled substance;

(5) Testing equipment for identifying, or analyzing the strength, effectiveness or purity of, a controlled substance, except for those exempted in subsection (d)(4) of this section;

(6) A scale or balance for weighing or measuring a controlled substance;

(7) A diluent or adulterant, such as quinine hydrochloride, mannitol, mannite, dextrose or lactose, for cutting a controlled substance;

(8) A separation gin or sifter for removing twigs and seeds from, or otherwise cleaning or refining, marihuana;

(9) A blender, bowl, container, spoon or mixing device for compounding a controlled substance;

(10) A capsule, balloon, envelope or container for packaging small quantities of a controlled substance;

(11) A container or device for storing or concealing a controlled substance;

(12) A hypodermic syringe, needle or instrument for parenterally injecting a controlled substance into the human body;

(13) An object, instrument or device for ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body, marihuana, cocaine, hashish or hashish oil, such as a metal, wooden, acrylic, glass, stone, plastic or ceramic pipe, with or without a screen, permanent screen, hashish head or punctured metal bowl; water pipe; carburetion tube or device; smoking or carburetion mask; roach clip or similar object used to hold burning material, such as a marihuana cigarette, that has become too small or too short to be held in the hand; miniature cocaine spoon, or cocaine vial; chamber pipe; carburetor pipe; electric pipe; air driver pipe; chillum; bong; or ice pipe or chiller.

(b) In determining if any equipment, product or material is drug paraphernalia, a court or law enforcement officer shall consider, in addition to other relevant factors, the following:

(1) Any statement by the owner, or by anyone in control, of the equipment, product or material, concerning its use;

(2) The proximity in time or space of the equipment, product or material, or of the act relating to the equipment, product or material, to a violation of any provision of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2925;

(3) The proximity of the equipment, product or material to any controlled substance;

(4) The existence of any residue of a controlled substance on the equipment, product or material;

(5) Direct or circumstantial evidence of the intent of the owner, or of anyone in control, of the equipment, product or material, to deliver it to any person whom the owner or person in control of the equipment, product or material knows intends to use the object to facilitate a violation of any provision of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2925. A finding that the owner, or anyone in control, of the equipment, product or material, is not guilty of a violation of any other provision of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2925, does not prevent a finding that the equipment, product or material was intended or designed by the offender for use as drug paraphernalia;

(6) Any oral or written instruction provided with the equipment, product or material concerning its use;

(7) Any descriptive material accompanying the equipment, product or material and explaining or depicting its use;

(8) National or local advertising concerning the use of the equipment, product or material;

(9) The manner and circumstances in which the equipment, product or material is displayed for sale;

(10) Direct or circumstantial evidence of the ratio of the sales of the equipment, product or material to the total sales of the business enterprise;

(11) The existence and scope of legitimate uses of the equipment, product or material in the community;

(12) Expert testimony concerning the use of the equipment, product or material.

(c) (1) Subject to subsection (d)(2), (d)(3) and (d)(4) of this section, no person shall knowingly use, or possess with purpose to use, drug paraphernalia.

(2) No person shall knowingly sell, or possess or manufacture with purpose to sell, drug paraphernalia, if the person knows or reasonably should know that the equipment, product or material will be used as drug paraphernalia.

(3) No person shall place an advertisement in any newspaper, magazine, handbill or other publication that is published and printed and circulates primarily within this State, if the person knows that the purpose of the advertisement is to promote the illegal sale in the State of the equipment, product or material that the offender intended or designed for use as drug paraphernalia.

(d) (1) This section does not apply to manufacturers, licensed health professionals authorized to prescribe drugs, pharmacists, owners of pharmacies and other persons whose conduct is in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapters 3719, 4715, 4729, 4730, 4731, and 4741. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the possession or use of a hypodermic as authorized by Section 513.10.

(2) Subsection (c)(1) of this section does not apply to a person’s use, or possession with purpose to use, any drug paraphernalia that is equipment, a product, or material of any kind that is used by the person, intended by the person for use, or designed for use in storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body marihuana.

(3) Division (B)(2) of Ohio R.C. 2925.11 applies with respect to a violation of subsection (c)(1) of this section when a person seeks or obtains medical assistance for another person who is experiencing a drug overdose, a person experiences a drug overdose and seeks medical assistance for that overdose, or a person is the subject of another person seeking or obtaining medical assistance for that overdose.

(4) Subsection (c)(1) of this section does not apply to a person’s use, or possession with purpose to use, any drug testing strips to determine the presence of fentanyl or a fentanyl-related compound.

(e) Notwithstanding Ohio R.C. Chapter 2981, any drug paraphernalia that was used, possessed, sold or manufactured in violation of this section shall be seized, after a conviction for that violation shall be forfeited, and upon forfeiture shall be disposed of pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2981.12.

(f) (1) Whoever violates subsection (c)(1) hereof is guilty of illegal use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (f)(3) hereof, whoever violates subsection (c)(2) hereof is guilty of dealing in drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(3) Whoever violates subsection (c)(2) hereof by selling drug paraphernalia to a juvenile is guilty of selling drug paraphernalia to juveniles, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(4) Whoever violates subsection (c)(3) hereof is guilty of illegal advertising of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(g) In addition to any other sanction imposed upon an offender for a violation of this section, the court may suspend for not more than five years the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit. However, if the offender pleaded guilty to or was convicted of a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a substantially similar municipal ordinance or the law of another state or the United States arising out of the same set of circumstances as the violation, the court shall suspend the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit for not more than five years. If the offender is a professionally licensed person, in addition to any other sanction imposed for a violation of this section, the court immediately shall comply with Ohio R.C. 2925.38. (ORC 2925.14)

513.121 MARIHUANA DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.

(a) As used in this section, “drug paraphernalia” has the same meaning as in Section 513.12.

(b) In determining if any equipment, product, or material is drug paraphernalia, a court or law enforcement officer shall consider, in addition to other relevant factors, all factors identified in subsection (b) of Section 513.12.

(c) No person shall knowingly use, or possess with purpose to use, any drug paraphernalia that is equipment, a product, or material of any kind that is used by the person, intended by the person for use, or designed for use in storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body marihuana.

(d) This section does not apply to any person identified in subsection (d)(1) of Section 513.12 and it shall not be construed to prohibit the possession or use of a hypodermic as authorized by Section 513.10.

(e) (1) Subsection (e) of Section 513.12 applies with respect to any drug paraphernalia that was used or possessed in violation of this section.

(2) Division (B)(2) of Ohio R.C. 2925.11 applies with respect to a violation of this subsection when a person seeks or obtains medical assistance for another person who is experiencing a drug overdose, a person experiences a drug overdose and seeks medical assistance for that overdose, or a person is the subject of another person seeking or obtaining medical assistance for that overdose.

(f) (1) Whoever violates subsection (c) of this section is guilty of illegal use or possession of marihuana drug paraphernalia, a minor misdemeanor.

(2) Arrest or conviction for a violation of subsection (c) of this section does not constitute a criminal record and need not be reported by the person so arrested or convicted in response to any inquiries about the person’s criminal record, including any inquiries contained in any application for employment, license, or other right or privilege, or made in connection with the person’s appearance as a witness.

(g) (1) In addition to any other sanction imposed upon an offender for a violation of this section, the court shall do the following if applicable:

A. If the offender pleaded guilty to or was convicted of a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a substantially similar municipal ordinance or the law of another state or the United States arising out of the same set of circumstances as the violation, the court shall suspend the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit for not more than five years.

B. If the offender is a professionally licensed person, the court immediately shall comply with Ohio R.C. 2925.38.

(ORC 2925.141)

513.13 COUNTERFEIT CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.

(a) No person shall knowingly possess any counterfeit controlled substance.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of possession of counterfeit controlled substances, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (ORC 2925.37)

(c) The court may suspend for not more than five years the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit. However, if the offender pleaded guilty to or was convicted of a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a substantially similar municipal ordinance or the law of another state or the United States arising out of the same set of circumstances as the violation, the court shall suspend the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit for not more than five years. (ORC 2925.37)

513.14 OFFENDER MAY BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TESTS.

In addition to the financial sanctions authorized or required under Ohio R.C. 2929.18 and 2929.28 and to any costs otherwise authorized or required under any provision of law, the court imposing sentence upon an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a drug abuse offense may order the offender to pay to the state, municipal, or county law enforcement agencies that handled the investigation and prosecution all of the costs that the state, municipal corporation, or county reasonably incurred in having tests performed under Ohio R.C. 2925.51, or in any other manner on any substance that was the basis of, or involved in, the offense to determine whether the substance contained any amount of a controlled substance if the results of the tests indicate that the substance tested contained any controlled substance. No court shall order an offender under this section to pay the costs of tests performed on a substance if the results of the tests do not indicate that the substance tested contained any controlled substance.

The court shall hold a hearing to determine the amount of costs to be imposed under this section. The court may hold the hearing as part of the sentencing hearing for the offender.

(ORC 2925.511)

513.15 SALE OF DEXTROMETHORPHAN.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Dextromethorphan” means the dextrorotatory isomer of 3-methoxy-N-methylmorphinan, including its salts, but not including its racemic or levorotatory forms.

(2) “Evidence of majority and identity” means a document issued by the federal government or a state, county, or municipal government, or a subdivision or agency of any of the foregoing, including a driver’s or commercial driver’s license, an identification card issued under Ohio R.C. 4507.50 to 4507.52, a military identification card, or any other form of identification that bears the name, date of birth, description and picture of the person identified.

(3) “Retailer” means a place of business that offers consumer products for sale to the general public, including a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs that is licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4729 and operated as a pharmacy.

(b) No retailer or employee of a retailer shall knowingly supply, deliver, give or otherwise provide a drug, material, compound, mixture, preparation or substance containing any quantity of dextromethorphan through the sale of any product to a person under eighteen years of age, unless the person has been issued a prescription for the product being purchased.

(c) For purposes of subsection (b) of this section, the person making the sale of a product containing dextromethorphan shall require and obtain evidence of majority and identity from the purchaser, unless from the purchaser’s outward appearance the person making the sale would reasonably presume the purchaser to be twenty-five years of age or older. Proof that the person making the sale demanded, was shown, and acted in reasonable reliance on the purchaser’s evidence of majority and identity is a defense to any charge of a violation of subsection (b) of this section.

(d) A retailer or employee of a retailer is not liable for damages in a civil action for injury, death or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with a failure to prevent the sale of a product containing dextromethorphan to a person under eighteen years of age, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

(e) Whoever violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of illegally selling dextromethorphan, a minor misdemeanor.

(ORC 2925.62)

513.16 ADULT USE CANNABIS CONTROL; LIMITATIONS ON CONDUCT BY INDIVIDUALS.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780 and notwithstanding any conflicting provision of this code or the Ohio Revised Code, an adult use consumer, may do the following:

(1) Use adult use cannabis;

(2) Possess, transfer without remuneration to another adult consumer, or transport adult use cannabis, subject to subsection (b) of this section; and

(3) Purchase adult use cannabis from an adult use dispensary per day in amounts that do not exceed the possession limits set forth in subsection (b)(1) of this section.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 3796:

(1) The amount of cannabis that may be possessed by an adult use consumer shall not exceed:

A. Two and one-half ounces of adult use cannabis in any form except adult use extract; and

B. Fifteen grams of adult use cannabis in the form of adult use extract.

(2) The amount of cannabis that may be transferred by an adult use consumer without remuneration and not advertised or promoted to the public shall not exceed:

A. Two and one-half ounces of adult use cannabis in any form except adult use extract; and

B. Fifteen grams of adult use cannabis in the form of adult use extract.

(3) The amount of cannabis that may be transported by an adult use consumer shall not exceed:

A. Two and one-half ounces of adult use cannabis in any form except adult use extract; and

B. Fifteen grams of adult use cannabis in the form of adult use extract.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780, an adult use consumer shall not be subject to arrest, criminal prosecution, or civil penalty for engaging in any of the activities authorized under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780, including:

(1) Obtaining, using, possessing, or transporting adult use cannabis;

(2) Performing conduct authorized under Ohio R.C. 3780.29;

(3) Acquiring, possessing, using, purchasing, manufacturing, selling, or transporting paraphernalia; and

(4) Assisting another adult use consumer, or allowing property to be used, in any of the acts authorized by Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780.

(d) (1) An individual is prohibited from operating a vehicle, motor vehicle, streetcar, trackless trolley, bike, watercraft, or aircraft while using adult use cannabis or while under the influence of adult use cannabis and is subject to Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance for any violation of this division.

(2) An individual is prohibited from smoking, vaporizing, or using any other combustible adult use cannabis product while in a vehicle, motor vehicle, streetcar, trackless trolley, bike, watercraft, or aircraft and is subject to Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance for any violation of this section.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780, no individual under twenty-one years of age shall knowingly show or give false information concerning the individual’s name, age, or other identification for the purpose of purchasing adult use cannabis from an adult use dispensary licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780.

(f) Nothing in Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780 is intended to permit the transfer or sale of adult use cannabis, with or without remuneration, to an individual under twenty-one years of age, or to allow an individual under twenty-one years of age to purchase, possess, use, process, transport, or cultivate cannabis except where authorized by Ohio R.C. Chapter 3796.

(g) It is unlawful for any parent or guardian to knowingly permit their residence, any other private property under their control, or any vehicle, conveyance, or watercraft under their control to be used by an invitee of the parent’s child or the guardian’s ward, if the invitee is under

twenty-one years of age, in a manner that constitutes a violation of Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780.

(1) A parent or guardian is deemed to have knowingly permitted their residence, any other private property under their control, or any vehicle, conveyance, or watercraft under their control to be used in violation of Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780 if they knowingly authorize or permit consumption of cannabis by underage invitees.

(2) Where the residence or other property has an owner and a tenant or lessee, the trier of fact may infer that the residence or other property is occupied only by the tenant or lessee.

(ORC 3780.36)

(h) Penalties.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 3796, Ohio R.C. 2925.11 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance shall apply when an adult use consumer possesses an amount of cannabis greater than the limits set forth in subsection (b)(1) of this section.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780, an adult use consumer who uses adult use cannabis in public areas, or who violates subsection (d)(2) of this section as a passenger, is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(3) A. An individual under twenty-one years of age who knowingly shows or gives false information concerning the individual’s name, age, or other identification for the purpose of purchasing or otherwise obtaining adult use cannabis from an adult use dispensary licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780 is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. If, in committing a first violation, the offender presented to an adult use dispensary licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780 a false, fictitious, or altered identification card, a false or fictitious driver’s license purportedly issued by any state, or a driver’s license issued by any state that has been altered, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months.

B. On a second violation in which, for the second time, the offender presented to an adult use dispensary licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780 a false, fictitious, or altered identification card, a false or fictitious driver’s license purportedly issued by any state, or a driver’s license issued by any state that has been altered, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months. The court also may impose a class seven suspension of the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in Ohio R.C. 4510.02(A)(7). The court, in lieu of suspending the offender’s temporary instruction permit, probationary driver’s license, or driver’s license, instead may order the offender to perform a determinate number of hours of community service, with the court determining the actual number of hours and the nature of the community service the offender shall perform.

C. On a third or subsequent violation in which, for the third or subsequent time, the offender presented to an adult use dispensary licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780 a false, fictitious, or altered identification card, a false or fictitious driver’s license purportedly issued by any state, or a driver’s license issued by any state that has been altered, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months.

Except as provided in this subsection, the court also may impose a class six suspension of the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in Ohio R.C. 4510.02(A)(6), and the court may order that the suspension or denial remain in effect until the offender attains the age of twenty-one years. The court, in lieu of suspending the offender’s temporary instruction permit, probationary driver’s license, or driver’s license, instead may order the offender to perform a determinate number of hours of community service, with the court determining the actual number of hours and the nature of the community service the offender shall perform.

(4) An individual who is under twenty-one years of age and who solicits another individual to purchase adult use cannabis from an adult use dispensary licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780 is guilty of:

A. For a first violation, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; and

B. For a second or subsequent violation, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(5) An employee or agent of an adult use dispensary licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3780 who knowingly sells cannabis to an individual under twenty-one years of age is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(6) Any individual who violates Ohio R.C. 3780.10(A), or 3780.29(F), is guilty of the illegal trafficking in drugs under Ohio R.C. 2925.03 and the illegal manufacture of drugs under Ohio R.C. 2925.04.

(7) Any individual who violates subsection (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section is guilty of the illegal trafficking in drugs under Ohio R.C. 2925.03.

(8) Any individual who violates Ohio R.C. 3780.20(B) is guilty of illegal dispensing of drug samples under Ohio R.C. 2925.36 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance.

(9) A. An individual who violates subsection (g) of this section is guilty of:

1. For a first violation, a misdemeanor of the third degree; and

2. For a second or subsequent violation, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

B. If a violation of subsection (g) of this section directly or indirectly results in great bodily harm or death to any individual, the individual violating subsection (g) is guilty of a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(ORC 3780.99)

513.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

517.01 DEFINITIONS.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

(a) “Bet” means the hazarding of anything of value upon the result of an event, undertaking, or contingency, but does not include a bona fide business risk.

(b) “Bingo” means either of the following:

(1) A game with all of the following characteristics:

A. The participants use bingo cards or sheets, including paper formats and electronic representation or image formats, that are divided into twenty-five (25) spaces arranged in five (5) horizontal and five (5) vertical rows of spaces, with each space, except the central space, being designated by a combination of a letter and a number and with the central space being designated as a free space;

B. The participants cover the spaces on the bingo cards or sheets that correspond to combinations of letters and numbers that are announced by a bingo game operator;

C. A bingo game operator announces combinations of letters and numbers that appear on objects that a bingo game operator selects by chance, either manually or mechanically, from a receptacle that contains seventy-five (75) objects at the beginning of each game, each object marked by a different combination of a letter and a number that corresponds to one of the seventy-five (75) possible combinations of a letter and a number that can appear on the bingo cards or sheets;

D. The winner of the bingo game includes any participant who properly announces during the interval between the announcements of letters and numbers, as described in subsection (b)(1)C. hereof, that a predetermined and pre-announced pattern of spaces has been covered on a bingo card or sheet being used by the participant.

(2) Instant bingo, electronic instant bingo, and raffles.

(c) “Bingo game operator” means any person, except security personnel, who performs work or labor at the site of bingo including but not limited to collecting money from participants, handing out bingo cards or sheets or objects to cover spaces on bingo cards or sheets, selecting from a receptacle the objects that contain the combination of letters and numbers that appear on bingo cards or sheets, calling out the combinations of letters and numbers, distributing prizes, selling or redeeming instant bingo tickets or cards, selling or redeeming electronic instant bingo tickets, credits, or vouchers, accessing an electronic instant bingo system other than as a participant, supervising the operation of a punch board, selling raffle tickets, selecting raffle tickets from a receptacle and announcing the winning numbers in a raffle, and preparing, selling, and serving food or beverages. ”Bingo game operator” does not include a person who is installing, maintaining, updating, or repairing an electronic instant bingo system.

(d) “Bingo session” means a period that includes both of the following:

(1) Not to exceed five (5) continuous hours for the conduct of one or more games described in subsection (d)(1) hereof the definition of “bingo” in this section, instant bingo, and electronic instant bingo;

(2) A period for the conduct of instant bingo and electronic instant bingo for not more than two (2) hours before and not more than two (2) hours after the period described in subsection (d)(1) hereof.

(e) “Bingo supplies” means bingo cards or sheets; instant bingo tickets or cards; electronic bingo aids; raffle tickets; punch boards; seal cards; instant bingo ticket dispensers; electronic instant bingo systems; and devices for selecting or displaying the combination of bingo letters and numbers or raffle tickets. Items that are “bingo supplies” are not gambling devices if sold or otherwise provided, and used, in accordance with this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915. For purposes of this chapter, “bingo supplies” are not to be considered equipment used to conduct a bingo game.

(f) “Bookmaking” means the business of receiving or paying off bets.

(g) “Charitable bingo game” means any bingo game described in subsections (b)(1) or (2) hereof that is conducted by a charitable organization that has obtained a license pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2915.08 and the proceeds of which are used for a charitable purpose.

(h) “Charitable instant bingo organization” means an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under IRC 501(a) and described in IRC 501(c)(3) and is a charitable organization as defined in this section. The term does not include a charitable organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under IRC 501(a) and described in IRC 501(c)(3) and that is created by a veteran’s organization, a fraternal organization, or a sporting organization in regards to bingo conducted or assisted by a veteran’s organization, a fraternal organization, or a sporting organization pursuant to Section 517.14.

(i) “Charitable organization” means:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, “charitable organization” means either of the following:

A. An organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under IRC 501(a) and described in IRC 501(c)(3);

B. A volunteer rescue service organization, volunteer firefighter’s organization, veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under IRC 501(c)(4), 501(c)(7), 501(c)(8), 501(c)(10) or 501(c)(19).

(2) To qualify as a charitable organization, an organization shall have been in continuous existence as such in this state for a period of two (2) years immediately preceding either the making of an application for a bingo license under Ohio R.C. 2915.08 or the conducting of any game of chance as provided Section 517.02(d).

(j) “Charitable purpose” means that the net profit of bingo, other than instant bingo or electronic instant bingo, is used by, or is given, donated, or otherwise transferred to, any of the following:

(1) Any organization that is described in IRC 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) and is either a governmental unit or an organization that is tax exempt under IRC 501(a) and described in IRC 501(c)(3);

(2) A veteran’s organization that is a post, chapter, or organization of veterans, or an auxiliary unit or society of, or a trust or foundation for, any such post, chapter, or organization organized in the United States or any of its possessions, at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the members of which are veterans and substantially all of the other members of which are individuals who are spouses, widows, or widowers of veterans, or such individuals, provided that no part of the net earnings of such post, chapter, or organization inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, and further provided that the net profit is used by the post, chapter, or organization for the charitable purposes set forth in Ohio R.C. 5739.02(B)(12), is used for awarding scholarships to or for attendance at an institution mentioned in that division of the Ohio Revised Code, is donated to a governmental agency, or is used for nonprofit youth activities, the purchase of United States or Ohio flags that are donated to schools, youth groups, or other bona fide nonprofit organizations, promotion of patriotism, or disaster relief;

(3) A fraternal organization that has been in continuous existence in this state for fifteen (15) years and that uses the net profit exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, if contributions for such use would qualify as a deductible charitable contribution under IRC 170;

(4) A volunteer firefighter’s organization that uses the net profit for the purposes set forth in the definition of ”volunteer firefighter’s organization” in this section.

(k) “Community action agency” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 122.66.

(l) “Conduct” means to back, promote, organize, manage, carry on, sponsor, or prepare for the operation of bingo or a game of chance, a scheme of chance, or a sweepstakes.

(m) “Deal” means a single game of instant bingo tickets, or a single game of electronic instant bingo tickets, all with the same serial number.

(n) “Distributor” means any person who purchases or obtains bingo supplies and who does either of the following:

(1) Sells, offers for sale, or otherwise provides or offers to provide the bingo supplies to another person for use in this state;

(2) Modifies, converts, adds to, or removes parts from the bingo supplies to further their promotion or sale for use in this state.

(o) “Electronic bingo aid” means:

(1) An electronic device used by a participant to monitor bingo cards or sheets purchased at the time and place of a bingo session and that does all of the following:

A. It provides a means for a participant to input numbers and letters announced by a bingo caller.

B. It compares the numbers and letters entered by the participant to the bingo faces previously stored in the memory of the device.

C. It identifies a winning bingo pattern.

(2) The term does not include any device into which a coin, currency, token, or an equivalent is inserted to activate play.

(p) “Electronic instant bingo” means:

(1) A form of bingo that consists of an electronic or digital representation of instant bingo in which a participant wins a prize if the participant’s electronic instant bingo ticket contains a combination of numbers or symbols that was designated in advance as a winning combination, and to which all of the following apply:

A. Each deal has a predetermined, finite number of winning and losing tickets and a predetermined prize amount and deal structure, provided that there may be multiple winning combinations in each deal and multiple winning tickets.

B. Each electronic instant bingo ticket within a deal has a unique serial number that is not regenerated.

C. Each electronic instant bingo ticket within a deal is sold for the same price.

D. After a participant purchases an electronic instant bingo ticket, the combination of numbers or symbols on the ticket is revealed to the participant.

E. The reveal of numbers or symbols on the ticket may incorporate an entertainment or bonus theme, provided that the reveal does not include spinning reels that resemble a slot machine.

F. The reveal theme, if any, does not require additional consideration or award any prize other than any predetermined prize associated with the electronic instant bingo ticket.

(2) The term shall not include any of the following:

A. Any game, entertainment, or bonus theme that replicates or simulates any of the following:

1. The gambling games of keno, blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, other casino-style table games;

2. Horse racing;

3. Gambling games offered in this state on slot machines or video lottery terminals. As used in this division, “video lottery terminal” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3770.21.

B. Any device operated by dropping one or more coins or tokens into a slot and pulling a handle or pushing a button or touchpoint on a touchscreen to activate one to three or more rotating reels marked into horizontal segments by varying symbols, where the predetermined prize amount depends on how and how many of the symbols line up when the rotating reels come to a rest;

C. Any device that includes a coin or token slot, tray, or hopper and the ability to dispense coins, cash, tokens, or anything of value other than a credit ticket voucher.

(q) “Electronic instant bingo system” means both of the following:

(1) A mechanical, electronic, digital, or video device and associated software to which all of the following apply:

A. It is used by not more than one player at a time to play electronic instant bingo on a single screen that is physically connected to the device;

B. It is located on the premises of the principal place of business of a veteran’s or fraternal organization that holds a type II or type III bingo license to conduct electronic instant bingo at that location issued under Ohio R.C. 2915.08.

(2) Any associated equipment or software used to manage, monitor, or document any aspect of electronic instant bingo.

(r) “Expenses” means the reasonable amount of gross profit actually expended for all of the following:

(1) The purchase or lease of bingo supplies;

(2) The annual license fee required under Ohio R.C. 2915.08;

(3) Bank fees and service charges for a bingo session or game account described in Ohio R.C. 2915.10;

(4) Audits and accounting services;

(5) Safes;

(6) Cash registers;

(7) Hiring security personnel;

(8) Advertising bingo;

(9) Renting premises in which to conduct a bingo session;

(10) Tables and chairs;

(11) Expenses for maintaining and operating a charitable organization’s facilities, including but not limited to a post home, club house, lounge, tavern, or canteen and any grounds attached to the post home, club house, lounge, tavern, or canteen;

(12) Payment of real property taxes and assessments that are levied on a premises on which bingo is conducted;

(13) Any other product or service directly related to the conduct of bingo that is authorized in rules adopted by the Attorney General under Ohio R.C. 2915.08(F)(1).

(s) “Fraternal organization” means any society, order, state headquarters, or association within this state, except a college or high school fraternity, that is not organized for profit, that is a branch, lodge, or chapter of a national or state organization, that exists exclusively for the common business or sodality of its members.

(t) “Gambling device” means any of the following:

(1) A book, totalizer, or other equipment used for recording bets;

(2) A ticket, token, or other device representing a chance, share, or interest in a scheme of chance or evidencing a bet;

(3) A deck of cards, dice, gaming table, roulette wheel, slot machine, or other apparatus designed for use in connection with a game of chance;

(4) Any equipment, device, apparatus, or paraphernalia specially designed for gambling purposes;

(5) Bingo supplies sold or otherwise provided, or used, in violation of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915.

(u) “Gambling offense” means any of the following:

(1) A violation of Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915;

(2) A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this or any other state or of the United States substantially equivalent to any provision of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915 or a violation of Ohio R.C. 2915.06 as it existed prior to July 1, 1996;

(3) An offense under an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this or any other state or of the United States, of which gambling is an element;

(4) A conspiracy or attempt to commit, or complicity in committing, any offense under subsections (v)(1), (2), or (3) hereof.

(v) “Game flare” means the board or placard, or electronic representation of a board or placard, that accompanies each deal of instant bingo or electronic instant bingo tickets and that includes the following information for the game:

(1) The name of the game;

(2) The manufacture’s name or distinctive logo;

(3) The form number;

(4) The ticket count;

(5) The prize structure, including the number of winning tickets by denomination and the respective winning symbol or number combinations for the winning tickets;

(6) The cost per play;

(7) The serial number of the game.

(w) “Game of chance” means poker, craps, roulette, or other game in which a player gives anything of value in the hope of gain, the outcome of which is determined largely by chance, but does not include bingo.

(x) “Game of chance conducted for profit” means any game of chance designed to produce income for the person who conducts or operates the game of chance, but does not include bingo.

(y) “Gross annual revenues” means the annual gross receipts derived from the conduct of bingo described in subsection (b)(1) hereof plus the annual net profit derived from the conduct of bingo described subsection (b)(2) hereof.

(z) “Gross profit” means gross receipts minus the amount actually expended for the payment of prize awards.

(aa) “Gross receipts” means all money or assets, including admission fees, that a person receives from bingo without the deduction of any amounts for prizes paid out or for the expenses of conducting bingo. The term does not include any money directly taken in from the sale of food or beverages by a charitable organization conducting bingo, or by a bona fide auxiliary unit or society of a charitable organization conducting bingo, provided all of the following apply:

(1) The auxiliary unit or society has been in existence as a bona fide auxiliary unit or society of the charitable organization for at least two (2) years prior to conducting bingo.

(2) The person who purchases the food or beverage receives nothing of value except the food or beverage and items customarily received with the purchase of that food or beverage.

(3) The food and beverages are sold at customary and reasonable prices.

(bb) “Instant bingo” means a form of bingo that shall use folded or banded tickets or paper cards with perforated break-open tabs, a face of which is covered or otherwise hidden from view to conceal a number, letter, or symbol, or set of numbers, letters, or symbols, some of which have been designated in advance as prize winners, and may also include games in which some winners are determined by the random selection of one or more bingo numbers by the use of a seal card or bingo blower. ”Instant bingo” also includes a punch board game. In all “instant bingo” the prize amount and structure shall be predetermined. The term does not include electronic instant bingo or any device that is activated by the insertion of a coin, currency, token, or an equivalent, and that contains as one of its components a video display monitor that is capable of displaying numbers, letters, symbols, or characters in winning or losing combinations.

(cc) “Instant bingo ticket dispenser” means a mechanical device that dispenses an instant bingo ticket or card as the sole item of value dispensed and that has the following characteristics:

(1) It is activated upon the insertion of United States currency.

(2) It performs no gaming functions.

(3) It does not contain a video display monitor or generate noise.

(4) It is not capable of displaying any numbers, letters, symbols, or characters in winning or losing combinations.

(5) It does not simulate or display rolling or spinning reels.

(6) It is incapable of determining whether a dispensed bingo ticket or card is a winning or non-winning ticket or card and requires a winning ticket or card to be paid by a bingo game operator.

(7) It may provide accounting and security features to aid in accounting for the instant bingo tickets or cards it dispenses.

(8) It is not part of an electronic network and is not interactive.

(dd) “Internal Revenue Code (IRC)” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 100 Stat. 2085, 26 U.S.C. 1 et seq., as now or hereafter amended.

(ee) “Manufacturer” means any person who assembles completed bingo supplies from raw materials, other items, or subparts or who modifies, converts, adds to, or removes parts from bingo supplies to further their promotion or sale.

(ff) “Merchandise prize” means any item of value, but shall not include any of the following:

(1) Cash, gift cards, or any equivalent thereof;

(2) Plays on games of chance, state lottery tickets, or bingo;

(3) Firearms, tobacco, or alcoholic beverages; or

(4) A redeemable voucher that is redeemable for any of the items listed in subsections (hh)(1), (2) or (3) hereof.

(gg) “Net profit” means gross profit minus expenses.

(hh) “Net profit from the proceeds of the sale of instant bingo or electronic instant bingo” means gross profit minus the ordinary, necessary, and reasonable expense expended for the purchase of bingo supplies for the purpose of conducting instant bingo or electronic instant bingo, and, in the case of instant bingo or electronic instant bingo conducted by a veteran’s, fraternal, or sporting organization, minus the payment by that organization of real property taxes and assessments levied on a premises on which instant bingo or electronic instant bingo is conducted.

(ii) “Participant” means any person who plays bingo.

(jj) “Person” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 1.59 and includes any firm or any other legal entity, however organized.

(kk) “Pool not conducted for profit” means a scheme in which a participant gives a valuable consideration for a chance to win a prize and the total amount of consideration wagered is distributed to a participant or participants.

(ll) “Punch board” means a form of instant bingo that uses a board containing a number of holes or receptacles of uniform size in which are placed, mechanically and randomly, serially numbered slips of paper that may be punched or drawn from the hole or receptacle. A player may punch or draw the numbered slips of paper from the holes or receptacles and obtain the prize established for the game if the number drawn corresponds to a winning number or, if the punch board includes the use of a seal card, a potential winning number.

(mm) “Raffle” means a form of bingo in which the one or more prizes are won by one or more persons who have purchased a raffle ticket. The one or more winners of the raffle are determined by drawing a ticket stub or other detachable section from a receptacle containing ticket stubs or detachable sections corresponding to all tickets sold for the raffle. The term does not include the drawing of a ticket stub or other detachable section of a ticket purchased to attend a professional sporting event if both of the following apply:

(1) The ticket stub or other detachable section is used to select the winner of a free prize given away at the professional sporting event; and

(2) The cost of the ticket is the same as the cost of a ticket to the professional sporting event on days when no free prize is given away.

(nn) “Redeemable voucher” means any ticket, token, coupon, receipt, or other noncash representation of value.

(oo) “Religious organization” means any church, body of communicants, or group that is not organized or operated for profit and that gathers in common membership for regular worship and religious observances.

(pp) “Revoke” means to void permanently all rights and privileges of the holder of a license issued under Ohio R.C. 2915.08, 2915.081, or 2915.082 or a charitable gaming license issued by another jurisdiction.

(qq) “Scheme of chance” means:

(1) A slot machine unless authorized under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3772, lottery unless authorized under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3770, numbers game, pool conducted for profit, or other scheme in which a participant gives a valuable consideration for a chance to win a prize, but does not include bingo, a skill-based amusement machine, or a pool not conducted for profit. “Scheme of chance” includes the use of an electronic device to reveal the results of a game entry if valuable consideration is paid, directly or indirectly, for a chance to win a prize. Valuable consideration is deemed to be paid for a chance to win a prize in the following instances:

A. Less than fifty percent (50%) of the goods or services sold by a scheme of chance operator in exchange for game entries are used or redeemed by participants at any one location;

B. Less than fifty percent (50%) of participants who purchase goods or services at any one location do not accept, use, or redeem the goods or services sold or purportedly sold;

C. More than fifty percent (50%) of prizes at any one location are revealed to participants through an electronic device simulating a game of chance or a “casino game” as defined in Ohio R.C. 3772.01;

D. The good or service sold by a scheme of chance operator in exchange for a game entry cannot be used or redeemed in the manner advertised;

E. A participant pays more than fair market value for goods or services offered by a scheme of chance operator in order to receive one or more game entries;

F. A participant may use the electronic device to purchase additional game entries;

G. A participant may purchase additional game entries by using points or credits won as prizes while using the electronic device;

H. A scheme of chance operator pays out in prize money more than twenty percent (20%) of the gross revenue received at one location; or

I. A participant makes a purchase or exchange in order to obtain any good or service that may be used to facilitate play on the electronic device.

(2) As used in this subsection, “electronic device” means a mechanical, video, digital, or electronic machine or device that is capable of displaying information on a screen or other mechanism and that is owned, leased, or otherwise possessed by any person conducting a scheme of chance, or by that person’s partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, or contractors. ”Electronic device” does not include an electronic instant bingo system.

(rr) “Seal card” means a form of instant bingo that uses instant bingo tickets in conjunction with a board or placard that contains one or more seals that, when removed or opened, reveal predesignated winning numbers, letters, or symbols.

(ss) “Security personnel” includes any person who either is a Sheriff, deputy sheriff, Marshal, deputy marshal, township constable, or member of an organized police department of a municipal corporation or has successfully completed a peace officer’s training course pursuant to Ohio R.C. 109.71 through 109.79 and who is hired to provide security for the premises on which bingo is conducted.

(tt) “Skill-based amusement machine” means:

(1) A. A mechanical, video, digital, or electronic device that rewards the player or players, if at all, only with merchandise prizes or with redeemable vouchers redeemable only for merchandise prizes, provided that with respect to rewards for playing the game all of the following apply:

1. The wholesale value of a merchandise prize awarded as a result of the single play of a machine does not exceed ten dollars ($10.00);

2. Redeemable vouchers awarded for any single play of a machine are not redeemable for a merchandise prize with a wholesale value of more than ten dollars ($10.00);

3. Redeemable vouchers are not redeemable for a merchandise prize that has a wholesale value of more than ten dollars ($10.00) times the fewest number of single plays necessary to accrue the redeemable vouchers required to obtain that prize; and

4. Any redeemable vouchers or merchandise prizes are distributed at the site of the skill-based amusement machine at the time of play.

B. A card for the purchase of gasoline is a redeemable voucher for purposes of subsection (vv)(1) hereof even if the skill-based amusement machine for the play of which the card is awarded is located at a place where gasoline may not be legally distributed to the public or the card is not redeemable at the location of, or at the time of playing, the skill-based amusement machine.

(2) A device shall not be considered a skill-based amusement machine and shall be considered a slot machine if it pays cash or one or more of the following apply:

A. The ability of a player to succeed at the game is impacted by the number or ratio of prior wins to prior losses of players playing the game;

B. Any reward of redeemable vouchers is not based solely on the player achieving the object of the game or the player’s score;

C. The outcome of the game, or the value of the redeemable voucher or merchandise prize awarded for winning the game, can be controlled by a source other than any player playing the game;

D. The success of any player is or may be determined by a chance event that cannot be altered by player actions;

E. The ability of any player to succeed at the game is determined by game features not visible or known to the player;

F. The ability of the player to succeed at the game is impacted by the exercise of a skill that no reasonable player could exercise.

(3) All of the following apply to any machine that is operated as described in subsection (vv)(1) hereof:

A. As used in this definition of “skill-based amusement machine”, “game” and “play” mean one event from the initial activation of the machine until the results of play are determined without payment of additional consideration. An individual utilizing a machine that involves a single game, play, contest, competition, or tournament may be awarded redeemable vouchers or merchandise prizes based on the results of play.

B. Advance play for a single game, play, contest, competition, or tournament participation may be purchased. The cost of the contest, competition, or tournament participation may be greater than a single non-contest, competition, or tournament play.

C. To the extent that the machine is used in a contest, competition, or tournament, that contest, competition, or tournament has a defined starting and ending date and is open to participants in competition for scoring and ranking results toward the awarding of redeemable vouchers or merchandise prizes that are stated prior to the start of the contest, competition, or tournament.

(4) For purposes of subsection (vv)(1) hereof, the mere presence of a device, such as a pinsetting, ball-releasing, or scoring mechanism, that does not contribute to or affect the outcome of the play of the game does not make the device a skill-based amusement machine.

(uu) “Slot machine” means:

(1) Either of the following:

A. Any mechanical, electronic, video, or digital device that is capable of accepting anything of value, directly or indirectly, from or on behalf of a player who gives the thing of value in the hope of gain;

B. Any mechanical, electronic, video, or digital device that is capable of accepting anything of value, directly or indirectly, from or on behalf of a player to conduct bingo or a scheme or game of chance.

(2) The term does not include a skill-based amusement machine, an instant bingo ticket dispenser, or an electronic instant bingo system.

(vv) “Sporting organization” means a hunting, fishing, or trapping organization, other than a college or high school fraternity or sorority, that is not organized for profit, that is affiliated with a state or national sporting organization, including but not limited to the League of Ohio Sportsmen, and that has been in continuous existence in this state for a period of three (3) years.

(ww) “Suspend” means to interrupt temporarily all rights and privileges of the holder of a license issued under Ohio R.C. 2915.08, 2915.081, or 2915.082 or a charitable gaming license issued by another jurisdiction.

(xx) “Sweepstakes” means any game, contest, advertising scheme or plan, or other promotion where consideration is not required for a person to enter to win or become eligible to receive any prize, the determination of which is based upon chance. ”Sweepstakes” does not include bingo as authorized under Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915, pari-mutuel wagering as authorized by Ohio R.C. Chapter 3769, lotteries conducted by the State Lottery Commission as authorized by Ohio R.C. Chapter 3770, and casino gaming as authorized by Ohio R.C. Chapter 3772.

(yy) “Sweepstakes terminal device” means:

(1) A mechanical, video, digital, or electronic machine or device that is owned, leased, or otherwise possessed by any person conducting a sweepstakes, or by that person’s partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, or contractors, that is intended to be used by a sweepstakes participant, and that is capable of displaying information on a screen or other mechanism. A device is a sweepstakes terminal device if any of the following apply:

A. The device uses a simulated game terminal as a representation of the prizes associated with the results of the sweepstakes entries.

B. The device utilizes software such that the simulated game influences or determines the winning of or value of the prize.

C. The device selects prizes from a predetermined finite pool of entries.

D. The device utilizes a mechanism that reveals the content of a predetermined sweepstakes entry.

E. The device predetermines the prize results and stores those results for delivery at the time the sweepstakes entry results are revealed.

F. The device utilizes software to create a game result.

G. The device reveals the prize incrementally, even though the device does not influence the awarding of the prize or the value of any prize awarded.

H. The device determines and associates the prize with an entry or entries at the time the sweepstakes is entered.

(2) As used in this definition and in Section 517.02:

A. “Enter” means the act by which a person becomes eligible to receive any prize offered in a sweepstakes.

B. “Entry” means one event from the initial activation of the sweepstakes terminal device until all the sweepstakes prize results from that activation are revealed.

C. “Prize” means any gift, award, gratuity, good, service, credit, reward, or any other thing of value that may be transferred to a person, whether possession of the prize is actually transferred, or placed on an account or other record as evidence of the intent to transfer the prize.

(zz) “Sweepstakes terminal facility” means any location in this state where a sweepstakes terminal device is provided to a sweepstakes participant, except as provided in Ohio R.C. 2915.02(G).

(aaa) “Veteran’s organization” means any individual post or state headquarters of a national veteran’s association or an auxiliary unit of any individual post of a national veteran’s association, which post, state headquarters, or auxiliary unit is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation and either has received a letter from the state headquarters of the national veteran’s association indicating that the individual post or auxiliary unit is in good standing with the national veteran’s association or has received a letter from the national veteran’s association indicating that the state headquarters is in good standing with the national veteran’s association. As used in this definition, “National Veterans’ Association” means any veteran’s association that has been in continuous existence as such for a period of at least five (5) years and either is incorporated by an act of the United States Congress or has a national dues-paying membership of at least 5,000 persons.

(bbb) “Volunteer firefighter’s organization” means any organization of volunteer firefighters, as defined in Ohio R.C. 146.01, that is organized and operated exclusively to provide financial support for a volunteer fire department or a volunteer fire company and that is recognized or ratified by a county, municipal corporation, or township.

(ccc) “Volunteer rescue service organization” means any organization of volunteers organized to function as an emergency medical service organization, as defined in Ohio R.C. 4765.01.

(ddd) “Youth athletic organization” means any organization, not organized for profit, that is organized and operated exclusively to provide financial support to, or to operate, athletic activities for persons who are twenty-one (21) years of age or younger by means of sponsoring, organizing, operating, or contributing to the support of an athletic team, club, league, or association.

(eee) “Youth athletic park organization” means any organization, not organized for profit, that satisfies both of the following:

(1) It owns, operates, and maintains playing fields that satisfy both of the following:

A. The playing fields are used for athletic activities by one or more organizations, not organized for profit, each of which is organized and operated exclusively to provide financial support to, or to operate, athletic activities for persons who are eighteen (18) years of age or younger by means of sponsoring, organizing, operating, or contributing to the support of an athletic team, club, league, or association.

B. The playing fields are not used for any profit-making activity at any time during the year.

(2) It uses the proceeds of bingo it conducts exclusively for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of its playing fields of the type described in subsection (ggg)(1) hereof.

(ORC 2915.01)

517.02 GAMBLING.

(a) No person shall do any of the following:

(1) Engage in bookmaking, or knowingly engage in conduct that facilitates bookmaking;

(2) Establish, promote, or operate or knowingly engage in conduct that facilitates any game of chance conducted for profit or any scheme of chance;

(3) Knowingly procure, transmit, exchange, or engage in conduct that facilitates the procurement, transmission, or exchange of information for use in establishing odds or determining winners in connection with bookmaking or with any game of chance conducted for profit or any scheme of chance;

(4) Engage in betting or in playing any scheme or game of chance as a substantial source of income or livelihood;

(5) Conduct, or participate in the conduct of, a sweepstakes with the use of a sweepstakes terminal device at a sweepstakes terminal device facility and either:

A. Give to another person any item described in subsection (ff)(1), (2), (3) or (4) of Section 517.01 as a prize for playing or participating in a sweepstakes; or

B. Give to another person any merchandise prize, or a redeemable voucher for a merchandise prize, the wholesale value of which is in excess of ten dollars ($10.00) and which is awarded as a single entry for playing or participating in a sweepstakes. Redeemable vouchers shall not be redeemable for a merchandise prize that has a wholesale value of more than ten dollars ($10.00).

(6) Conduct, or participate in the conduct of, a sweepstakes with the use of a sweepstakes terminal device at a sweepstakes terminal device facility without first obtaining a current annual “certificate of registration” from the Attorney General as required by division (F) of Ohio R.C. 2915.02.

(7) With purpose to violate subsection (a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) of this section, acquire, possess, control, or operate any gambling device.

(b) For purposes of subsection (a)(1) of this section, a person facilitates bookmaking if the person in any way knowingly aids an illegal bookmaking operation, including, without limitation, placing a bet with a person engaged in or facilitating illegal bookmaking. For purposes of subsection (a)(2) of this section, a person facilitates a game of chance conducted for profit or a scheme of chance if the person in any way knowingly aids in the conduct or operation of any such game or scheme, including, without limitation, playing any such game or scheme.

(d) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) Games of chance, if all of the following apply:

A. The games of chance are not craps for money or roulette for money.

B. The games of chance are conducted by a charitable organization that is, and has received from the Internal Revenue Service a determination letter that is currently in effect, stating that the organization is, exempt from Federal income taxation under subsection 501(a) and described in subsection 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

C. The games of chance are conducted at festivals of the charitable organization that are conducted not more than a total of five days a calendar year, and are conducted on premises owned by the charitable organization for a period of no less than one year immediately preceding the conducting of the games of chance, on premises leased from a governmental unit, or on premises that are leased from a veteran's or fraternal organization and that have been owned by the lessor veteran's or fraternal organization for a period of no less than one year immediately preceding the conducting of the games of chance.

A charitable organization shall not lease premises from a veteran's or fraternal organization to conduct a festival described in subsection (d)(1)C. hereof if the veteran's or fraternal organization has already leased the premises twelve times during the preceding year to charitable organizations for that purpose. If a charitable organization leases premises from a veteran's or fraternal organization to conduct a festival described in subsection (d)(1)C. hereof, the charitable organization shall not pay a rental rate for the premises per day of the festival that exceeds the rental rate per bingo session that a charitable organization may pay under Section 517.06(b)(1) when it leases premises from another charitable organization to conduct bingo games.

D. All of the money or assets received from the games of chance after deduction only of prizes paid out during the conduct of the games of chance are used by, or given, donated or otherwise transferred to, any organization that is described in subsection 509(a)(1), (2) or (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is either a governmental unit or an organization that is tax exempt under subsection 501(a) and described in subsection 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

E. The games of chance are not conducted during, or within ten hours of, a bingo game conducted for amusement purposes only pursuant to Section 517.13.

No person shall receive any commission, wage, salary, reward, tip, donations, gratuity or other form of compensation, directly or indirectly, for operating or assisting in the operation of any game of chance.

(2) Any tag fishing tournament operated under a permit issued under Ohio R.C. 1533.92, as "tag fishing tournament" is defined in Ohio R.C. 1531.01.

(3) Bingo conducted by a charitable organization that holds a license issued under Ohio R.C. 2915.08.

(e) Subsection (d) hereof shall not be construed to authorize the sale, lease or other temporary or permanent transfer of the right to conduct games of chance, as granted by subsection (d) hereof, by any charitable organization that is granted that right.

(f) Whoever violates this section is guilty of gambling, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a gambling offense, gambling is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. (ORC 2915.02)

517.03 OPERATING A GAMBLING HOUSE.

(a) No person, being the owner or lessee, or having custody, control or supervision of premises, shall:

(1) Use or occupy such premises for gambling in violation of Section 517.02;

(2) Recklessly permit such premises to be used or occupied for gambling in violation of Section 517.02.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of operating a gambling house, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a gambling offense, operating a gambling house is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(c) Premises used or occupied in violation of this section constitute a nuisance subject to abatement pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 3767. (ORC 2915.03)

517.04 PUBLIC GAMING.

(a) No person, while at a hotel, restaurant, tavern, store, arena, hall, or other place of public accommodation, business, amusement, or resort shall make a bet or play any game of chance or scheme of chance.

(b) No person, being the owner or lessee, or having custody, control, or supervision, of a hotel, restaurant, tavern, store, arena, hall, or other place of public accommodation, business, amusement, or resort shall recklessly permit those premises to be used or occupied in violation of subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not prohibit conduct in connection with gambling expressly permitted by law.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of public gaming. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, public gaming is a minor misdemeanor. If the offender previously has been convicted of any gambling offense, public gaming is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(e) Premises used or occupied in violation of subsection (b) of this section constitute a nuisance subject to abatement under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3767. (ORC 2915.04)

517.05 CHEATING.

(a) No person, with purpose to defraud or knowing that the person is facilitating a fraud, shall engage in conduct designed to corrupt the outcome of any of the following:

(1) The subject of a bet;

(2) A contest of knowledge, skill, or endurance that is not an athletic or sporting event;

(3) A scheme or game of chance;

(4) Bingo.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of cheating. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection cheating is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the potential gain from the cheating is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, or if the offender previously has been convicted of any gambling offense or of any theft offense as defined in Ohio R.C. 2913.01, cheating is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. (ORC 2915.05)

517.06 METHODS OF CONDUCTING A BINGO GAME; PROHIBITIONS.

(a) No charitable organization that conducts bingo shall fail to do any of the following:

(1) Own all of the equipment used to conduct bingo or lease that equipment from a charitable organization that is licensed to conduct bingo, or from the landlord of a premises where bingo is conducted, for a rental rate that is not more than is customary and reasonable for that equipment;

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (a)(3) of this section, use all of the gross receipts from bingo for paying prizes, for reimbursement of expenses for or for renting premises in which to conduct bingo, for reimbursement of expenses for or for purchasing or leasing bingo supplies used in conducting bingo, for reimbursement of expenses for or for hiring security personnel, for reimbursement of expenses for or for advertising bingo, or for reimbursement of other expenses or for other expenses listed in the definition for “expenses” in Section 517.01(r), provided that the amount of the receipts so spent is not more than is customary and reasonable for a similar purchase, lease, hiring, advertising, or expense. If the building in which bingo is conducted is owned by the charitable organization conducting bingo and the bingo conducted includes a form of bingo described in the definition of “bingo” in Section 517.01(b)(1), the charitable organization may deduct from the total amount of the gross receipts from each session a sum equal to the lesser of six hundred dollars ($600.00) or forty-five percent (45%) of the gross receipts from the bingo described in that division as consideration for the use of the premises;

(3) Use, or give, donate, or otherwise transfer, all of the net profit derived from bingo described in Section 517.01(b)(1), for a charitable purpose listed in its license application and described in Section 517.02(j), or distribute all of the net profit from the proceeds of the sale of instant bingo or electronic instant bingo as stated in its license application and in accordance with Ohio R.C. 2915.101, as applicable.

(b) No charitable organization that conducts a bingo game described in Section 517.01(b)(1) shall fail to do any of the following:

(1) Conduct the bingo game on premises that are owned by the charitable organization, on premises that are owned by another charitable organization and leased from that charitable organization for a rental rate not in excess of the lesser of six hundred dollars ($600.00) per bingo session or forty-five percent (45%) of the gross receipts of the bingo session, on premises that are leased from a person other than a charitable organization for a rental rate that is not more than is customary and reasonable for premises that are similar in location, size, and quality but not in excess of four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00) per bingo session, or on premises that are owned by a person other than a charitable organization, that are leased from that person by another charitable organization, and that are subleased from that other charitable organization by the charitable organization for a rental rate not in excess of four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00) per bingo session. No charitable organization is required to pay property taxes or assessments on premises that the charitable organization leases from another person to conduct bingo sessions. If the charitable organization leases from a person other than a charitable organization the premises on which it conducts bingo sessions, the lessor of the premises shall provide the premises to the organization and shall not provide the organization with bingo game operators, security personnel, concessions or concession operators, bingo supplies, or any other type of service. A charitable organization shall not lease or sublease premises that it owns or leases to more than three (3) other charitable organizations per calendar week for

conducting bingo sessions on the premises. A person that is not a charitable organization shall not lease premises that it owns, leases, or otherwise is empowered to lease to more than three (3) charitable organizations per calendar week for conducting bingo sessions on the premises. In no case shall more than nine (9) bingo sessions be conducted on any premises in any calendar week.

(2) Display its license conspicuously at the premises where the bingo session is conducted;

(3) Conduct the bingo session in accordance with the definition of bingo set forth in Section 517.01(b)(1).

(c) No charitable organization that conducts a bingo game described in Section 517.01(b)(1) shall do any of the following:

(1) Pay any compensation to a bingo game operator for operating a bingo session that is conducted by the charitable organization or for preparing, selling, or serving food or beverages at the site of the bingo session, permit any auxiliary unit or society of the charitable organization to pay compensation to any bingo game operator who prepares, sells, or serves food or beverages at a bingo session conducted by the charitable organization, or permit any auxiliary unit or society of the charitable organization to prepare, sell, or serve food or beverages at a bingo session conducted by the charitable organization, if the auxiliary unit or society pays any compensation to the bingo game operators who prepare, sell, or serve the food or beverages;

(2) Pay consulting fees to any person for any services performed in relation to the bingo session;

(3) Pay concession fees to any person who provides refreshments to the participants in the bingo session;

(4) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(4) of this section, conduct more than three bingo sessions in any seven-day period. A volunteer firefighter's organization or a volunteer rescue service organization that conducts not more than five (5) bingo sessions in a calendar year may conduct more than three (3) bingo sessions in a seven-day period after notifying the Attorney General when it will conduct the sessions;

(5) Pay out more than six thousand dollars ($6,000) in prizes for bingo games described in Section 517.01(b)(1) during any bingo session that is conducted by the charitable organization. “Prizes” does not include awards from the conduct of instant bingo;

(6) Conduct a bingo session at any time during the eight-hour period between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., at any time during, or within ten (10) hours of, a bingo game conducted for amusement only pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2915.12, at any premises not specified on its license, or on any day of the week or during any time period not specified on its license. Subsection (c)(6) of this section does not prohibit the sale of instant bingo tickets beginning at 9:00 a.m. for a bingo session that begins at 10:00 a.m. If circumstances make it impractical for the charitable organization to conduct a bingo session at the premises, or on the day of the week or at the time, specified on its license or if a charitable organization wants to conduct bingo sessions on a day of the week or at a time other than the day or time specified on its license, the charitable organization may apply in writing to the Attorney

General for an amended license, pursuant to division (J) of Ohio R.C. 2915.08. A charitable organization may apply twice in each calendar year for an amended license to conduct bingo sessions on a day of the week or at a time other than the day or time specified on its license. If the amended license is granted, the organization may conduct bingo sessions at the premises, on the day of the week, and at the time specified on its amended license;

(7) Permit any person whom the charitable organization knows, or should have known, is under the age of eighteen (18) to work as a bingo game operator;

(8) Permit any person whom the charitable organization knows, or should have known, has been convicted of a felony or gambling offense in any jurisdiction to be a bingo game operator;

(9) Permit the lessor of the premises on which the bingo session is conducted, if the lessor is not a charitable organization, to provide the charitable organization with bingo game operators, security personnel, concessions, bingo supplies, or any other type of service;

(10) Purchase or lease bingo supplies from any person except a distributor issued a license under Ohio R.C. 2915.081;

(11) A. Use or permit the use of electronic bingo aids except under the following circumstances:

1. For any single participant, not more than ninety (90) bingo faces can be played using an electronic bingo aid or aids.

2. The charitable organization shall provide a participant using an electronic bingo aid with corresponding paper bingo cards or sheets.

3. The total price of bingo faces played with an electronic bingo aid shall be equal to the total price of the same number of bingo faces played with a paper bingo card or sheet sold at the same bingo session but without an electronic bingo aid.

4. An electronic bingo aid cannot be part of an electronic network other than a network that includes only bingo aids and devices that are located on the premises at which the bingo is being conducted or be interactive with any device not located on the premises at which the bingo is being conducted.

5. An electronic bingo aid cannot be used to participate in bingo that is conducted at a location other than the location at which the bingo session is conducted and at which the electronic bingo aid is used.

6. An electronic bingo aid cannot be used to provide for the input of numbers and letters announced by a bingo caller other than the bingo caller who physically calls the numbers and letters at the location at which the bingo session is conducted and at which the electronic bingo aid is used.

B. The Attorney General may adopt rules in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 119 that govern the use of electronic bingo aids. The rules may include a requirement that an electronic bingo aid be capable of being audited by the Attorney General to verify the number of bingo cards or sheets played during each bingo session.

(12) Permit any person the charitable organization knows, or should have known, to be under eighteen (18) years of age to play bingo described in Section 517.01(b)(1).

(d) (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d)(3) hereof, no charitable organization shall provide to a bingo game operator, and no bingo game operator shall receive or accept, any commission, wage, salary, reward, tip, donation, gratuity, or other form of compensation, directly or indirectly, regardless of the source, for conducting bingo or providing other work or labor at the site of bingo during a bingo session.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d)(3) of this section, no charitable organization shall provide to a bingo game operator any commission, wage, salary, reward, tip, donation, gratuity, or other form of compensation, directly or indirectly regardless of the source, for conducting instant bingo, electronic instant bingo, or both other than at a bingo session at the site of instant bingo, electronic instant bingo, or both other than at a bingo session.

(3) Nothing in subsection (d) hereof prohibits an employee of a fraternal organization, veteran’s organization, or sporting organization from selling instant bingo tickets or cards to the organization’s members or invited guests, as long as no portion of the employee’s compensation is paid from any receipts of bingo.

(e) Notwithstanding subsection (b)(1) of this section, a charitable organization that, prior to December 6, 1977, has entered into written agreements for the lease of premises it owns to another charitable organization or other charitable organizations for the conducting of bingo sessions so that more than two (2) bingo sessions are conducted per calendar week on the premises, and a person that is not a charitable organization and that, prior to December 6, 1977, has entered into written agreements for the lease of premises it owns to charitable organizations for the conducting of more than two (2) bingo sessions per calendar week on the premises, may continue to lease the premises to those charitable organizations, provided that no more than four sessions are conducted per calendar week, that the lessor organization or person has notified the Attorney General in writing of the organizations that will conduct the sessions and the days of the week and the times of the day on which the sessions will be conducted, that the initial lease entered into with each organization that will conduct the sessions was filed with the Attorney General prior to December 6, 1977, and that each organization that will conduct the sessions was issued a license to conduct bingo games by the Attorney General prior to December 6, 1977.

(f) This section does not prohibit a bingo licensed charitable organization or a game operator from giving any person an instant bingo ticket as a prize.

(g) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates subsection (a)(1) or (2), (b)(1), (2), or (3), (c)(1) to (11) or (d) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of subsection (a)(1) or (2), (b)(1), (2) or (3), (c)(1) to (11), or (d) of this section, a violation of subsection (a)(1) or (2), (b)(1), (2) or (3) or (c)(1) to (11) or (d) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Whoever violates subsection (c)(12) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of subsection (c)(12) of this section, a violation of subsection (c)(12) is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2915.09)

517.07 INSTANT BINGO CONDUCT.

(a) No charitable organization that conducts instant bingo shall do any of the following:

(1) Fail to comply with the requirements of divisions (A)(1), (2), and (3) of Ohio R.C. 2915.09;

(2) Conduct instant bingo unless either of the following applies:

A. That organization is, and has received from the Internal Revenue Service a determination letter that is currently in effect stating that the organization is, exempt from federal income taxation under subsection 501(a), is described in subsection 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, is a charitable organization as defined in Section 517.01, is in good standing in the State pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2915.08, and is in compliance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 1716;

B. That organization is, and has received from the Internal Revenue Service a determination letter that is currently in effect stating that the organization is, exempt from federal income taxation under subsection 501(a), is described in subsection 501(c)(8), 501(c)(10), or 501(c)(19) or is a veteran’s organization described in subsection 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, and conducts instant bingo under Section 517.14.

(3) Conduct instant bingo on any day, at any time, or at any premises not specified on the organization's license issued pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2915.08;

(4) Permit any person whom the organization knows or should have known has been convicted of a felony or gambling offense in any jurisdiction to be a bingo game operator in the conduct of instant bingo;

(5) Purchase or lease supplies used to conduct instant bingo or punch board games from any person except a distributor licensed under Ohio R.C. 2915.081;

(6) Sell or provide any instant bingo ticket or card for a price different from the price printed on it by the manufacturer on either the instant bingo ticket or card or on the game flare;

(7) Sell an instant bingo ticket or card to a person under eighteen (18) years of age;

(8) Fail to keep unsold instant bingo tickets or cards for less than three (3) years;

(9) Pay any compensation to a bingo game operator for conducting instant bingo that is conducted by the organization or for preparing, selling, or serving food or beverages at the site of the instant bingo game, permit any auxiliary unit or society of the organization to pay compensation to any bingo game operator who prepares, sells, or serves food or beverages at an instant bingo game conducted by the organization, or permit any auxiliary unit or society of the organization to prepare, sell, or serve food or beverages at an instant bingo game conducted by the organization, if the auxiliary unit or society pays any compensation to the bingo game operators who prepare, sell, or serve the food or beverages;

(10) Pay fees to any person for any services performed in relation to an instant bingo game, except as provided in Section 517.09(d);

(11) Pay fees to any person who provides refreshments to the participants in an instant bingo game;

(12) A. Allow instant bingo tickets or cards to be sold to bingo game operators at a premises at which the organization sells instant bingo tickets or cards or to be sold to employees of a D permit holder who are working at a premises at which instant bingo tickets or cards are sold;

B. Subsection (a)(12)A. of this section does not prohibit a licensed charitable organization or a bingo game operator from giving any person an instant bingo ticket as a prize in place of a cash prize won by a participant in an instant bingo game. In no case shall an instant bingo ticket or card be sold or provided for a price different from the price printed on it by the manufacturer on either the instant bingo ticket or card or on the game flare.

(13) Fail to display its bingo license, and the serial numbers of the deal of instant bingo tickets or cards to be sold, conspicuously at each premises at which it sells instant bingo tickets or cards;

(14) Possess a deal of instant bingo tickets or cards that was not purchased from a distributor licensed under Ohio R.C. 2915.081 as reflected on an invoice issued by the distributor that contains all of the information required by Section 517.11(f);

(15) Fail, once it opens a deal of instant bingo tickets or cards, to continue to sell the tickets or cards in that deal until the tickets or cards with the top two (2) highest tiers of prizes in that deal are sold;

(16) Possess bingo supplies that were not obtained in accordance with Ohio R.C. 2915.01 to 2915.13.

(b) A charitable organization may purchase, lease, or use instant bingo ticket dispensers to sell instant bingo tickets or cards.

(c) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section or a rule adopted under Ohio R.C. 2915.091(C) is guilty of illegal instant bingo conduct. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, illegal instant bingo conduct is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of subsection (a) of this section or of such a rule, illegal instant bingo conduct is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2915.091)

517.08 RAFFLES.

(a) (1) Subject to subsection (a)(2) of this section, a person or entity may conduct a raffle to raise money for the person or entity and does not need a license to conduct bingo in order to conduct a raffle drawing that is not for profit if the person or entity is any of the following:

A. Exempt from federal income taxation under IRC §501(a) and described in IRC §501(c)(3);

B. A school district, community school established under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3314, STEM school established under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3326, college-preparatory boarding school established under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3328, or chartered nonpublic school;

C. Exempt from federal income taxation under IRC §501(a) and described in IRC §501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), 501(c)(7), 501(c)(8), 501(c)(10) or 501(c)(19).

(2) If a person or entity that is described in subsection (a)(1)C. of this section conducts a raffle, the person or entity shall distribute at least fifty percent (50%) of the net profit from the raffle to a charitable purpose described in Section 517.01(j) or to a department or agency of the federal government, the state, or any political subdivision.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (a) of this section, no person shall conduct a raffle drawing that is for profit or a raffle drawing that is not for profit.

(c) Whoever violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of illegal conduct of a raffle. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, illegal conduct of a raffle is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of subsection (b) of this section, illegal conduct of a raffle is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. (ORC 2915.092)

517.09 CHARITABLE INSTANT BINGO ORGANIZATIONS.

(a) As used in this section, "retail income from all commercial activity" means the income that a person receives from the provision of goods, services, or activities that are provided at the location where instant bingo other than at a bingo session is conducted, including the sale of instant bingo tickets. A religious organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under subsection 501(a) and described in subsection 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, at not more than one location at which it conducts its charitable programs, may include donations from its members and guests as retail income.

(b) (1) If a charitable instant bingo organization conducts instant bingo other than at a bingo session under a type III license issued under Ohio R.C. 2915.08, the charitable instant bingo organization shall enter into a written contract with the owner or lessor of the location at which the instant bingo is conducted to allow the owner or lessor to assist in the conduct of instant bingo other than at a bingo session, identify each location where the instant bingo other than at a bingo session is being conducted, and identify the owner or lessor of each location.

(2) A charitable instant bingo organization that conducts instant bingo other than at a bingo session under a type III license issued under Ohio R.C. 2915.08 is not required to enter into a written contract with the owner or lessor of the location at which the instant bingo is conducted provided that the owner or lessor is not assisting in the conduct of the instant bingo other than at a bingo session and provided that the conduct of the instant bingo other than at a bingo session at that location is not more than five (5) days per calendar year and not more than ten (10) hours per day.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, no charitable instant bingo organization shall conduct instant bingo other than at a bingo session at a location where the primary source of retail income from all commercial activity at that location is the sale of instant bingo tickets.

(d) The owner or lessor of a location that enters into a contract pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall pay the full gross profit to the charitable instant bingo organization, in return for the deal of instant bingo tickets. The owner or lessor may retain the money that the owner or lessor receives for selling the instant bingo tickets, provided, however, that after the deal has been sold, the owner or lessor shall pay to the charitable instant bingo organization the value of any unredeemed instant bingo prizes remaining in the deal of instant bingo tickets.

The charitable instant bingo organization shall pay six per cent of the total gross receipts of any deal of instant bingo tickets for the purpose of reimbursing the owner or lessor for expenses described in this subsection.

As used in this subsection, “expenses” means those items provided for in subsections (r)(4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (12) and (13) of Section 517.01 and that percentage of the owner’s or lessor’s rent for the location where instant bingo is conducted. “Expenses” in the aggregate, shall not exceed six percent (6%) of the total gross receipts of any deal of instant bingo tickets.

As used in this subsection, “full gross profit” means the amount by which the total receipts of all instant bingo tickets, if the deal had been sold in full, exceeds the amount that would be paid out if all prizes were redeemed.

(e) A charitable instant bingo organization shall provide the Attorney General with all of the following information:

(1) That the charitable instant bingo organization has terminated a contract entered into pursuant to subsection (b) of this section with an owner or lessor of a location;

(2) That the charitable instant bingo organization has entered into a written contract pursuant to subsection (b) of this section with a new owner or lessor of a location;

(3) That the charitable instant bingo organization is aware of conduct by the owner or lessor of a location at which instant bingo is conducted that is in violation of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915.

(f) Subsection (c) of this section does not apply to a volunteer firefighter’s organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under subsection 501(a) and described in subsection 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, that conducts instant bingo other than at a bingo session on the premises where the organization conducts firefighter training, that has conducted instant bingo continuously for at least five years prior to July 1, 2003, and that, during each of those five years, had gross receipts of at least one million five hundred thousand dollars.

(ORC 2915.093)

517.10 LOCATION OF INSTANT BINGO.

(a) No owner or lessor of a location shall assist a charitable instant bingo organization in the conduct of instant bingo other than at a bingo session at that location unless the owner or lessor has entered into a written contract, as described in Section 517.09, with the charitable instant bingo organization to assist in the conduct of instant bingo other than at a bingo session.

(b) The location of the lessor or owner shall be designated as a location where the charitable instant bingo organization conducts instant bingo other than at a bingo session.

(c) No owner or lessor of a location that enters into a written contract as prescribed in subsection (a) of this section shall violate any provision of Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915, or permit, aid, or abet any other person in violating any provision of Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915.

(d) No owner or lessor of a location that enters into a written contract as prescribed in subsection (a) of this section shall violate the terms of the contract.

(e) (1) Whoever violates subsection (c) or (d) of this section is guilty of illegal instant bingo conduct. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, illegal instant bingo conduct is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of subsection (c) or (d) of this section, illegal instant bingo conduct is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(2) If an owner or lessor of a location knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly violates subsection (c) or (d) of this section, any license that the owner or lessor holds for the retail sale of any goods on the owner's or lessor's premises that is issued by the State or a political subdivision is subject to suspension, revocation, or payment of a monetary penalty at the request of the Attorney General. (ORC 2915.094)

517.11 BINGO OR GAME OF CHANCE RECORDS.

(a) No charitable organization that conducts bingo or a game of chance pursuant to Section 517.02(d), shall fail to maintain the following records for at least three years from the date on which the bingo or game of chance is conducted:

(1) An itemized list of the gross receipts of each bingo session, each game of instant bingo by serial number, each electronic instant bingo game by serial number, each raffle, each punch board game, and each game of chance, and an itemized list of the gross profits of each game of instant bingo by serial number and each electronic instant bingo game by serial number;

(2) An itemized list of all expenses, other than prizes, that are incurred in conducting bingo, the name of each person to whom the expenses are paid, and a receipt for all of the expenses;

(3) A list of all prizes awarded during each bingo session, each raffle, each punch board game, and each game of chance conducted by the charitable organization, the total prizes awarded from each game of instant bingo by serial number and each electronic instant bingo game by serial number, and the name, address, and social security number of all persons who are winners of prizes of six hundred dollars ($600.00) or more in value;

(4) An itemized list of the recipients of the net profit of the bingo or game of chance, including the name and address of each recipient to whom the money is distributed, and if the organization uses the net profit of bingo, or the money or assets received from a game of chance, for any charitable or other purpose set forth in Section 517.01(j), Section 517.02(d), or Ohio R.C. 2915.101, a list of each purpose and an itemized list of each expenditure for each purpose;

(5) The number of persons who participate in any bingo session or game of chance that is conducted by the charitable organization;

(6) A list of receipts from the sale of food and beverages by the charitable organization or one of its auxiliary units or societies, if the receipts were excluded from "gross receipts" Section 517.01(aa);

(7) An itemized list of all expenses incurred at each bingo session, each raffle, each punch board game, or each game of instant bingo or electronic instant bingo conducted by the charitable organization in the sale of food and beverages by the charitable organization or by an auxiliary unit or society of the charitable organization, the name of each person to whom the expenses are paid, and a receipt for all of the expenses.

(b) A charitable organization shall keep the records that it is required to maintain pursuant to subsection (a) of this section at its principal place of business in this State or at its headquarters in this State and shall notify the Attorney General of the location at which those records are kept.

(c) The gross profit from each bingo session or game described in Section 517.01(b)(1) or (2) shall be deposited into a checking account devoted exclusively to the bingo session or game. Payments for allowable expenses incurred in conducting the bingo session or game and payments to recipients of some or all of the net profit of the bingo session or game shall be made only by checks or electronic fund transfers drawn on the bingo session or game account.

(d) Each charitable organization shall conduct and record an inventory of all of its bingo supplies as of the first day of November of each year.

(e) The Attorney General may adopt rules in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 119 that establish standards of accounting, record keeping, and reporting to ensure that gross receipts from bingo or games of chance are properly accounted for.

(f) A distributor shall maintain, for a period of three (3) years after the date of its sale or other provision, a record of each instance of its selling or otherwise providing to another person bingo supplies for use in this State. The record shall include all of the following for each instance:

(1) The name of the manufacturer from which the distributor purchased the bingo supplies and the date of the purchase;

(2) The name and address of the charitable organization or other distributor to which the bingo supplies were sold or otherwise provided;

(3) A description that clearly identifies the bingo supplies;

(4) Invoices that include the nonrepeating serial numbers of all paper bingo cards and sheets and all instant bingo deals sold or otherwise provided to each charitable organization.

(g) A manufacturer shall maintain, for a period of three (3) years after the date of its sale or other provision, a record of each instance of its selling or otherwise providing bingo supplies for use in this State. The record shall include all of the following for each instance:

(1) The name and address of the distributor to whom the bingo supplies were sold or otherwise provided;

(2) A description that clearly identifies the bingo supplies, including serial numbers;

(3) Invoices that include the nonrepeating serial numbers of all paper bingo cards and sheets and all instant bingo deals sold or otherwise provided to each distributor.

(h) (1) The Attorney General, or any law enforcement agency, may do all of the following:

A. Investigate any charitable organization, distributor, or manufacturer or any officer, agent, trustee, member, or employee of the organization, distributor, or manufacturer;

B. Examine the accounts and records of the charitable organization, distributor, or manufacturer or of any officer, agent, trustee, member, or employee of the organization, distributor, or manufacturer;

C. Conduct inspections, audits, and observations of bingo or games of chance;

D. Conduct inspections of the premises where bingo or games of chance are conducted or where bingo supplies are manufactured or distributed;

E. Take any other necessary and reasonable action to determine if a violation of any provision of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915 has occurred and to determine whether Section 517.12 has been complied with.

(2) If any law enforcement agency has reasonable grounds to believe that a charitable organization, distributor, or manufacturer or an officer, agent, trustee, member, or employee of the organization, distributor, or manufacturer has violated any provision of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915, the law enforcement agency may proceed by action in the proper court to enforce this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915, provided that the law enforcement agency shall give written notice to the Attorney General when commencing an action as described in this division.

(i) No person shall destroy, alter, conceal, withhold, or deny access to any accounts or records of a charitable organization, distributor, or manufacturer that have been requested for examination, or obstruct, impede, or interfere with any inspection, audit, or observation of bingo or a game of chance, of premises where bingo or a game of chance is conducted, or of premises where bingo supplies are manufactured or distributed, or refuse to comply with any reasonable request of, or obstruct, impede, or interfere with any other reasonable action undertaken by, the Attorney General or a law enforcement agency pursuant to subsection (h) hereof.

(j) Whoever violates subsection (a) or (i) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. (ORC 2915.10)

517.12 BINGO OPERATOR PROHIBITIONS.

(a) No person shall be a bingo game operator unless he is eighteen (18) years of age or older.

(b) No person who has been convicted of a felony or a gambling offense in any jurisdiction shall be a bingo game operator.

(d) Whoever violates subsection (b) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. (ORC 2915.11)

517.13 BINGO EXCEPTIONS.

(a) Ohio R.C. 2915.07 to 2915.11 and 2915.14 or Section 517.06 et seq. of this chapter do not apply to bingo games that are conducted for the purpose of amusement only. A bingo game is conducted for the purpose of amusement only if it complies with all of the requirements specified in either subsection (a)(1) or (2) hereof:

(1) A. The participants do not pay any money or any other thing of value including an admission fee, or any fee for bingo cards, sheets, objects to cover the spaces or other devices used in playing bingo, for the privilege of participating in the bingo game or to defray any costs of the game, or pay tips or make donations during or immediately before or after the bingo game.

B. All prizes awarded during the course of the game are nonmonetary, and in the form of merchandise, goods or entitlements to goods or services only, and the total value of all prizes awarded during the game is less than one hundred dollars ($100.00).

C. No commission, wages, salary, reward, tip, donation, gratuity or other form of compensation, either directly or indirectly, and regardless of the source, is paid to any bingo game operator for work or labor performed at the site of the bingo game.

D. The bingo game is not conducted either during or within ten (10) hours of any of the following:

1. A bingo session during which a charitable bingo game is conducted pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2915.07 to 2915.11 or Section 517.06 et seq. of this chapter;

2. A scheme or game of chance or bingo described in Section 517.01(b)(2).

E. The number of players participating in the bingo game does not exceed fifty (50).

(2) A. The participants do not pay money or any other thing of value as an admission fee, and no participant is charged more than twenty-five cents (25¢) to purchase a bingo card or sheet, objects to cover the spaces or other devices used in playing bingo.

B. The total amount of money paid by all of the participants for bingo cards or sheets, objects to cover the spaces or other devices used in playing bingo does not exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00).

C. All of the money paid for bingo cards or sheets, objects to cover spaces or other devices used in playing bingo is used only to pay winners monetary and nonmonetary prizes and to provide refreshments.

D. The total value of all prizes awarded during the game does not exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00).

E. No commission, wages, salary, reward, tip, donation, gratuity or other form of compensation, either directly or indirectly, and regardless of the source, is paid to any bingo game operator for work or labor performed at the site of the bingo game.

F. The bingo game is not conducted during or within ten (10) hours of either of the following:

1. A bingo session during which a charitable bingo game is conducted pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2915.07 to 2915.15 or Section 517.06 et seq. of this chapter;

2. A scheme of chance or game of chance or bingo described in Section 517.01(b)(2).

G. All of the participants reside at the premises where the bingo game is conducted.

H. The bingo games are conducted on different days of the week and not more than twice in a calendar week.

(b) The Attorney General, or any local law enforcement agency, may investigate the conduct of a bingo game that purportedly is conducted for purposes of amusement only if there is reason to believe that the purported amusement bingo game does not comply with subsection (a) hereof. A local law enforcement agency may proceed by action in the proper court to enforce this section if the local law enforcement agency gives written notice to the Attorney General when commencing the action. (ORC 2915.12)

517.14 INSTANT BINGO CONDUCT BY A VETERAN’S OR FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION.

(a) Subject to the requirements of Ohio R.C. 2915.14 and 2915.15 concerning electronic instant bingo, a veteran’s organization, a fraternal organization, or a sporting organization authorized to conduct a bingo session pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915 may conduct instant bingo, electronic instant bingo, or both other than at a bingo session under a type III license issued under Ohio R.C. 2915.08 if all of the following apply:

(1) The veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization limits the sale of instant bingo or electronic instant bingo to twelve (12) hours during any day, provided that the sale does not begin earlier than 10:00 a.m. and ends not later than 2:00 a.m.

(2) The veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization limits the sale of instant bingo or electronic instant bingo to its own premises and to its own members and invited guests.

(3) The veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization is raising money for an organization that is described in IRC 509(a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) and is either a governmental unit or an organization that maintains its principal place of business in this state, that is exempt from federal income taxation under IRC 501(a) and described in IRC 501(c)(3), and that is in good standing in this state and executes a written contract with that organization as required in subsection (b) hereof.

(b) If a veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization authorized to conduct instant bingo or electronic instant bingo pursuant to subsection (a) hereof is raising money for another organization that is described in IRC 509(a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) and is either a governmental unit or an organization that maintains its principal place of business in this state, that is exempt from federal income taxation under IRC 501(a) and described in IRC 501(c), and that is in good standing in this state, the veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization shall execute a written contract with the organization that is described in IRC 509(a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) and is either a governmental unit or an organization that maintains its principal place of business in this state, that is exempt from federal income taxation under IRC 501(a) and described in IRC 501(c), and that is in good standing in this state in order to conduct instant bingo or electronic instant bingo. That contract shall include a statement of the percentage of the net proceeds that the veteranfs, fraternal, or sporting organization will be distributing to the organization that is described in IRC 509(a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) and is either a governmental unit or an organization that maintains its principal place of business in this state, that is exempt from federal income taxation under IRC 501(a) and described in IRC 501(c)(3), and that is in good standing in this state.

(c) (1) If a veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization authorized to conduct instant bingo or electronic instant bingo pursuant to subsection (b) hereof has been issued a liquor permit under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4303, that permit may be subject to suspension, revocation, or cancellation if the veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization violates a provision of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915.

(2) No veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization that enters into a written contract pursuant to subsection (b) hereof shall violate any provision of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915, or permit, aid, or abet any other person in violating any provision of this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915.

(d) A veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization shall give all required proceeds earned from the conduct of instant bingo or electronic instant bingo to the organization with which the veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization has entered into a written contract.

(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of illegal instant bingo or electronic instant bingo conduct. Except as otherwise provided in this division, illegal instant bingo or electronic instant bingo conduct is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of this section, illegal instant bingo or electronic instant bingo conduct is a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(ORC 2915.13)

517.15 SKILL-BASED AMUSEMENT MACHINES.

(a) (1) No person shall give to another person any item described in Section 517.01(ff)(1), (2), (3), or (4) in exchange for a noncash prize, toy, or novelty received as a reward for playing or operating a skill-based amusement machine or for a free or reduced-prize game won on a skill-based amusement machine.

(2) Whoever violates subsection (a)(1) of this section is guilty of skill-based amusement machine prohibited conduct. Except as provided herein, a violation of subsection (a)(1) is a misdemeanor of the first degree for each redemption of a prize that is involved in the violation. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of subsection (a)(1), a violation of subsection (a)(1) is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2915.06)

(b) Any regulation of skill-based amusement machines shall be governed by this chapter and Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915 and not by Ohio R.C. Chapter 1345.

(ORC 2915.061)

517.16 ELECTRONIC INSTANT BINGO; PROHIBITED CONDUCT.

(a) No charitable organization shall conduct electronic instant bingo unless all of the following are true:

(1) The organization is a veteran’s organization described in Ohio R.C. 2915.01(J), or is a fraternal organization described in Ohio R.C. 2915.01(L), and the organization qualified as a veteran’s organization or fraternal organization, as applicable, on or before June 30, 2021.

(2) The organization is a veteran’s organization described in IRC 501(c)(4) or is, and has received from the Internal Revenue Service a determination letter that is currently in effect stating that the organization is, exempt from federal income taxation under IRC 501(a), and is described in IRC 501(c)(7), 501(c)(8), 501(c)(10), or 501(c)(19).

(3) The organization has not conducted a raffle in violation of Ohio R.C. 2915.092(B) using an electronic raffle machine, as described in Ohio Veterans and Fraternal Charitable Coalition v. DeWine, Case No. 13-CV-13610 (C.P. Franklin Co. February 23, 2018), at any time on or after January 1, 2022.

(b) No charitable organization that conducts electronic instant bingo shall do any of the following:

(1) Possess an electronic instant bingo system that was not obtained in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915 or with any rule adopted under Ohio R.C. Chapter 2915;

(2) Conduct electronic instant bingo on any day, at any time, or on any premises not specified on the organization’s type II or type III license issued under Ohio R.C. 2915.08;

(3) Hold more than one valid license to conduct electronic instant bingo at any one time;

(4) Conduct electronic instant bingo on more than one premises or on any premises other than the charitable organization’s principal place of business;

(5) Operate more than ten electronic bingo systems at the premises on which the charitable organization conducts electronic instant bingo under its license;

(6) Fail to display both of the following conspicuously at the premises on which the charitable organization conducts electronic instant bingo:

A. The charitable organization’s bingo license;

B. The serial number of each deal of electronic instant bingo tickets being sold.

(7) Permit any person the charitable organization knows, or should have known, to be under eighteen (18) years of age to play electronic instant bingo;

(8) Sell or provide to any person an electronic instant bingo ticket for a price different from the price displayed on the game flare for that deal, except that the charitable organization may give a participant who wins an electronic instant bingo game an electronic instant bingo ticket as a prize in place of a cash prize;

(9) Fail, once an electronic instant bingo deal is begun, to continue to sell tickets in that deal until all prizes have been awarded;

(10) Permit any person whom the organization knows, or should have known, has been convicted of a felony or gambling offense in any jurisdiction to be a bingo game operator in the conduct of electronic instant bingo;

(11) Permit a bingo game operator to play electronic instant bingo;

(12) A. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b)(12)B. hereof, pay compensation to a bingo game operator for conducting electronic instant bingo.

B. Subsection (b)(12)A. hereof does not prohibit an employee of a veteran’s organization or fraternal organization from redeeming electronic instant bingo tickets or vouchers for the organization’s members or invited guests, so long as no portion of the employee’s compensation is paid from any bingo receipts.

(13) Pay consulting fees to any person in relation to electronic instant bingo.

(c) No person shall sell, offer to sell, or otherwise provide or offer to provide an electronic instant bingo system to any person for use in this municipality unless the electronic instant bingo system has been approved under Ohio R.C. 2915.15.

(d) Whoever knowingly violates subsection (a), (b) or (c) hereof or a rule adopted under Ohio R.C. 2915.14(D) is guilty of illegal electronic instant bingo conduct. Illegal electronic instant bingo conduct is a misdemeanor of the first degree, except that if the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of subsection (a) or (b) hereof, or any substantially equivalent municipal ordinance or state law, or of a rule adopted under Ohio R.C. 2915.14(D), illegal instant bingo conduct is a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(ORC 2915.14)

517.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

521.01 ABANDONED REFRIGERATORS AND AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS.

(a) No person shall abandon, discard, or knowingly permit to remain on premises under his control, in a place accessible to children, any abandoned or discarded icebox, refrigerator or other airtight or semiairtight container which has a capacity of one and one-half cubic feet or more and an opening of fifty square inches or more and which has a door or lid equipped with hinge, latch or other fastening device capable of securing such door or lid, without rendering such equipment harmless to human life by removing such hinges, latches or other hardware which may cause a person to be confined therein. This section shall not apply to an icebox, refrigerator or other airtight or semiairtight container located in that part of a building occupied by a dealer, warehouseman or repairman.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.02 VENTING OF HEATERS AND BURNERS.

(a) A brazier, salamander, space heater, room heater, furnace, water heater or other burner or heater using wood, coal, coke, fuel oil, kerosene, gasoline, natural gas, liquid petroleum gas or similar fuel, and tending to give off carbon monoxide or other harmful gas:

(1) When used in living quarters, or in any enclosed building or space in which persons are usually present, shall be used with a flue or vent so designed, installed and maintained as to vent the products of combustion outdoors; except in storage, factory or industrial buildings which are provided with sufficient ventilation to avoid the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning;

(2) When used as a portable or temporary burner or heater at a construction site, or in a warehouse, shed or structure in which persons are temporarily present, shall be vented as provided in subsection (a) hereof, or used with sufficient ventilation to avoid the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

(b) This section does not apply to domestic ranges, laundry stoves, gas logs installed in a fireplace with an adequate flue, or hot plates, unless the same are used as space or room heaters.

(c) No person shall negligently use, or, being the owner, person in charge, or occupant of premises, negligently permit the use of a burner or heater in violation of the standards for venting and ventilation provided in this section.

(d) Subsection (a) hereof does not apply to any kerosene-fired space or room heater that is equipped with an automatic extinguishing tip-over device, or to any natural gas-fired or liquid petroleum gas-fired space or room heater that is equipped with an oxygen depletion safety shutoff system, and that has its fuel piped from a source outside of the building in which it is located, that are approved by an authoritative source recognized by the State Fire Marshal in the State Fire Code adopted by him under Ohio R.C. 3737.82.

(e) The State Fire Marshal may make rules to ensure the safe use of unvented kerosene, natural gas or liquid petroleum gas heaters exempted from subsection (a) hereof when used in assembly buildings, business buildings, high hazard buildings, institutional buildings, mercantile buildings and type R-1 and R-2 residential buildings, as these groups of buildings are defined in rules adopted by the Board of Building Standards under Ohio R.C. 3781.10. No person shall negligently use, or, being the owner, person in charge or occupant of premises, negligently permit the use of a heater in violation of any rules adopted under this subsection.

(f) The State Fire Marshal may make rules prescribing standards for written instructions containing ventilation requirements and warning of any potential fire hazards that may occur in using a kerosene, natural gas, or liquid petroleum gas heater. No person shall sell or offer for sale any kerosene, natural gas or liquid petroleum gas heater unless the manufacturer provides with the heater written instructions that comply with any rules adopted under this subsection.

(g) No product labeled as a fuel additive for kerosene heaters and having a flash point below one hundred degrees fahrenheit or thirty-seven and eight-tenths degrees centigrade shall be sold, offered for sale or used in any kerosene space heater.

(h) No device that prohibits any safety feature on a kerosene, natural gas or liquid petroleum gas space heater from operating shall be sold, offered for sale or used in connection with any kerosene, natural gas or liquid petroleum gas space heater.

(i) No person shall sell or offer for sale any kerosene-fired, natural gas or liquid petroleum gas-fired heater that is not exempt from subsection (a) hereof unless it is marked conspicuously by the manufacturer on the container with the phrase "Not Approved For Home Use."

(j) No person shall use a cabinet-type, liquid petroleum gas-fired heater having a fuel source within the heater, inside any building, except as permitted by the State Fire Marshal in the State Fire Code adopted by him under Ohio R.C. 3737.82. (ORC 3701.82)

(k) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.03 BARRICADES AND WARNING LIGHTS; ABANDONED EXCAVATIONS.

(a) No person shall abandon or knowingly permit to remain on public or private property, any excavation, well, cesspool or structure which is in the process of construction, reconstruction, repair or alteration unless the same is adequately protected by suitable barricades and guarded by warning devices or lights at night so that the condition will not reasonably prove dangerous to life or limb.

(b) No person shall destroy, remove, damage or extinguish any barricade or warning light that is placed for the protection of the public so as to prevent injury to life or limb.

(c) Any owner or agent in control of a premises upon which a basement, cellar, well or cistern has been abandoned due to demolition, failure to build or any other reason shall cause the same to be filled to the ground surface with rock, gravel, earth or other suitable material.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.04 SIDEWALK OBSTRUCTIONS; DAMAGE OR INJURY.

(a) No person shall place or knowingly drop upon any part of a sidewalk, playground or other public place any tacks, bottles, wire, glass, nails or other articles which may damage property of another or injure any person or animal traveling along or upon such sidewalk or playground.

(b) No person shall walk on, or allow any animal upon, or injure or deface in any way, any soft or newly laid sidewalk pavement.

(c) No person shall place, deposit or maintain any merchandise, goods, material or equipment upon any sidewalk so as to obstruct pedestrian traffic thereon except for such reasonable time as may be actually necessary for the delivery or pickup of such articles. In no such case shall the obstruction remain on such sidewalk for more than one hour.

(d) No person shall unload upon, or transport any heavy merchandise, goods, material or equipment over or across any sidewalk or curb without first placing some sufficient protection over the pavement to protect against damage or injury. The affected area shall be rendered safe and free from danger.

(e) No person shall allow any cellar or trap door, coal chute or elevator or lift opening in any sidewalk to remain open without providing suitable safeguards to protect and warn pedestrian traffic of the dangerous condition.

(f) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.05 NOTICE TO FILL LOTS, REMOVE PUTRID SUBSTANCES.

(a) No person shall fail to comply with the following requirements within the lawful time after service or publication of the notice or resolution is made as required by law:

(1) To fill or drain any lot or land or remove all putrid substances therefrom, or remove all obstructions from culverts, covered drains or natural watercourses as provided in Ohio R.C. 715.47.

(2) No person shall change the grade or drainage of a parcel unless in compliance with Chapter 1331 Grading and Drainage and/or Chapter 1335 Storm Water Management, construction Site Runoff Control and Post Construction Water Quality of the Village of South Amherst Codified Ordinances.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.06 DUTY TO KEEP SIDEWALKS IN REPAIR AND CLEAN.

(a) No owner or occupant of abutting lands shall fail to keep the sidewalks, curbs or gutters in repair and free from snow, ice or any nuisance.

(ORC 723.011)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.07 FENCES.

(a) No person shall erect or maintain any fence charged with electrical current.

(b) No person shall erect or maintain a barbed wire fence which abuts or is adjacent to any public street or sidewalk. Fencing shall comply with the requirements of Section 1141.02 (c) of the Codified Ordinances of the Village of South Amherst.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.08 LITTERING AND DEPOSIT OF GARBAGE, RUBBISH, JUNK, ETC.

(a) No person, regardless of intent, shall deposit litter or cause litter to be deposited on any public property, on private property not owned by the person, or in or on waters of the State, or Municipality, unless one of the following applies:

(1) The person is directed to do so by a public official as part of a litter collection drive;

(2) Except as provided in subsection (b) hereof, the person deposits the litter in a litter receptacle in a manner that prevents its being carried away by the elements;

(3) The person is issued a permit or license covering the litter pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 3734 or 6111.

(b) No person, without privilege to do so, shall knowingly deposit litter, or cause it to be deposited, in a litter receptacle located on any public property or on any private property not owned by the person, unless one of the following applies:

(1) The litter was generated or located on the property on which the litter receptacle is located.

(2) The person is directed to do so by a public official as part of a litter collection drive.

(3) The person is directed to do so by a person whom the person reasonably believes to have the privilege to use the litter receptacle.

(4) The litter consists of any of the following:

A. The contents of a litter bag or container of a type and size customarily carried and used in a motor vehicle;

B. The contents of an ash tray of a type customarily installed or carried and used in a motor vehicle;

C. Beverage containers and food sacks, wrappings and containers of a type and in an amount that reasonably may be expected to be generated during routine commuting or business or recreational travel by a motor vehicle:

D. Beverage containers, food sacks, wrappings, containers and other materials of a type and in an amount that reasonably may be expected to be generated during a routine day by a person and deposited in a litter receptacle by a casual passerby.

(c) (1) As used in subsection (b)(l) hereof, "public property" includes any private property open to the public for the conduct of business, the provision of a service, or upon the payment of a fee but does not include any private property to which the public otherwise does not have a right of access.

(2) As used in subsection (b)(4) hereof, "casual passerby" means a person who does not have depositing litter in a litter receptacle as the person's primary reason for traveling to or by the property on which the litter receptacle is located.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) "Litter" means garbage, trash, waste, rubbish, ashes, cans, bottles, wire, paper, cartons, boxes, automobile parts, furniture, glass or anything else of an unsightly or unsanitary nature.

(2) "Deposit" means to throw, drop, discard or place.

(3) "Litter receptacle" means a dumpster, trash can, trash bin, garbage can or similar container in which litter is deposited for removal.

(ORC 3767.32)

(e) No person shall cause or allow litter to be collected or remain in any place to the damage or prejudice of others or of the public, or unlawfully obstruct, impede, divert, corrupt or render unwholesome or impure, any natural watercourse.

(f) Whoever violates any provision of subsections (a) to (d) hereof, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. The sentencing court may, in addition to or in lieu of the penalty provided in this subsection require a person who violates subsections (a) to (d) hereof to remove litter from any public or private property, or in or on any waters.

(ORC 3767.99(C))

(g) Whoever violates subsection (e) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.09 NOXIOUS OR OFFENSIVE ODORS.

(a) No person shall erect, continue, use or maintain a dwelling, building, structure or place for a residence or for the exercise of a trade, employment or business, or for the keeping or feeding or an animal which, by occasioning noxious exhalations or noisome or offensive smells, becomes injurious to the health, comfort or property of individuals or of the public.

(ORC 3767.13)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.10 (INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.)

521.11 NONSMOKING AREAS IN PLACES OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY.

(a) As used in this section, "place of public assembly" means:

(1) Enclosed theaters, except the lobby; opera houses; auditoriums; classrooms; elevators; rooms in which persons are confined as a matter of health care, including but not limited to a hospital room and a room in a rest home serving as the residence of a person living in such rest home;

(2) All buildings and other enclosed structures owned by the State, its agencies or political subdivisions, including but not limited to hospitals and State institutions for persons with mental illness and persons with intellectual disabilities; university and college buildings, except rooms with in those buildings used primarily as the residences of students or other persons affiliated with the university or college; office buildings; libraries; museums; and vehicles used in public transportation. That portion of a building or other enclosed structure that is owned by the State, a State agency or a political subdivision and that is used primarily as a food service establishment is not a place of public assembly.

(3) Each portion of a building or enclosed structure that is not included in subsection (a)(1) or (2) hereof is a place of public assembly if it has a seating capacity of fifty or more persons and is available to the public. Restaurants, food service establishments, dining rooms, cafes, cafeterias or other rooms used primarily for the service of food, as well as bowling alleys and places licensed by the Department of Liquor Control to sell intoxicating beverages for consumption on the premises, are not places of public assembly.

(b) For the purpose of separating persons who smoke from persons who do not smoke for the comfort and health of persons not smoking, in every place of public assembly there shall be an area where smoking is not permitted, which shall be designated a no smoking area. Provided that, no more than one-half of the rooms in any health care facility in which persons are confined as a matter of health care may be designated as smoking areas in their entirety. The designation shall be made before the place of public assembly is made available to the public. In places included in subsection (a)(1) hereof the local fire authority having jurisdiction shall designate no smoking area. In places included in subsection (a)(2) hereof that are owned by the Municipality, Council shall designate an officer who shall designate the area. In places included in subsection (a)(3) hereof, the person having control of the operations of the place of public assembly shall designate the no smoking area. In places included in subsection (a)(2) hereof which are also included in subsection (a)(1) hereof, the officer who has authority to designate the area in places in subsection (a)(2) hereof shall designate the no smoking area. A no smoking area may include the entire place of public assembly. Designations shall be made by the placement of signs that are clearly visible and that state "NO SMOKING". No person shall remove signs from areas designated as no smoking areas.

(d) No person shall smoke in any area designated as a no smoking area in accordance with subsection (b) hereof or Ohio R.C. 3791.031.

(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(ORC 3791.031; Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.12 NOXIOUS WEEDS.

(a) No owner, occupant or person having the charge or management of any lot or parcel of land situated within the corporate limits of the Village, whether improved or unimproved, vacant or occupied, within five days of a written notice served upon such person and the owner by the Municipality, shall fail to cut or destroy or cause to cut or be destroyed, any weeds, noxious, poisonous or otherwise, vines, grass or brush growing upon any such lot or parcel of land to a height not exceeding eight (8) inches, in order to prevent the same from blooming or going to seed. (Ord. 1587-18. Passed 7-16-18.)

(b) There is herewith excluded from the operation of subsection (a) hereof any crops under cultivation, flower gardens, rose bushes or any other flowers under cultivation, or native or horticultural plants or native plant communities (such as prairies) planted, from a design, for specific conservation or landscape aesthetics purposes. For residential areas, refer to Chapter 1141.

(c) In the event the person mentioned in subsection (a) hereof does not trim, remove, or cut any tree, weeds, grass, plant, brush or shrubbery, or any part thereof, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, then the Mayor shall have the authority to have the tree, weeds, grass, plant, brush or shrubbery trimmed, removed or cut and assess the cost against the real estate thereof.

(d) Whenever any tree, plant or shrubbery, or part thereof, or weeds and grasses are growing in any street, public place or upon private property and as required by subsection (a) and (b) hereof, or public place, and are trimmed or removed by the Municipality, then, after the work is done, the Municipality shall give five days notice, by regular mail. to the owner of such lot or parcel of land, at his last known address, to pay the cost of such trimming or removal, which notice shall be accompanied by a statement of the amount of cost incurred. In the event the same is not paid within thirty days after the mailing of the notice, such amount shall be certified to the County Auditor for collection the same as other taxes and assessments are collected together with a penalty of ten percent (10%).

(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. Each day after the service of notice shall constitute a separate offense.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.13 IMPROPER DRAINAGE.

(a) No owner, occupant or person in charge of any lot or parcel of ground shall at any time cause or permit water to accumulate thereon and become stagnant, permit culverts, drains or natural watercourses thereon to become obstructed or cause or permit any putrid or unsanitary substance to accumulate thereon.

(b) Whoever violates this section shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.14 ABATEMENT OF NUISANCES.

(a) Public Nuisance Per Se Defined. For the purposes of this section, the following exterior conditions are deemed to be a public nuisance, per se:

(1) Except for the vegetation allowed in Section 521.12 (b), grass in lawns, or other ground cover used in lieu of grass, which is permitted to grow in excess of eight (8) inches in height;

(2) Dead or dying trees, limbs, or other natural growth, which, by reason of a rotting or deteriorating condition or storm damage, constitute a hazard to persons or property;

(3) Broken glass, stumps, roots, filth, garbage, trash, debris, and motor vehicles, boats or trailers, or parts thereof, in a condition of disrepair or deterioration; including the suffering, permitting, allowing to remain or maintaining of rubbish, refuse or junk, which includes is not limited to wire, chips, shavings, bottles, broken glass, crockery, tin, cast or wooden ware, boxes, rags, weeds, paper, circulars, handbills, boots, shoes or ashes, or discarded or abandoned iceboxes, refrigerators, washing machines or other airtight or semi-airtight containers, or any other waste material upon public or private property contrary to these Codified Ordinances or regulations of the Lorain County Department of Health;

(4) Holes, excavations, breaks, projections and obstructions which are a hazard to persons or property;

(5) Hedges, shrubs, bushes, and/or other decorative landscape features that are not kept adequately trimmed and have become overgrown and unsightly;

(6) Any condition which facilitates and/or permits an infestation, harborage and/or breeding of rodents, vermin, insects, or other pests.

(b) Public Nuisance Defined. For the purposes of this section, in addition to those public nuisances per se as set out in subsection (a) hereof public nuisance shall include the following:

(1) Any hazard to the safety of occupants, pedestrians, or other persons utilizing the premises; any unsanitary condition; and any premises containing debris, objects, materials or conditions that may create a health, accident, or fire hazard or that constitute a blighting or deteriorating influence on the neighborhood.

(2) The erection, continuance, use or maintenance of a building, structure or place for the exercise of a trade, employment or business, either upon public or private property, or the keeping or feeding of any animal which, by causing noxious exhalations or noisome or offensive smells, becomes injurious to the health, comfort or property of individuals or of the public;

(3) The storage of a motor vehicle unlicensed or three years old or older, extensively damaged, such damage including but not limited to, missing wheels, tires, motor or transmission, apparently inoperative and having a fair market value of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1500.00) or less upon public or private property for more than five days without being stored within an enclosed garage or obscured from public view. The notice required by subsection (a) herein shall also be posted in a conspicuous place upon the motor vehicle. The appropriate Village department or division directed by the Mayor or the designee of the Mayor to serve such notice shall be deemed to have permission to enter upon such premises to post the notice upon the motor vehicle. Posting of such notice upon the motor vehicle shall be deemed service upon the owner and the person having possession of the motor vehicle. Three days after service of notice as provided in subsection (a) above such motor vehicle shall be deemed to be stored without permission of the person having the right to possession of the property and "a nuisance motor vehicle" under this section, subject to being impounded as provided in South Amherst Codified Ordinances Section 303.08. Junk vehicles on private property with the approval of the property owner shall comply with Section 303.10 of South Amherst Codified Ordinances.

(4) The storage of garbage and/or offal, which means and includes all refuse and waste of animals, fish, fowl, fruit and vegetable matter or other accumulations in the use and preparation of food for the table, or which has been discarded and abandoned and is of no future use or value to the owner for domestic consumption, contrary to the rules and regulations of the Lorain County Department of Health;

(5) The accumulation of stockpiling of scrap tires on the open ground or in any container on public or private property by any person in violation of any Federal, State or local law, rule or regulation or Health Department order, rule or regulation.

(6) The storage, suffering, permitting, allowing to remain or maintaining of scrap tires on the open ground or in any type of container or vehicle or trailer on any public or private property; or the storage of scrap tires on or in public or private property in violation of any Federal, State or local law, rule or regulation; or in violation of any order or regulation of the Health Department Board of Health. The registered owner, lessee or any other person in control of any vehicle or trailer containing scrap tires shall be presumed to have allowed the existence of said nuisance.

(c) Authority to Abate a Public Nuisance. Whenever the Mayor or Mayor's designee finds that there is within the Village any act, thing, or condition of a kind which has been or may hereafter be defined in this section or any other section of the Codified Ordinances or by other ordinance as a public nuisance, the Mayor or Mayor's designee is authorized and directed to promptly cause its abatement, as hereinafter provided. The Mayor or his designee may observe and document the act, thing or condition from public property; by entering the property with the approval of the owner, tenant or agent of the owner; or by observation from an adjoining property with approval of the adjoining property owner, tenant or agent of the owner of the adjacent property.

(d) Notice to Owner of Real Estate. The Mayor or Mayor's designee, upon finding that a public nuisance exists, may cause written notice to be served on the owner of the real estate upon which such nuisance exists or upon which the cause or source of such nuisance is located. The notice shall set forth the nature of the nuisance; designate whether the act, thing, or condition is determined to be a "public nuisance per se", as that term is defined in subsection (a) hereof, or a "public nuisance" as that term is defined in subsection (b) hereof; the estimate of the Mayor or Mayor's designee of the cost of abating the same; a direction that the real estate owner abate the nuisance by the date, determined by the Mayor or Mayor's designee, specified in such notice; and the statement that unless the nuisance is abated within the specified time, it may be abated by the Village and the cost of such abatement charged against the real estate owner and/or assessed to the real property involved, and that the Village may, if the nuisance is not timely abated, in addition to such charge and/or assessment, prosecute the real estate owner for failure to comply with the direction of the Mayor or Mayor's designee.

(e) Service of Notice. The notice shall be deemed to be properly served if served by the Mayor or Mayor's designee or served by a Village employee or agent designated by the Mayor or Mayor's designee by:

(1) Delivering the notice personally to the real estate owner, tenant or person in charge of the property; or

(2) Leaving the notice at the real estate owner's usual place of business or residence; or

(3) Mailing the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested and by regular U.S mail certificate of mailing provided, to the real estate owner, tenant or person in charge of the property; or

(4) Publishing the notice once in a newspaper of general circulation within the Village; and in the case of a notice pursuant to subsection (d) hereof posting the notice in a conspicuous place on the real estate where the public nuisance exists or upon which the cause or source of such nuisance is located.

(5) One (1) notice per calendar year, per violation shall be considered notice for the entire year.

(6) Where the owner and/or tenant of a premises is unable to comply with a notice of violation within the time period specified, the owner, within two (2) weeks of the notice of violation, may enter into an agreement with the Mayor or their designee detailing a program to abate nonconformance within a reasonable time limit. Failure to comply with the program to abate the Village shall proceed to compel compliance as outline in the Chapter.

(f) Real Estate Owner Defined. For purposes of this section the real estate owner and the address of the real estate owner shall be deemed to be the individual(s) or entity and that address designated on the Village's latest real estate tax bill listing. If no individual(s) or entity is set out on the real estate tax bill listing, then the real estate owner and the address of the real estate owner shall be deemed to be the individual(s) or entity and that address listed on Lorain County computer records as the individual(s) or entity who are the current owner of the real estate upon which such nuisance exists or upon which the cause or source of such nuisance is located. If the Village is unable to determine the real estate owner or his/her address from either of these two sources, it may utilize any other reasonable means to determine the name and address.

(g) Appeals.

(1) There shall be no immediate appeal from an order or notice of the Mayor or Mayor's designee determining that an act, thing, or condition is a "public nuisance per se" as outlined in section (a) hereof. In such a case, the Mayor or Mayor's designee may proceed to abate the nuisance immediately. After the nuisance is abated the real estate owner or the affected individual may appeal the order or notice of the Mayor or Mayor's designee and may appeal the order or notice charging the cost of the abatement and/or assessing the cost against the real estate involved.

(2) An immediate appeal may be taken by the real estate owner or an affected individual before an order or notice of the Mayor determining that an act, thing, or condition is a "public nuisance" as outlined in section (b) hereof, or any other order or notice of the Mayor or Mayor's designee made pursuant to this section, other than as specifically set out in subsection (g)(1) hereof to the contrary.

(3) A. An appeal from an order or notice of the Mayor or Mayor's designee, where such an appeal is permitted, may be made to the Zoning Board of Appeals by the real estate owner or an affected individual.

B. To be considered, the appellant shall within ten (10) days after the date that the notice or order was mailed, delivered, published or posted as set out in subsection (e) hereof; whichever is the latest, file in the office of the Mayor or Mayor's designee, a notice of appeal specifying the decision from which the appeal is sought, the alleged error and all necessary data in accordance with the form provided by the Village, and shall pay a filing fee as set by the Village Council.

C. The Zoning Board of Appeals shall notify the appellant and the Mayor's designee and shall hold a hearing and decide the appeal at a place and time to be determined by the Board within ten (10) days of the receipt of a notice of appeal.

D. The Zoning Board of Appeals will utilize the standards set out in this section and may reverse or affirm, wholly or in part, or modify, any such order, requirement, or decision or determination as, in its opinion, ought to be made under the circumstances, and to that end shall have all the powers of the officer from whose decision the appeal is taken.

E. The decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be final.

(h) Abatement by Mayor or Mayor's Designee.

(1) If the nuisance is not abated within the time specified in the notice, or if no appeal from the Mayor or Mayor's designee's decision is permitted or if no appeal is filed within the time period designated in subsection (g) hereof or if an appeal is filed but denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Mayor or Mayor's designee may cause the public nuisance to be abated and the cost of abatement charged against the real estate owner and/or assessed against the real estate upon which the nuisance exists or upon which the cause or source of such nuisance was located.

(2) Whenever any public nuisance or Public Nuisance per se exists, upon his own action, or at the request of Council, the Law Director may institute proceedings, either legal or equitable, that may be appropriate or necessary for the enforcement or abatement of the public nuisance. This section shall not relieve any person from criminal prosecution or punishment under these Codified Ordinances or any other criminal law enforced in the Village.

(i) Cost or Abatement. The cost of abatement shall be computed by charging the actual cost incurred by the Village if an outside contractor was used to abate the nuisance. If Village employees are utilized to abate the nuisance, the actual cost shall be calculated by multiplying the number of Village employee hours spent in abating the nuisance by the amount of thirty dollars ($30.00) per hour, plus the administration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). In no event will the charge for abating a nuisance be less than three hundred dollars ($300.00).

(j) Collection of Costs. The Village may notify the real estate owner of tbe cost of abatement by mailing a bill to the real estate owner by ordinary mail delivery at the address designated in subsection (f) herein. If the bill is not paid in full within fifteen (15) days from the date of the mailing of the notice, the Village may take the necessary legal step to collect the bill, with interest at a rate of ten percent (10%) per year from the date due, and reasonable attorney fees; and/or Village Council may certify the amount due to the County Auditor to be assessed against the real estate, where the public nuisance existed or upon which the cause or source of the nuisance was located, to be collected as provided by law.

(k) Criminal Penalties. In addition to the civil remedies set out herein, any owner of real estate, upon which a nuisance exists or upon which the cause or source of such nuisance is located, who fails to comply with the direction of the Mayor or Mayor's designee to abate such nuisance within the time specified in the notice from the Mayor or Mayor's designee, shall, for a first offense, be guilty of a minor misdemeanor, and for a second or subsequent offense within six (6) months shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.15 DUMPING PROHIBITED.

(a) No person, firm, corporation, association or partnership shall deposit within the Village, in any zoning district, either temporarily or permanently, any type of material, whether it be hazardous or non-hazardous, toxic or non-toxic, active or inert, safe or unsafe, in any form whatsoever, which is the waste by-product of any industry, utility or commerce not located wholly within the Village. However, landscaping or organic fertilizers shall be exempted from the operation of this section.

(b) Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.16 COST RECOVERY FOR UNAUTHORIZED SPILLS.

It shall be the practice and policy of the Village when an emergency action is required to protect the public health or safety or the environment, to charge any person responsible for causing or allowing an unauthorized spill, release or discharge of any toxic or dangerous material into or upon the environment for the necessary and reasonable, additional or extraordinary costs the Village incurs in investigating, mitigating, removing, or abating the spill, release or discharge in the course of an emergency action provided the criteria and methods prescribed under 40 C.F.R. 300, as amended, are utilized and adhered to.

(Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.17 SPREADING CONTAGION.

(a) No person, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the person has a dangerous, contagious disease, shall knowingly fail to take reasonable measures to prevent exposing self to other persons, except when seeking medical aid.

(b) No person, having charge or care of a person whom the person having charge or care knows or has reasonable cause to believe has a dangerous, contagious disease, shall recklessly fail to take reasonable measures to protect others from exposure to the contagion, and to inform health authorities of the existence of the contagion.

(c) No person, having charge of a public conveyance or place of public accommodation, amusement, resort or trade, and knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that persons using such conveyance or place have been or are being exposed to a dangerous, contagious disease, shall negligently fail to take reasonable measures to protect the public from exposure to the contagion, and to inform health authorities of the existence of the contagion.

(ORC 3701.81)

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(ORC 3701.99(C); Ord. 1808-24. Passed 10-7-24.)

521.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

525.01 DEFINITIONS.

As used in this chapter:

(a) "Public official" means any elected or appointed officer, or employee, or agent of the State or any political subdivision thereof, whether in a temporary or permanent capacity, and includes, but is not limited to, legislators, judges and law enforcement officers. “Public official” does not include an employee, officer, or governor-appointed member of the board of directors of the nonprofit corporation formed under Ohio R.C. 187.01.

(b) "Public servant" means any of the following:

(1) Any public official;

(2) Any person performing ad hoc a governmental function, including, but not limited to, a juror, member of a temporary commission, master, arbitrator, advisor or consultant;

(3) A person who is a candidate for public office, whether or not the person is elected or appointed to the office for which the person is a candidate. A person is a candidate for purposes of this subsection if the person has been nominated according to law for election or appointment to public office, or if the person has filed a petition or petitions as required by law to have the person’s name placed on the ballot in a primary, general or special election, or if the person campaigns as a write-in candidate in any primary, general or special election. “Public servant” does not include an employee, officer, or governor-appointed member of the board of directors of the nonprofit corporation formed under Ohio R.C. 187.01.

(c) "Party official" means any person who holds an elective or appointive post in a political party in the United States or this State, by virtue of which the person directs, conducts or participates in directing or conducting party affairs at any level of responsibility.

(d) "Official proceeding" means any proceeding before a legislative, judicial, administrative or other governmental agency or official authorized to take evidence under oath, and includes any proceeding before a referee, hearing examiner, commissioner, notary or other person taking testimony or a deposition in connection with an official proceeding.

(e) "Detention" means arrest, confinement in any vehicle subsequent to an arrest, confinement in any public or private facility for custody of persons charged with or convicted of a crime in this State or another state or under the laws of the United States or alleged or found to be a delinquent child or unruly child in this State or another state or under the laws of the United States; hospitalization, institutionalization or confinement in any public or private facility that is ordered pursuant to or under the authority of Ohio R.C. 2945.37, 2945.371, 2945.38, 2945.39 or 2945.40, 2945.401 or 2945.402; confinement in any vehicle for transportation to or from any facility of any of those natures; detention for extradition or deportation, except as provided in this subsection, supervision by any employee of any facility of any of those natures; that is incidental to hospitalization, institutionalization or confinement in the facility but that occurs outside the facility; supervision by an employee of the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction of a person on any type of release from a State correctional institution; or confinement in any vehicle, airplane, or place while being returned from outside of this State into this State by a private person or entity pursuant to a contract entered into under Ohio R.C. 311.29(E) or Ohio R.C. 5149.03(B). For a person confined in a county jail who participates in a county jail industry program pursuant to Ohio R.C. 5147.30, "detention" includes time spent at an assigned work site and going to and from the work site.

(f) "Detention facility" means any public or private place used for the confinement of a person charged with or convicted of any crime in this State or another state or under the laws of the United States or alleged or found to be a delinquent child or unruly child in this State or another state or under the laws of the United States.

(g) "Valuable thing or valuable benefit" includes, but is not limited to, a contribution. This inclusion does not indicate or imply that a contribution was not included in those terms before September 17, 1986.

(h) "Campaign committee," "contribution," "political action committee," “legislative campaign fund,” “political party” and “political contributing entity” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 3517.01.

(i) "Provider agreement" has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 5164.01.

(ORC 2921.01)

525.02 FALSIFICATION.

(a) No person shall knowingly make a false statement, or knowingly swear or affirm the truth of a false statement previously made, when any of the following applies:

(1) The statement is made in any official proceeding.

(2) The statement is made with purpose to incriminate another.

(3) The statement is made with purpose to mislead a public official in performing the public official’s official function.

(4) The statement is made with purpose to secure the payment of unemployment compensation; Ohio works first; prevention, retention and contingency benefits and services; disability financial assistance; retirement benefits or health care coverage from a state retirement system; economic development assistance as defined in Ohio R.C. 9.66; or other benefits administered by a governmental agency or paid out of a public treasury.

(5) The statement is made with purpose to secure the issuance by a governmental agency of a license, permit, authorization, certificate, registration, release or provider agreement.

(6) The statement is sworn or affirmed before a notary public or another person empowered to administer oaths.

(7) The statement is in writing on or in connection with a report or return that is required or authorized by law.

(8) The statement is in writing, and is made with purpose to induce another to extend credit to or employ the offender, or to confer any degree, diploma, certificate of attainment, award of excellence or honor on the offender, or to extend to or bestow upon the offender any other valuable benefit or distinction, when the person to whom the statement is directed relies upon it to that person’s detriment.

(9) The statement is made with purpose to commit or facilitate the commission of a theft offense.

(10) The statement is knowingly made to a probate court in connection with any action, proceeding or other matter within its jurisdiction, either orally or in a written document, including, but not limited to, an application, petition, complaint or other pleading, or an inventory, account or report.

(11) The statement is made on an account, form, record, stamp, label or other writing that is required by law.

(12) The statement is made in a document or instrument of writing that purports to be a judgment, lien, or claim of indebtedness and is filed or recorded with the Secretary of State, a county recorder, or the clerk of a court of record.

(13) The statement is required under Ohio R.C. 5743.71 in connection with the person’s purchase of cigarettes or tobacco products in a delivery sale.

(b) It is no defense to a charge under subsection (a)(6) hereof that the oath or affirmation was administered or taken in an irregular manner.

(c) If contradictory statements relating to the same fact are made by the offender within the period of the statute of limitations for falsification, it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove which statement was false, but only that one or the other was false.

(d) (1) Whoever violates any provision of subsection (a)(1) to (8) or (10) to (13) hereof is guilty of falsification, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(2) Whoever violates subsection (a)(9) hereof is guilty of falsification in a theft offense, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, falsification in a theft offense is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(e) A person who violates this section is liable in a civil action to any person harmed by the violation for injury, death, or loss to person or property incurred as a result of the commission of the offense and for reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs, and other expenses incurred as a result of prosecuting the civil action commenced under this section. A civil action under this section is not the exclusive remedy of a person who incurs injury, death, or loss to person or property as a result of a violation of this section.

(ORC 2921.13)

525.03 IMPERSONATION OF PEACE OFFICER.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) "Peace officer" means a sheriff, deputy sheriff, marshal, deputy marshal, member of the organized police department of a municipal corporation or township constable who is employed by a political subdivision of this State; a member of a police force employed by a metropolitan housing authority under Ohio R.C. 3735.31(D); a member of a police force employed by a regional transit authority under Ohio R.C. 306.35(Y), a State university law enforcement officer appointed under Ohio R.C. 3345.04; a veterans' home police officer appointed under Ohio R.C. 5907.02; a special police officer employed by a port authority under Ohio R.C. 4582.04 or 4582.28; an officer, agent, or employee of the State or any of its agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, upon whom, by statute, a duty to conserve the peace or to enforce all or certain laws is imposed and the authority to arrest violators is conferred, within limits of that statutory duty and authority; or a State highway patrol trooper whose primary duties are to preserve the peace, to protect life and property and to enforce the laws, ordinances or rules of the State or any of its political subdivisions.

(2) "Private police officer" means any security guard, special police officer, private detective or other person who is privately employed in a police capacity.

(3) “Federal law enforcement officer” means an employee of the United States who serves in a position the duties of which are primarily the investigation, apprehension or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses under the criminal laws of the United States.

(4) “Investigator of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2903.11.

(5) "Impersonate" means to act the part of, assume the identity of, wear the uniform or any part of the uniform of or display the identification of a particular person or of a member of a class of persons with purpose to make another person believe that the actor is that particular person or is a member of that class of persons.

(b) No person shall impersonate a peace officer, private police officer, federal law enforcement officer or investigator of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.

(c) No person, by impersonating a peace officer, private police officer, federal law enforcement officer, or investigator of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, shall arrest or detain any person, search any person or search the property of any person.

(d) No person, with purpose to commit or facilitate the commission of an offense, shall impersonate a peace officer, private police officer, federal law enforcement officer, an officer, agent or employee of the State or the Municipality or investigator of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.

(e) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under subsection (b) hereof that the impersonation of the peace officer was for a lawful purpose.

(f) Whoever violates subsection (b) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Whoever violates subsections (c) or (d) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the purpose of a violation of subsection (d) hereof is to commit or facilitate the commission of a felony, such violation is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. (ORC 2921.51)

525.04 COMPOUNDING A CRIME.

(a) No person shall knowingly demand, accept or agree to accept anything of value in consideration of abandoning or agreeing to abandon a pending criminal prosecution.

(b) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section when both of the following apply:

(1) The pending prosecution involved is for violation of Sections 545.05, 545.07, 545.09 or 545.10(b)(2), or Ohio R.C. 2913.02, 2913.11, 2913.21(B)(2) or 2913.47, of which the actor under this section was the victim.

(2) The thing of value demanded, accepted or agreed to be accepted, in consideration of abandoning or agreeing to abandon the prosecution, did not exceed an amount that the actor reasonably believed due him as restitution for the loss caused him by the offense.

(c) When a prosecuting witness abandons or agrees to abandon a prosecution under subsection (b) hereof, the abandonment or agreement in no way binds the State or Municipality to abandoning the prosecution.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of compounding a crime, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(ORC 2921.21)

525.05 FAILURE TO REPORT A CRIME, INJURY OR KNOWLEDGE OF DEATH.

(a) (1) Except as provided in subsection (a)(2) hereof, no person, knowing that a felony has been or is being committed, shall knowingly fail to report such information to law enforcement authorities.

(2) No person, knowing that a violation of division (B) of Ohio R.C. 2913.04 has been, or is being committed or that the person has received information derived from such a violation, shall knowingly fail to report the violation to law enforcement authorities.

(b) Except for conditions that are within the scope of subsection (e) of this section, no person giving aid to a sick or injured person shall negligently fail to report to law enforcement authorities any gunshot or stab wound treated or observed by the person, or any serious physical harm to persons that the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe resulted from an offense of violence.

(c) No person who discovers the body or acquires the first knowledge of the death of a person shall fail to report the death immediately to a physician or advanced practice registered nurse whom the person knows to be treating the deceased for a condition from which death at such time would not be unexpected, or to a law enforcement officer, an ambulance service, an emergency squad, or the coroner in a political subdivision in which the body is discovered, the death is believed to have occurred, or knowledge concerning the death is obtained. For purposes of this subsection (c), “advanced practice registered nurse” does not include a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

(d) No person shall fail to provide upon request of the person to whom a report required by subsection (c) of this section was made, or to any law enforcement officer who has reasonable cause to assert the authority to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, any facts within the person’s knowledge that may have a bearing on the investigation of the death.

(e) (1) As used in this subsection, “burn injury” means any of the following:

A. Second or third degree burns;

B. Any burns to the upper respiratory tract or laryngeal edema due to the inhalation of superheated air;

C. Any burn injury or wound that may result in death;

D. Any physical harm to persons caused by or as the result of the use of fireworks, novelties and trick noisemakers, and wire sparklers, as each is defined by Ohio R.C. 3743.01.

(2) No physician, nurse, physician assistant, or limited practitioner who, outside a hospital, sanitarium, or other medical facility, attends or treats a person who has sustained a burn injury that is inflicted by an explosion or other incendiary device, or that shows evidence of having been inflicted in a violent, malicious, or criminal manner, shall fail to report the burn injury immediately to the local arson, or fire and explosion investigation, bureau, if there is a bureau of this type in the jurisdiction in which the person is attended or treated, or otherwise to local law enforcement authorities.

(3) No manager, superintendent or other person in charge of a hospital, sanitarium or other medical facility in which a person is attended or treated for any burn injury that is inflicted by an explosion or other incendiary device, or that shows evidence of having been inflicted in a violent, malicious, or criminal manner, shall fail to report the burn injury immediately to the local arson, or fire and explosion investigation, bureau, if there is a bureau of this type in the jurisdiction in which the person is attended or treated, or otherwise to local law enforcement authorities.

(4) No person who is required to report any burn injury under subsection (e)(2) or (3) of this section shall fail to file, within three working days after attending or treating the victim, a written report of the burn injury with the office of the State Fire Marshal. The report shall comply with the uniform standard developed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Ohio R.C. 3737.22(A)(15).

(5) Anyone participating in the making of reports under subsection (e) of this section or anyone participating in a judicial proceeding resulting from the reports is immune from any civil or criminal liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed as a result of such actions. Notwithstanding Ohio R.C. 4731.22, the physician-patient relationship or advanced practice registered nurse-patient relationship is not a ground for excluding evidence regarding a person’s burn injury or the cause of the burn injury in any judicial proceeding resulting from a report submitted under subsection (e) of this section.

(f) (1) Any doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine, hospital intern or resident, nurse, psychologist, social worker, independent social worker, social work assistant, licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed professional counselor, independent marriage and family therapist or marriage and family therapist who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a patient or client has been the victim of domestic violence, as defined in Ohio R.C. 3113.31, shall note that knowledge or belief and the basis for it in the patient’s or client’s records.

(2) Notwithstanding Ohio R.C. 4731.22, the physician-patient privilege or advanced practice registered nurse-patient privilege shall not be a ground for excluding any information regarding the report containing the knowledge or belief noted under subsection (f)(1) of this section, and the information may be admitted as evidence in accordance with the Rules of Evidence.

(g) Subsections (a) and (d) of this section do not require disclosure of information, when any of the following applies:

(1) The information is privileged by reason of the relationship between attorney and client; physician and patient; advanced practice registered nurse and patient; licensed psychologist or licensed school psychologist and client; licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed professional counselor, independent social worker, social worker, independent marriage and family therapist, or marriage and family therapist and client; member of the clergy, rabbi, minister, or priest and any person communicating information confidentially to the member of the clergy, rabbi, minister, or priest for a religious counseling purpose of a professional character; husband and wife; or a communications assistant and those who are a party to a telecommunications relay service call.

(2) The information would tend to incriminate a member of the actor’s immediate family.

(3) Disclosure of the information would amount to revealing a news source, privileged under Ohio R.C. 2739.04 or 2739.12.

(4) Disclosure of the information would amount to disclosure by a member of the ordained clergy of an organized religious body of a confidential communication made to that member of the clergy in that member’s capacity as a member of the clergy by a person seeking the aid or counsel of that member of the clergy.

(5) Disclosure would amount to revealing information acquired by the actor in the course of the actor’s duties in connection with a bona fide program of treatment or services for persons with drug dependencies or persons in danger of drug dependence, which program is maintained or conducted by a hospital, clinic, person, agency, or community addiction services provider whose alcohol and drug addiction services are certified pursuant to Ohio R.C. 5119.36.

(6) Disclosure would amount to revealing information acquired by the actor in the course of the actor’s duties in connection with a bona fide program for providing counseling services to victims of crimes that are violations of Ohio R.C. 2907.02 or 2907.05 or to victims of felonious sexual penetration in violation of former Ohio R.C. 2907.12. As used in this subsection, “counseling services” include services provided in an informal setting by a person who, by education or experience, is competent to provide those services.

(h) No disclosure of information pursuant to this section gives rise to any liability or recrimination for a breach of privilege or confidence.

(i) Whoever violates subsection (a) or (b) of this section is guilty of failure to report a crime. Violation of subsection (a)(1) of this section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Violation of subsection (a)(2) or (b) of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(j) Whoever violates subsection (c) or (d) of this section is guilty of failure to report knowledge of a death, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(k) (1) Whoever negligently violates subsection (e) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(2) Whoever knowingly violates subsection (e) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(l) As used in this section, “nurse” includes an advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, and licensed practical nurse. (ORC 2921.22)

525.06 FAILURE TO AID A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.

(a) No person shall negligently fail or refuse to aid a law enforcement officer, when called upon for assistance in preventing or halting the commission of an offense, or in apprehending or detaining an offender, when such aid can be given without a substantial risk of physical harm to the person giving it.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of failure to aid a law enforcement officer, a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 2921.23)

525.07 OBSTRUCTING OFFICIAL BUSINESS.

(a) No person, without privilege to do so and with purpose to prevent, obstruct or delay the performance by a public official of any authorized act within the public official’s official capacity, shall do any act that hampers or impedes a public official in the performance of the public official’s lawful duties.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of obstructing official business. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (b), obstructing official business is a misdemeanor of the second degree. If a violation of this section creates a risk of physical harm to any person, obstructing official business is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2921.31)

525.08 OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE.

(a) No person, with purpose to hinder the discovery, apprehension, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of another for a misdemeanor, or to assist another to benefit from the commission of a misdemeanor, and no person, with purpose to hinder the discovery, apprehension, prosecution, adjudication as a delinquent child, or disposition of a child for an act that if committed by an adult would be a misdemeanor or to assist a child to benefit from the commission of an act that if committed by an adult would be a misdemeanor, shall do any of the following:

(1) Harbor or conceal the other person or child;

(2) Provide the other person or child with money, transportation, a weapon, a disguise, or other means of avoiding discovery or apprehension;

(3) Warn the other person or child of impending discovery or apprehension;

(4) Destroy or conceal physical evidence of the misdemeanor, or act, or induce any person to withhold testimony or information or to elude legal process summoning the person to testify or supply evidence;

(5) Communicate false information to any person.

(6) Prevent or obstruct any person, by means of force, intimidation, or deception, from performing any act to aid in the discovery, apprehension, or prosecution of the other person or child.

(b) A person may be prosecuted for, and may be convicted of or adjudicated a delinquent child for committing, a violation of subsection (a) hereof, regardless of whether the person or child aided ultimately is apprehended for, is charged with, is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is adjudicated a delinquent child for committing the crime or act the person or child aided committed. The crime or act the person or child aided committed shall be used under subsection (c) hereof in determining the penalty for the violation of subsection (a) hereof, regardless of whether the person or child aided ultimately is apprehended for, is charged with, is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is adjudicated a delinquent child for committing the crime or act the person or child aided committed.

(2) If the crime committed by the person aided is a misdemeanor or if the act committed by the child aided would be a misdemeanor if committed by an adult, obstructing justice is a misdemeanor of the same degree as the misdemeanor committed by the person aided or a misdemeanor of the same degree that the act committed by the child aided would be if committed by an adult.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) “Adult” and “child” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2151.011.

(2) “Delinquent child” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2152.02.

(ORC 2921.32)

525.09 RESISTING ARREST.

(a) No person, recklessly or by force, shall resist or interfere with a lawful arrest of the person or another.

(b) No person, recklessly or by force, shall resist or interfere with a lawful arrest of the person or another person and, during the course of or as a result of the resistance or interference, cause physical harm to a law enforcement officer.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of resisting arrest. A violation of subsection (a) hereof is a misdemeanor of the second degree. A violation of subsection (b) hereof is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(ORC 2921.33)

525.10 HAVING AN UNLAWFUL INTEREST IN A PUBLIC CONTRACT.

(a) No public official shall knowingly do any of the following:

(1) During the public official’s term of office or within one year thereafter, occupy any position of profit in the prosecution of a public contract authorized by the public official or by a legislative body, commission or board of which the public official was a member at the time of authorization unless the contract was let by competitive bidding, to the lowest and best bidder;

(2) Have an interest in the profits or benefits of a public contract entered into by or for the use of the Municipality or governmental agency or instrumentality with which the public official is connected;

(3) Have an interest in the profits or benefits of a public contract that is not let by competitive bidding if required by law, and that involves more than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).

(b) In the absence of bribery or a purpose to defraud, a public official, member of a public official’s family or any of a public official’s business associates shall not be considered as having an interest in a public contract if all of the following apply:

(1) The interest of that person is limited to owning or controlling shares of the corporation, or being a creditor of the corporation or other organization that is the contractor on the public contract involved, or that is the issuer of the security in which public funds are invested;

(2) The shares owned or controlled by that person do not exceed five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of the corporation, and the amount due that person as creditor does not exceed five percent (5%) of the total indebtedness of the corporation or other organization;

(3) That person, prior to the time the public contract is entered into, files with the Municipality or governmental agency or instrumentality involved, an affidavit giving that person’s exact status in connection with the corporation or other organization.

(c) This section does not apply to a public contract in which a public official, member of a public official’s family, or one of a public official’s business associates, has an interest, when all of the following apply:

(1) The subject of the public contract is necessary supplies or services for the Municipality or governmental agency or instrumentality involved;

(2) The supplies or services are unobtainable elsewhere for the same or lower cost, or are being furnished to the Municipality or governmental agency or instrumentality as part of a continuing course of dealing established prior to the public official's becoming associated with the Municipality or governmental agency or instrumentality involved;

(3) The treatment accorded the Municipality or governmental agency or instrumentality is either preferential to or the same as that accorded other customers or clients in similar transactions;

(4) The entire transaction is conducted at arm's length, with full knowledge by the Municipality or governmental agency or instrumentality involved, of the interest of the public official, member of the public official’s family or business associate, and the public official takes no part in the deliberations or decisions of the Municipality or governmental agency or instrumentality with respect to the public contract.

(d) Subsection (a)(4) does not prohibit participation by a public employee in any housing program funded by public moneys if the public employee otherwise qualifies for the program and does not use the authority or influence of the public employee’s office or employment to secure benefits from the program and if the moneys are to be used on the primary residence of the public employee. Such participation does not constitute an unlawful interest in a public contract in violation of this section.

(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of having an unlawful interest in a public contract. Violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(f) It is not a violation of this section for a prosecuting attorney to appoint assistants and employees in accordance with Ohio R.C. 309.06 and 2921.421, or for a chief legal officer of a municipal corporation or an official designated as prosecutor in a municipal corporation to appoint assistants and employees in accordance with Ohio R.C. 733.621 and 2921.421.

(g) Any public contract in which a public official, a member of the public official’s family, or any of the public official’s business associates has an interest in violation of this section is void and unenforceable. Any contract securing the investment of public funds in which a public official, a member of the public official’s family, or any of the public official’s business associates has an interest, is an underwriter, or receives any brokerage, origination, or servicing fees and that was entered into in violation of this section is void and unenforceable.

(h) As used in this section:

(1) "Public contract" means any of the following:

A. The purchase or acquisition, or a contract for the purchase or acquisition of property or services by or for the use of the State, any of its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of either, including the employment of an individual by the State, any of its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of either.

B. A contract for the design, construction, alteration, repair or maintenance of any public property.

(2) "Chief legal officer" has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 733.621.

(ORC 2921.42)

525.11 SOLICITING OR RECEIVING IMPROPER COMPENSATION.

(a) No public servant shall knowingly solicit or accept and no person shall knowingly promise or give to a public servant either of the following:

(1) Any compensation, other than is allowed by Ohio R.C. 102.03(G), (H), and (I) or other provisions of law, to perform the public servant’s official duties, to perform any other act or service in the public servant's public capacity, for the general performance of the duties of the public servant's public office or public employment, or as a supplement to the public servant's public compensation;

(2) Additional or greater fees or costs than are allowed by law to perform the public servant’s official duties.

(b) No public servant for the public servant’s own personal or business use and no person for the person’s own personal or business use or for the personal or business use of a public servant or party official, shall solicit or accept anything of value in consideration of either of the following:

(1) Appointing or securing, maintaining or renewing the appointment of any person to any public office, employment or agency;

(2) Preferring, or maintaining the status of, any public employee with respect to compensation, duties, placement, location, promotion or other material aspects of employment.

(c) No person for the benefit of a political party, campaign committee, legislative campaign fund, political action committee or political contributing entity shall coerce any contribution in consideration of either of the following:

(1) Appointing or securing, maintaining or renewing the appointment of any person to any public office, employment or agency;

(2) Preferring, or maintaining the status of, any public employee with respect to compensation, duties, placement, location, promotion or other material aspects of employment.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of soliciting improper compensation, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(e) A public servant who is convicted of a violation of this section is disqualified from holding any public office, employment or position of trust in this Municipality for a period of seven years from the date of conviction.

(f) Subsections (a), (b) and (c) hereof do not prohibit a person from making voluntary contributions to a political party, campaign committee, legislative campaign fund, political action committee or political contributing entity or prohibit a political party, campaign committee, legislative campaign fund, political action committee or political contributing entity from accepting voluntary contributions.

(ORC 2921.43)

525.12 DERELICTION OF DUTY.

(a) No law enforcement officer shall negligently do any of the following:

(1) Fail to serve a lawful warrant without delay;

(2) Fail to prevent or halt the commission of an offense or to apprehend an offender, when it is in the law enforcement officer’s power to do so alone or with available assistance.

(b) No law enforcement, ministerial or judicial officer shall negligently fail to perform a lawful duty in a criminal case or proceeding.

(1) Allow the detention facility to become littered or unsanitary;

(2) Fail to provide persons confined in the detention facility with adequate food, clothing, bedding, shelter and medical attention;

(3) Fail to control an unruly prisoner, or to prevent intimidation of or physical harm to a prisoner by another;

(4) Allow a prisoner to escape;

(5) Fail to observe any lawful and reasonable regulation for the management of the detention facility.

(d) No public official of the Municipality shall recklessly create a deficiency, incur a liability or expend a greater sum than is appropriated by the legislative authority of the Municipality for the use in any one year of the department, agency or institution with which the public official is connected.

(e) No public servant shall recklessly fail to perform a duty expressly imposed by law with respect to the public servant’s office, or recklessly do any act expressly forbidden by law with respect to the public servant’s office.

(f) Whoever violates this section is guilty of dereliction of duty, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(g) As used in this section, “public servant” includes an officer or employee of a contractor as defined in Ohio R.C. 9.08.

525.13 INTERFERING WITH CIVIL RIGHTS.

(a) No public servant, under color of the public servant’s office, employment, or authority, shall knowingly deprive, or conspire or attempt to deprive any person of a constitutional or statutory right.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of interfering with civil rights, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (ORC 2921.45)

525.14 UNAUTHORIZED DISPLAY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EMBLEMS ON MOTOR VEHICLES.

(a) No person who is not entitled to do so shall knowingly display on a motor vehicle the emblem of a law enforcement agency or an organization of law enforcement officers.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of the unlawful display of the emblem of a law enforcement agency or an organization of law enforcement officers, a minor misdemeanor.

(ORC 2913.441)

525.15 ASSAULTING POLICE DOG OR HORSE OR AN ASSISTANCE DOG.

(a) No person shall knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, physical harm to a police dog or horse in either of the following circumstances:

(1) The police dog or horse is assisting a law enforcement officer in the performance of the officer’s official duties at the time the physical harm is caused or attempted.

(2) The police dog or horse is not assisting a law enforcement officer in the performance of the officer’s official duties at the time the physical harm is caused or attempted, but the offender has actual knowledge that the dog or horse is a police dog or horse.

(b) No person shall recklessly do any of the following:

(1) Taunt, torment, or strike a police dog or horse;

(2) Throw an object or substance at a police dog or horse;

(3) Interfere with or obstruct a police dog or horse, or interfere with or obstruct a law enforcement officer who is being assisted by a police dog or horse, in a manner that does any of the following:

A. Inhibits or restricts the law enforcement officer’s control of the police dog or horse;

B. Deprives the law enforcement officer of control of the police dog or horse;

C. Releases the police dog or horse from its area of control;

D. Enters the area of control of the police dog or horse without the consent of the law enforcement officer, including placing food or any other object or substance into that area;

E. Inhibits or restricts the ability of the police dog or horse to assist a law enforcement officer.

(4) Engage in any conduct that is likely to cause serious physical injury or death to a police dog or horse.

(5) If the person is the owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog, fail to reasonably restrain the dog from taunting, tormenting, chasing, approaching in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, or attempting to bite or otherwise endanger a police dog or horse that at the time of the conduct, the police dog or horse is assisting a law enforcement officer in the performance of the officer’s duties or that the person knows is a police dog or horse.

(c) No person shall knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, physical harm to an assistance dog in either of the following circumstances:

(1) The dog, at the time the physical harm is caused or attempted, is assisting or serving a person who is blind, deaf or hearing impaired or a person with a mobility impairment.

(2) The dog, at the time the physical harm is caused or attempted, is not assisting or serving a person who is blind, deaf or hearing impaired or a person with a mobility impairment, but the offender has actual knowledge that the dog is an assistance dog.

(d) No person shall recklessly do any of the following:

(1) Taunt, torment, or strike an assistance dog;

(2) Throw an object or substance at an assistance dog;

(3) Interfere with or obstruct an assistance dog, or interfere with or obstruct a person who is blind, deaf or hearing impaired, or a person with a mobility impairment who is being assisted or served by an assistance dog, in a manner that does any of the following:

A. Inhibits or restricts the assisted or served person’s control of the dog;

B. Deprives the assisted or served person of control of the dog;

C. Releases the dog from its area of control;

D. Enters the area of control of the dog without the consent of the assisted or served person, including placing food or any other object or substance into that area;

E. Inhibits or restricts the ability of the dog to assist the assisted or served person.

(4) Engage in any conduct that is likely to cause serious physical injury or death to an assistance dog;

(5) If the person is the owner, keeper or harborer of a dog, fail to reasonably restrain the dog from taunting, tormenting, chasing, approaching in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, or attempting to bite or otherwise endanger an assistance dog that at the time of the conduct is assisting or serving a person who is blind, deaf or hearing impaired, or a person with a mobility impairment or that the person knows is an assistance dog.

(e) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of assaulting a police dog or horse. If the violation results in physical harm to the police dog or horse, assaulting a police dog or horse is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the violation does not result in death, serious physical harm, or physical harm to the police dog or horse, assaulting a police dog or horse is a misdemeanor of the second degree. If the violation results in death or serious physical harm to the police dog or horse, such violation is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(2) Whoever violates subsection (b) hereof is guilty of harassing a police dog or horse. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, harassing a police dog or horse is a misdemeanor of the second degree. If the violation results in the death of the police dog or horse or if the violation results in serious physical harm to the police dog or horse but does not result in its death, harassing a police dog or horse is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. If the violation results in physical harm to the police dog or horse but does not result in its death or in serious physical harm to it, harassing a police dog or horse is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(3) Whoever violates subsection (c) hereof is guilty of assaulting an assistance dog. If the violation results in physical harm to the dog other than death or serious physical harm, assaulting an assistance dog is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the violation does not result in death, serious physical harm, or physical harm to the dog, assaulting an assistance dog is a misdemeanor of the second degree. If the violation results in death or serious physical harm to the dog, such violation is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(4) Whoever violates subsection (d) of this section is guilty of harassing an assistance dog. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, harassing an assistance dog is a misdemeanor of the second degree. If the violation results in the death of or serious physical harm to the assistance dog but does not result in its death, harassing an assistance dog is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. If the violation results in physical harm to the assistance dog but does not result in its death or in serious physical harm to it, harassing an assistance dog is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(5) In addition to any other sanction or penalty imposed for the offense under this section, whoever violates subsection (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this section is responsible for the payment of all of the following:

A. Any veterinary bill or bill for medication incurred as a result of the violation by the Police Department regarding a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section or by the person who is blind, deaf or hearing impaired, or the person with a mobility impairment assisted or served by the assistance dog regarding a violation of subsection (c) or (d) of this section;

B. The cost of any damaged equipment that results from the violation;

C. If the violation did not result in the death of the police dog or horse or the assistance dog that was the subject of the violation and if, as a result of that dog or horse being the subject of the violation, the dog or horse needs further training or retraining to be able to continue in the capacity of a police dog or horse or an assistance dog, the cost of any further training or retraining of that dog or horse by a law enforcement officer or by the person who is blind, deaf or hearing impaired, or the person with a mobility impairment assisted or served by the assistance dog;

D. If the violation resulted in the death of the assistance dog that was the subject of the violation or resulted in serious physical harm to the police dog or horse or the assistance dog or horse that was the subject of the violation to the extent that the dog or horse needs to be replaced on either a temporary or a permanent basis, the cost of replacing that dog or horse and of any further training of a new police dog or horse or a new assistance dog by a law enforcement officer or by the person who is blind, deaf or hearing impaired, or the person with a mobility impairment assisted or served by the assistance dog, which replacement or training is required because of the death of or the serious physical harm to the dog or horse that was the subject of the violation.

(f) This section does not apply to a licensed veterinarian whose conduct is in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 4741.

(g) This section only applies to an offender who knows or should know at the time of the violation that the police dog or horse or assistance dog that is the subject of a violation under this section is a police dog or horse or assistance dog.

(h) As used in this section:

(1) "Assistance dog”, "blind", and "person with a mobility impairment" have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 955.011.

(2) "Physical harm" means any injury, illness, or other physiological impairment, regardless of its gravity or duration.

(3) "Police dog or horse" means a dog or horse that has been trained, and may be used, to assist law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.

(4) "Serious physical harm" means any of the following:

A. Any physical harm that carries a substantial risk of death;

B. Any physical harm that causes permanent maiming or that involves some temporary, substantial maiming;

C. Any physical harm that causes acute pain of a duration that results in substantial suffering.

(ORC 2921.321)

525.16 FALSE ALLEGATION OF PEACE OFFICER MISCONDUCT.

(a) As used in this section, “peace officer” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2935.01.

(b) No person shall knowingly file a complaint against a peace officer that alleges that the peace officer engaged in misconduct in the performance of the officer’s duties if the person knows that the allegation is false.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of making a false allegation of peace officer misconduct, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(ORC 2921.15)

525.17 REFUSAL TO DISCLOSE PERSONAL INFORMATION IN PUBLIC PLACE.

(a) No person who is in a public place shall refuse to disclose the person’s name, address, or date of birth, when requested by a law enforcement officer who reasonably suspects either of the following:

(1) The person is committing, has committed, or is about to commit a criminal offense.

(2) The person witnessed any of the following:

A. An offense of violence that would constitute a felony under the laws of this State;

B. A felony offense that causes or results in, or creates a substantial risk of, serious physical harm to another person or to property;

C. Any attempt or conspiracy to commit, or complicity in committing, any offense identified in subsection (a)(2)A. or B. of this section;

D. Any conduct reasonably indicating that any offense identified in subsection (a)(2)A. or B. of this section or any attempt, conspiracy, or complicity described in subsection (a)(2)C. of this section has been, is being, or is about to be committed.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of failure to disclose one’s personal information, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(c) Nothing in this section requires a person to answer any questions beyond that person’s name, address, or date of birth. Nothing in this section authorizes a law enforcement officer to arrest a person for not providing any information beyond that person’s name, address, or date of birth or for refusing to describe the offense observed.

(d) It is not a violation of this section to refuse to answer a question that would reveal a person’s age or date of birth if age is an element of the crime that the person is suspected of committing.

(ORC 2921.29)

525.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

529.01 DEFINITIONS.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

(a) “Alcohol”. Ethyl alcohol, whether rectified or diluted with water or not, whatever its origin may be, and includes synthetic ethyl alcohol. The term does not include denatured alcohol and wood alcohol.

(b) “At Retail”. For use or consumption by the purchaser and not for resale.

(1) Includes all beverages brewed or fermented wholly or in part from malt products and containing one-half of one percent (0.5%) or more of alcohol by volume.

(2) Beer, regardless of the percent of alcohol by volume, is not intoxicating liquor for purposes of this code, the Ohio Revised Code, or any rules adopted under it.

(d) “Cider”. All liquids that are fit to use for beverage purposes that contain one-half of one percent (0.5%) of alcohol by volume, but not more than six percent (6%) of alcohol by weight that are made through the normal alcoholic fermentation of the juice of sound, ripe apples, including, without limitation, flavored, sparkling, or carbonated cider and cider made from pure condensed apple must.

(e) “Club”. A corporation or association of individuals organized in good faith for social, recreational, benevolent, charitable, fraternal, political, patriotic, or athletic purposes, which is the owner, lessor, or occupant of a permanent building or part of a permanent building operated solely for such purposes, membership in which entails the prepayment of regular dues, and includes the place so operated.

(f) “Community Facility”. Means either of the following:

(1) Any convention, sports or entertainment facility or complex, or any combination of these, that is used by or accessible to the general public and that is owned or operated in whole or in part by the state, a state agency, or a political subdivision of the state or that is leased from, or located on property owned by or leased from, the state, a state agency, a political subdivision of the state, or a convention facilities authority created pursuant to Ohio R.C. 351.02;

(2) An area designated as a community entertainment district pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4301.80.

(g) “Controlled Access Alcohol and Beverage Cabinet”. A closed container, either refrigerated, in whole or in part, or nonrefrigerated, access to the interior of which is restricted by means of a device that requires the use of a key, magnetic card, or similar device and from which beer, intoxicating liquor, other beverages or food may be sold.

(h) “Hotel”. The same meaning as in Oho R.C. 3731.01, subject to the exceptions mentioned in Ohio R.C. 3731.03.

(i) “Intoxicating Liquor” and “Liquor”. All liquids and compounds, other than beer, containing one half of one percent (0.5%) or more of alcohol by volume which are fit to use for beverage purposes, from whatever source and by whatever process produced, by whatever name called, and whether they are medicated, proprietary, or patented. The terms include cider and alcohol, and all solids and confections which contain one-half of one percent (0.5%) or more of alcohol by volume.

(j) “Low-Alcohol Beverage”. Any brewed or fermented malt product or any product made from the fermented juices of grapes, fruits, or other agricultural products that contains either no alcohol or less than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of alcohol by volume. The beverages described in this definition do not include a soft drink such as root beer, birch beer, or ginger beer.

(k) “Manufacture”. All processes by which beer or intoxicating liquor is produced, whether by distillation, rectifying, fortifying, blending, fermentation, brewing, or in any other manner.

(l) “Manufacturer”. Any person engaged in the business of manufacturing beer or intoxicating liquor.

(m) “Mixed Beverages”. Include bottled and prepared cordials, cocktails, highballs, and solids and confections that are obtained by mixing any type of whiskey, neutral spirits, brandy, gin or other distilled spirits with, or over, carbonated or plain water, pure juices from flowers and plants, and other flavoring materials. The completed product shall contain not less than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of alcohol by volume and not more than twenty-one percent (21%) of alcohol by volume. The phrase includes the contents of a pod.

(n) “Nightclub”. A place habitually operated for profit, where food is served for consumption on the premises, and one or more forms of amusement are provided or permitted for a consideration that may be in the form of a cover charge or may be included in the price of the food and beverages, or both, purchased by patrons.

(o) “Person”. Includes firms and corporations.

(p) “Pharmacy”. An establishment as defined in Ohio R.C. 4729.01, that is under the management or control of a licensed pharmacist in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4729.27.

(q) “POD”. Means a sealed capsule made from plastic, glass, aluminum, or a combination thereof to which all of the following apply:

(1) The capsule contains intoxicating liquor of more than twenty-one percent (21%) of alcohol by volume.

(2) The capsule also contains a concentrated flavoring mixture.

(3) The contents of the capsule are not readily accessible or intended for consumption unless certain manufacturer’s processing instructions are followed.

(4) The instructions include releasing the contents of the capsule through a machine specifically designed to process the contents.

(5) After being properly processed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, the final product produced from the capsule contains not less than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of alcohol by volume and not more than twenty-one percent (21%) of alcohol by volume.

(r) “Restaurant”. A place located in a permanent building provided with space and accommodations wherein, in consideration of the payment of money, hot meals are habitually prepared, sold, and served at noon and evening, as the principal business of the place. The term does not include pharmacies, confectionery stores, lunch stands, nightclubs, and filling stations.

(s) “Sale” and “Sell”. The exchange, barter, gift, offer for sale, sale, distribution, and delivery of any kind, and the transfer of title or possession of beer and intoxicating liquor either by constructive or actual delivery by any means or devices whatever, including the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor by means of a controlled access alcohol and beverage cabinet pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4301.21. Such terms do not include the mere solicitation of orders for beer or intoxicating liquor from the holders of permits issued by the Division of Liquor Control authorizing the sale of the beer or intoxicating liquor, but no solicitor shall solicit any orders until the solicitor has been registered with the Division pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4303.25.

(t) “Sales Area or Territory”. An exclusive geographic area or territory that is assigned to a particular A or B permit holder and that either has one or more political subdivisions as its boundaries or consists of an area of land with readily identifiable geographic boundaries. The term does not include, however, any particular retail location in an exclusive geographic area or territory that had been assigned to another A or B permit holder before April 9, 2001.

(u) “Sealed Container”. Any container having a capacity of not more than 128 fluid ounces, the opening of which is closed to prevent the entrance of air.

(v) “Spirituous Liquor”. All intoxicating liquors containing more than twenty-one percent (21%) of alcohol by volume. The phrase does not include the contents of a pod.

(w) “Vehicle”. All means of transportation by land, by water, or by air, and everything made use of in any way for such transportation.

(x) “Wholesale Distributor” and “Distributor”. A person engaged in the business of selling to retail dealers for purposes of resale.

(y) “Wine”. All liquids fit to use for beverage purposes containing not less than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of alcohol by volume and not more than twenty-one percent (21%) of alcohol by volume, that is made from the fermented juices of grapes, fruits, or other agricultural products. The term includes cider, except as used in Ohio R.C. 4301.13, 4301.421, 4301.422, 4301.432, and 4301.44, and, for purposes of determining the rate of the tax that applies, Ohio R.C. 4301.43(B), the term does not include cider.

(ORC 4301.01, 4301.244)

529.02 SALES TO AND USE BY UNDERAGE PERSONS; SECURING PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 4301, no person shall sell beer or intoxicating liquor to an underage person, or shall buy beer or intoxicating liquor for an underage person, or shall furnish it to, an underage person, unless given by a physician in the regular line of his practice or given for established religious purposes, or unless the underage person is supervised by a parent, spouse who is not an underage person or legal guardian.

In proceedings before the Liquor Control Commission, no permit holder, or no employee or agent of a permit holder, charged with a violation of this subsection shall be charged, for the same offense, with a violation of Ohio R.C. 4301.22(A)(1).

(b) No person who is the owner or occupant of any public or private place shall knowingly allow any underage person to remain in or on the place while possessing or consuming beer or intoxicating liquor, unless the intoxicating liquor or beer is given to the person possessing or consuming it by that person's parent, spouse who is not an underage person or legal guardian and the parent, spouse who is not an underage person or legal guardian is present at the time of the person's possession or consumption of the beer or intoxicating liquor.

An owner of a public or private place is not liable for acts or omissions in violation of this subsection that are committed by a lessee of that place, unless the owner authorizes or acquiesces in the lessee's acts or omissions.

(c) No person shall engage or use accommodations at a hotel, inn, cabin, campground or restaurant when he knows or has reason to know either of the following:

(1) That beer or intoxicating liquor will be consumed by an underage person on the premises of the accommodations that the person engages or uses, unless the person engaging or using the accommodations is the spouse of the underage person and is not an underage person, or is the parent or legal guardian of all of the underage persons, who consume beer or intoxicating liquor on the premises and that person is on the premises at all times when beer or intoxicating liquor is being consumed by an underage person;

(2) That a drug of abuse will be consumed on the premises of the accommodations by any person, except a person who obtained the drug of abuse pursuant to a prescription issued by a practitioner and has the drug of abuse in the original container in which it was dispensed to the person.

(d) (1) No person is required to permit the engagement of accommodations at any hotel, inn, cabin or campground by an underage person or for an underage person, if the person engaging the accommodations knows or has reason to know that the underage person is intoxicated, or that the underage person possesses any beer or intoxicating liquor and is not supervised by a parent, spouse who is not an underage person or legal guardian who is or will be present at all times when the beer or intoxicating liquor is being consumed by the underage person.

(2) No underage person shall knowingly engage or attempt to engage accommodations at any hotel, inn, cabin or campground by presenting identification that falsely indicates that the underage person is twenty-one years of age or older for the purpose of violating this section.

(e) No underage person shall knowingly order, pay for, share the cost of, attempt to purchase, possess, or consume any beer or intoxicating liquor, in any public or private place. No underage person shall knowingly be under the influence of any beer or intoxicating liquor in any public place. The prohibitions set forth in this subsection (e) hereof against an underage person knowingly possessing, consuming, or being under the influence of any beer or intoxicating liquor shall not apply if the underage person is supervised by a parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian, or the beer or intoxicating liquor is given by a physician in the regular line of the physician’s practice or given for established religious purposes.

(f) No parent, spouse who is not an underage person or legal guardian of a minor shall knowingly permit the minor to violate this section or Section 529.021(a) to (c).

(g) The operator of any hotel, inn, cabin or campground shall make the provisions of this section available in writing to any person engaging or using accommodations at the hotel, inn, cabin or campground.

(h) As used in this section:

(1) "Drug of abuse" has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.011.

(2) "Hotel" has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3731.01.

(3) “Licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs” and “prescription” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 4729.01.

(4) “Minor” means a person under the age of eighteen years.

(5) "Underage person" means a person under the age of twenty-one years.

(ORC 4301.69)

(i) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and, in addition to the fine, may be imprisoned for a definite term of not more than six months. (ORC 4301.99(I))

(2) Whoever violates subsections (b), (c), (d) or (f) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. (ORC 4301.99(C))

(3) Whoever violates subsection (e) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. (ORC 4301.99(D))

529.021 PURCHASE BY MINOR; MISREPRESENTATION.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 4301, no person under the age of twenty-one years shall purchase beer or intoxicating liquor.
(ORC 4301.63)

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 4301, no person shall knowingly furnish any false information as to the name, age or other identification of any person under twenty-one years of age for the purpose of obtaining or with the intent to obtain, beer or intoxicating liquor for a person under twenty-one years of age, by purchase, or as a gift.

(ORC 4301.633)

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 4301, no person under the age of twenty-one years shall knowingly show or give false information concerning the person’s name, age or other identification for the purpose of purchasing or otherwise obtaining beer or intoxicating liquor in any place where beer or intoxicating liquor is sold under a permit issued by the Division of Liquor Control or sold by the Division of Liquor Control.

(ORC 4301.634)

(d) (1) Whoever violates any provision of this section for which no other penalty is provided is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(2) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof, shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00). The court imposing a fine for a violation of subsection (a) hereof may order that the fine be paid by the performance of public work at a reasonable hourly rate established by the court. The court shall designate the time within which the public work shall be completed.

(3) A. Whoever violates subsection (c) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. If, in committing a first violation of that subsection, the offender presented to the permit holder or the permit holder’s employee or agent a false, fictitious or altered identification card, a false or fictitious driver's license purportedly issued by any state, or a driver's license issued by any state that has been altered, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months.

B. On a second violation in which, for the second time, the offender presented to the permit holder or the permit holder’s employee or agent a false, fictitious or altered identification card, a false or fictitious driver's license purportedly issued by any state, or a driver's license issued by any state that has been altered, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months. The court also may impose a class seven suspension of the offender's driver's or commercial driver's license or permit or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in Ohio R.C. 4510.02(A)(7).

C. On a third or subsequent violation in which, for the third or subsequent time, the offender presented to the permit holder or the permit holder’s employee or agent a false, fictitious or altered identification card, a false or fictitious driver's license purportedly issued by any state, or a driver's license issued by any state that has been altered, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months. Except as provided in this subsection, the court also may impose a class six suspension of the offender's driver's or commercial driver's license or permit or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in Ohio R.C. 4510.02(A)(6), and the court may order that the suspension or denial remain in effect until the offender attains the age of twenty-one years. The court, in lieu of suspending the offenders temporary instruction permit, probationary driver’s license or driver’s license, instead may order the offender to perform a determinate number of hours of community service, with the court determining the actual number of hours and the nature of the community service the offender shall perform. (ORC 4301.99)

529.03 SALES TO INTOXICATED PERSONS.

(a) No permit holder and no agent or employee of a permit holder shall sell or furnish beer or intoxicating liquor to an intoxicated person.

(ORC 4301.22)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(ORC 4301.99)

529.04 LIQUOR CONSUMPTION IN MOTOR VEHICLE.

(a) No person shall consume any beer or intoxicating liquor in a motor vehicle. This section does not apply to persons described in Section 529.07(d).

(ORC 4301.64)

(b) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(c) If an offender who violates this section was under the age of eighteen years at the time of the offense, the court, in addition to any other penalties it imposes upon the offender, shall suspend the offender’s temporary instruction permit, probationary driver’s license, or driver’s license for a period of not less than six months and not more than one year. In lieu of suspending the offender’s temporary instruction permit, probationary driver’s license or driver’s license, the court may instead require the offender to perform community service for a number of hours to be determined by the court. If the offender is fifteen years and six months of age or older and has not been issued a temporary instruction permit or probationary driver’s license, the offender shall not be eligible to be issued such a license or permit for a period of six months. If the offender has not attained the age of fifteen years and six months, the offender shall not be eligible to be issued a temporary instruction permit until the offender attains the age of sixteen years. (ORC 4301.99)

529.05 PERMIT REQUIRED.

(a) No person personally or by the person’s clerk, agent or employee shall manufacture, manufacture for sale, offer, keep or possess for sale, furnish or sell, or solicit the purchase or sale of any beer or intoxicating liquor in this Municipality, or transport, import or cause to be transported or imported any beer, intoxicating liquor or alcohol on or into this Municipality for delivery, use or sale, unless the person has fully complied with Ohio R.C. Chapters 4301 and 4303 or is the holder of a permit issued by the Division of Liquor Control and in force at the time.

(ORC 4303.25)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

529.06 LOW-ALCOHOL BEVERAGES: SALE TO AND PURCHASE BY UNDERAGE PERSONS PROHIBITED.

(a) As used in this section, "underage person" means a person under eighteen years of age.

(b) No underage person shall purchase any low-alcohol beverage.

(d) No person shall knowingly furnish any false information as to the name, age, or other identification of any underage person for the purpose of obtaining or with the intent to obtain any low-alcohol beverage for an underage person, by purchase or as a gift.

(e) No underage person shall knowingly show or give false information concerning the person’s name, age, or other identification for the purpose of purchasing or otherwise obtaining any low-alcohol beverage in any place in this Municipality.

(f) No person shall sell or furnish any low-alcohol beverage to, or buy any low-alcohol beverage for, an underage person, unless given by a physician in the regular line of his practice or given for established religious purposes, or unless the underage person is accompanied by a parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian.

(g) No person who is the owner or occupant of any public or private place shall knowingly allow any underage person to remain in or on the place while possessing or consuming any low-alcohol beverage, unless the low-alcohol beverage is given to the person possessing or consuming it by that person's parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian, and the parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian is present when the person possesses or consumes the low-alcohol beverage.

An owner of a public or private place is not liable for acts or omissions in violation of this division that are committed by a lessee of that place, unless the owner authorizes or acquiesces in the lessee's acts or omissions.

(h) No underage person shall knowingly possess or consume any low-alcohol beverage in any public or private place, unless accompanied by a parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian, or unless the low-alcohol beverage is given by a physician in the regular line of the physician’s practice or given for established religious purposes.

(i) No parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian of an underage person shall knowingly permit the underage person to violate this section.

(ORC 4301.631)

(j) Whoever violates any provision of this section for which no other penalty is provided is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(k) Whoever violates subsection (b) hereof shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00). The court imposing a fine for a violation of subsection (b) hereof may order that the fine be paid by the performance of public work at a reasonable hourly rate established by the court. The court shall designate the time within which the public work shall be completed.

(ORC 4301.99)

529.07 OPEN CONTAINER PROHIBITED.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Chauffeured limousine” means a vehicle registered under Ohio R.C. 4503.24.

(2) "Street," "highway" and "motor vehicle" have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 4511.01.

(b) No person shall have in the person’s possession an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor in any of the following circumstances:

(1) In a State liquor store;

(2) Except as provided in subsection (c) or (i) hereof, on the premises of the holder of any permit issued by the Division of Liquor Control;

(3) In any other public place;

(4) Except as provided in subsection (d) or (e) hereof, while operating or being a passenger in or on a motor vehicle on any street, highway or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking;

(5) Except as provided in subsection (d) or (e) hereof, while being in or on a stationary motor vehicle on any street, highway or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking.

A. Beer or intoxicating liquor that has been lawfully purchased for consumption on the premises where bought from the holder of an A-1-A, A-2, A-2(f), A-3a, D-1, D-2, D-3, D-3a, D-4, D-4a, D-5, D-5a, D-5b, D-5c, D-5d, D-5e, D-5f, D-5g, D-5h, D-5i, D-5j, D-5k, D-5l, D-5m, D-5n, D-5o, D-7, D-8, D-9, E, F, F-2, F-5, F-7, F-8 or F-9 permit;

B. Beer, wine, or mixed beverages served for consumption on the premises by the holder of an F-3 permit, wine served as a tasting sample by an A-2, A-2f, S-1, or S-2 permit holder for consumption on the premises of a farmers market for which an F-10 permit has been issued, or wine served for consumption on the premises by the holder of an F-4 or F-6 permit;

C. Beer or intoxicating liquor consumed on the premises of a convention facility as provided in Ohio R.C. 4303.201;

D. Beer or intoxicating liquor to be consumed during tastings and samplings approved by rule of the Liquor Control Commission.

E. Spirituous liquor to be consumed for purposes of a tasting sample, as defined in Ohio R.C. 4301.171.

F. Beer or intoxicating liquor to be consumed in an outdoor area described in Ohio R.C. 4303.188(B)(1).

(2) A person may have in the person’s possession on an F liquor permit premises an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor that was not purchased from the holder of the F permit if the premises for which the F permit is issued is a music festival and the holder of the F permit grants permission for that possession on the premises during the period for which the F permit is issued. As used in this section, “music festival” means a series of outdoor live musical performances, extending for a period of at least three consecutive days and located on an area of land of at least forty acres.

(3) A. A person may have in the person’s possession on a D-2 liquor permit premises an opened or unopened container of wine that was not purchased from the holder of the D-2 permit if the premises for which the D-2 permit is issued is an outdoor performing arts center, the person is attending an orchestral performance, and the holder of the D-2 permit grants permission for the possession and consumption of wine in certain predesignated areas of the premises during the period for which the D-2 permit is issued.

B. As used in subsection (c)(3)A. of this section:

1. “Orchestral performance” means a concert comprised of a group of not fewer than forty musicians playing various musical instruments.

2. “Outdoor performing arts center” means an outdoor performing arts center that is located on not less than one hundred fifty acres of land and that is open for performances from the first day of April to the last day of October of each year.

(4) A person may have in the person’s possession an opened or unopened container of beer or intoxicating liquor at an outdoor location at which the person is attending an orchestral performance as defined in subsection (c)(3)B.1. hereof if the person with supervision and control over the performance grants permission for the possession and consumption of beer or intoxicating liquor in certain predesignated areas of that outdoor location.

(5) A person may have in the person’s possession on an F-9 liquor permit premises an opened or unopened container of beer or intoxicating liquor that was not purchased from the holder of the F-9 permit if the F-9 permit holder grants permission for the possession and consumption of beer or intoxicating liquor in certain predesignated areas of the premises during the period for which the F-9 permit is issued.

(6) A. A person may have in the person’s possession on the property of an outdoor motorsports facility an opened or unopened container of beer or intoxicating liquor that was not purchased from the owner of the facility if both of the following apply:

1. The person is attending a racing event at the facility; and

2. The owner of the facility grants permission for the possession and consumption of beer or intoxicating liquor on the property of the facility;

B. As used in subsection (c)(6)A. of this section:

1. “Racing event” means a motor vehicle racing event sanctioned by one or more motor racing sanctioning organizations.

2. “Outdoor motorsports facility” means an outdoor racetrack to which all of the following apply:

a. It is two and four-tenths miles or more in length.

b. It is located on two hundred acres or more of land.

c. The primary business of the owner of the facility is the hosting and promoting of racing events.

d. The holder of a D-1, D-2 or D-3 permit is located on the property of the facility.

(7) A. A person may have in the person’s possession an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor at an outdoor location within an outdoor refreshment area created under Ohio R.C. 4301.82, if the opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor was purchased from an A-1, A-1-A, A-1c, A-2, A-2f, D class or F class permit holder to which both of the following apply:

1. The permit holder’s premises is located within the outdoor refreshment area.

2. The permit held by the permit holder has an outdoor refreshment area designation.

B. Subsection (c)(7) of this section does not authorize a person to do either of the following:

1. Enter the premises of an establishment within an outdoor refreshment area while possessing an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor acquired elsewhere;

2. Possess an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor while being in or on a motor vehicle within an outdoor refreshment area, unless the possession is otherwise authorized under subsection (d) or (e) of this section.

C. As used in subsection (c)(7) of this section, “D class permit holder” does not include a D-6 or D-8 permit holder.

(8) A. A person may have in the person’s possession on the property of a market, within a defined F-8 permit premises, an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor that was purchased from a D permit premises that is located immediately adjacent to the market if both of the following apply:

1. The market grants permission for the possession and consumption of beer and intoxicating liquor within the defined F-8 permit premises;

2. The market is hosting an event pursuant to an F-8 permit and the market has notified the Division of Liquor Control about the event in accordance with division (A)(3) of Ohio R.C. 4303.208.

B. As used in subsection (c)(8) of this section, market means a market, for which an F-8 permit is held, that has been in operation since 1860.

(d) This section does not apply to a person who pays all or a portion of the fee imposed for the use of a chauffeured limousine pursuant to a prearranged contract, or the guest of such a person, when all of the following apply:

(1) The person or guest is a passenger in the limousine;

(2) The person or guest is located in the limousine, but is not occupying a seat in the front compartment of the limousine where the operator of the limousine is located;

(3) The limousine is located on any street, highway, or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking.

(e) An opened bottle of wine that was purchased from the holder of a permit that authorizes the sale of wine for consumption on the premises where sold is not an opened container for the purposes of this section if both of the following apply:

(1) The opened bottle of wine is securely resealed by the permit holder or an employee of the permit holder before the bottle is removed from the premises. The bottle shall be secured in such a manner that it is visibly apparent if the bottle has been subsequently opened or tampered with.

(2) The opened bottle of wine that is resealed in accordance with subsection (e)(1) of this section is stored in the trunk of a motor vehicle or, if the motor vehicle does not have a trunk, behind the last upright seat or in an area not normally occupied by the driver or passengers and not easily accessible by the driver.

(f) (1) Except if an ordinance or resolution is enacted or adopted under subsection (f)(2) of this section, this section does not apply to a person who, pursuant to a prearranged contract, is a passenger riding on a commercial quadricycle when all of the following apply:

A. The person is not occupying a seat in the front of the commercial quadricycle where the operator is steering or braking.

B. The commercial quadricycle is being operated on a street, highway or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking.

C. The person has in their possession on the commercial quadricycle an opened container of beer or wine.

D. The person has in their possession on the commercial quadricycle not more than either thirty-six ounces of beer or eighteen ounces of wine.

(2) The legislative authority of a municipal corporation or township may enact an ordinance or adopt a resolution, as applicable, that prohibits a passenger riding on a commercial quadricycle from possessing an opened container or beer or wine.

(3) As used in this section, “commercial quadricycle” means a vehicle that has fully-operative pedals for propulsion entirely by human power and that meets all of the following requirements:

A. It has four wheels and is operated in a manner similar to a bicycle.

B. It has at least five seats for passengers.

C. It is designed to be powered by the pedaling of the operator and the passengers.

D. It is used for commercial purposes.

E. It is operated by the vehicle owner or an employee of the owner.

(g) This section does not apply to a person that has in the person’s possession an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor on the premises of a market if the beer or intoxicating liquor has been purchased from a D liquor permit holder that is located in the market.

As used in subsection (g) of this section, “market” means an establishment that:

(1) Leases space in the market to individual vendors, not less than fifty percent of which are retail food establishments or food service operations licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3717;

(2) Has an indoor sales floor area of not less than twenty-two thousand square feet;

(3) Hosts a farmer’s market on each Saturday from April through December.

(ORC 4301.62)

(h) (1) As used in this section, “alcoholic beverage” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4303.185.

(2) An alcoholic beverage in a closed container being transported under Ohio R.C. 4303.185 to its final destination is not an opened container for the purposes of this section if the closed container is securely sealed in such a manner that it is visibly apparent if the closed container has been subsequently opened or tampered with after sealing.

(ORC 4301.62)

(i) This section does not apply to a person that has in the person’s possession an opened container of homemade beer or wine that is served in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4301.201(E). (ORC 4301.62)

(j) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(ORC 4301.99(A))

529.08 HOURS OF SALE OR CONSUMPTION.

(a) This rule shall apply to the retail sale of beer, wine, mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor.

(b) No beer, wine, mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor shall be sold or delivered by an A-1, A-1c, A-2, B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5, C-1, C-2, C-2X, D-1, D-2, D-2X, D-3 when issued without a D-3A, D-3X, D-4, D-5H, D-5K, D-8, F, F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, G or I permit holder:

(1) From Monday to Saturday between the hours of one a.m. and five thirty a.m.

(2) On Sunday between the hours of one a.m. and Sunday midnight, unless statutorily authorized otherwise.

(3) Consumption of beer, wine, mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor is also prohibited during the above hours upon the premises of the above permit holders who are authorized by their permit to sell beer, wine, mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor for on-premises consumption.

(c) No beer, wine, mixed beverages, or spirituous liquid shall be sold or delivered by an A-1A, D-3 when issued with a D-3A, D-4A, D-5, D-5A, D-5B, D-5C, D-5D, D-5E, D-5F, D-5G, D-5I, D-5J, D-5l, D-5m, D-5n, D-5o, or D-7 permit holder:

(1) From Monday to Saturday between the hours of two thirty a.m. and five thirty a.m.

(2) On Sunday between the hours of two thirty a.m. and Sunday midnight, unless statutorily authorized otherwise.

(d) Permit holders authorized to sell beer, wine, mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor at retail who are not specifically identified in subsection (b) or (c) above shall be subject to the provisions of subsection (b), unless statutorily authorized otherwise.

(e) The hours on Sunday during which sales, delivery, or consumption of alcoholic beverages may take place are established by statute, but in no event shall they begin prior to five thirty a.m.

(OAC 4301:1-1-49)

(f) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

529.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

533.01 DEFINITIONS.

As used in this chapter:

(a) "Sexual conduct" means vaginal intercourse between a male and female; anal intercourse, fellatio and cunnilingus between persons regardless of sex; and, without privilege to do so, the insertion, however slight, of any part of the body or any instrument, apparatus or other object into the vaginal or anal opening of another. Penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete vaginal or anal intercourse.

(b) "Sexual contact" means any touching of an erogenous zone of another, including without limitation the thigh, genitals, buttock, pubic region, or, if such person is a female, a breast, for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying either person.

(d) "Prostitute" means a male or female who promiscuously engages in sexual activity for hire, regardless of whether the hire is paid to the prostitute or to another.

(e) “Harmful to juveniles” means that quality of any material or performance describing or representing nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sado- masochistic abuse in any form to which all of the following apply:

(1) The material or performance, when considered as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of juveniles in sex.

(2) The material or performance is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable for juveniles.

(3) The material or performance, when considered as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political and scientific value for juveniles.

(f) When considered as a whole, and judged with reference to ordinary adults, or, if it is designed for sexual deviates or other specially susceptible group, judged with reference to such group, any material or performance is "obscene" if any of the following apply:

(1) Its dominant appeal is to prurient interest;

(2) Its dominant tendency is to arouse lust by displaying or depicting sexual activity, masturbation, sexual excitement or nudity in a way which tends to represent human beings as mere objects of sexual appetite;

(3) Its dominant tendency is to arouse lust by displaying or depicting bestiality or extreme or bizarre violence, cruelty or brutality;

(4) Its dominant tendency is to appeal to scatological interest by displaying or depicting human bodily functions of elimination in a way which inspires disgust or revulsion in persons with ordinary sensibilities, without serving any genuine scientific, educational, sociological, moral or artistic purpose;

(5) It contains a series of displays or descriptions of sexual activity, masturbation, sexual excitement, nudity, bestiality, extreme or bizarre violence, cruelty or brutality, or human bodily functions of elimination, the cumulative effect of which is a dominant tendency to appeal to prurient or scatological interest, when the appeal to such interest is primarily for its own sake or for commercial exploitation, rather than primarily for a genuine scientific, educational, sociological, moral or artistic purpose.

(g) "Sexual excitement" means the condition of human male or female genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.

(h) "Nudity" means the showing, representation or depiction of human male or female genitals, pubic area or buttocks with less than a full, opaque covering, or of a female breast with less than a full, opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple, or of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.

(i) "Juvenile" means an unmarried person under the age of eighteen.

(j) "Material" means any book, magazine, newspaper, pamphlet, poster, print, picture, figure, image, description, motion picture film, phonographic record, or tape, or other tangible thing capable of arousing interest through sight, sound, or touch and includes an image or text appearing on a computer monitor, television screen, liquid crystal display, or similar display device or an image or text recorded on a computer hard disk, computer floppy disk, compact disk, magnetic tape or similar data storage device.

(k) "Performance" means any motion picture, preview, trailer, play, show, skit, dance or other exhibition performed before an audience.

(l) "Spouse" means a person married to an offender at the time of an alleged offense, except that such person shall not be considered the spouse when any of the following apply:

(1) When the parties have entered into a written separation agreement authorized by Ohio R.C. 3103.06;

(2) During the pendency of an action between the parties for annulment, divorce, dissolution of marriage or legal separation;

(3) In the case of an action for legal separation, after the effective date of the judgment for legal separation.

(m) "Minor" means a person under the age of eighteen years.

(n) “Mental health client or patient” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2305.51.

(o) “Mental health professional” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2305.115.

(p) “Sado-masochistic abuse” means flagellation or torture by or upon a person or the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise physically restrained.

(q) “Place where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy” means a place where a reasonable person would believe that the person could fully disrobe in private.

(r) “Private area” means the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast below the top of the areola, where nude or covered by an under-garment.

(ORC 2907.01)

533.02 PRESUMPTION OF KNOWLEDGE; ACTUAL NOTICE AND DEFENSE.

(a) An owner or manager, or agent or employee of an owner or manager, of a bookstore, newsstand, theater, or other commercial establishment engaged in selling materials or exhibiting performances, who, in the course of business does any of the acts prohibited by Section 533.11, is presumed to have knowledge of the character of the material or performance involved, if the owner, manager, or agent or employee of the owner or manager has actual notice of the nature of such material or performance, whether or not the owner, manager, or agent or employee of the owner or manager has precise knowledge of its contents.

(b) Without limitation on the manner in which such notice may be given, actual notice of the character of material or a performance may be given in writing by the chief legal officer of the jurisdiction in which the person to whom the notice is directed does business. Such notice, regardless of the manner in which it is given, shall identify the sender, identify the material or performance involved, state whether it is obscene or harmful to juveniles and bear the date of such notice.

(c) Section 533.11 does not apply to a motion picture operator or projectionist acting within the scope of employment as an employee of the owner or manager of a theater or other place for the showing of motion pictures to the general public, and having no managerial responsibility or financial interest in the operator’s or projectionist’s place of employment, other than wages.

(d) (1) Sections 533.11, 533.12(a) and 533.13 do not apply to a person solely because the person provided access or connection to or from an electronic method of remotely transferring information not under that person’s control, including having provided capabilities that are incidental to providing access or connection to or from the electronic method of remotely transferring the information, and that do not include the creation of the content of the material that is the subject of the access or connection.

(2) Subsection (d)(1) of this section does not apply to a person who conspires with an entity actively involved in the creation or knowing distribution of material in violation of Section 533.11, 533.12 or 533.13, or who knowingly advertises the availability of material of that nature.

(3) Subsection (d)(1) of this section does not apply to a person who provides access or connection to an electronic method of remotely transferring information that is engaged in the violation of Section 533.11, 533.12 or 533.13, and that contains content that person has selected and introduced into the electronic method of remotely transferring information or content over which that person exercises editorial control.

(e) An employer is not guilty of a violation of Section 533.11, 533.12, or 533.13 based on the actions of an employee or agent of the employer unless the employee’s or agent’s conduct is within the scope of employee’s or agent’s employment or agency, and the employer does either of the following:

(1) With knowledge of the employee’s or agent’s conduct, the employer authorizes or ratifies the conduct.

(2) The employer recklessly disregards the employee’s or agent’s conduct.

(f) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under Section 533.11 or 533.13 as the section applies to an image transmitted through the internet or another electronic method of remotely transmitting information that the person charged with violating the section has taken, in good faith, reasonable, effective, and appropriate actions under the circumstances to restrict or prevent access by juveniles to material that is harmful to juveniles, including any method that is feasible under available technology.

(g) If any provision of this section, or the application of any provision of this section to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this section or related sections that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application. To this end, the provisions are severable.

(ORC 2907.35)

533.03 UNLAWFUL SEXUAL CONDUCT WITH A MINOR.

(a) No person, who is eighteen years of age or older, shall engage in sexual conduct with another, who is not the spouse of the offender, when the offender knows the other person is thirteen years of age or older but less than sixteen years of age, or the offender is reckless in that regard.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender is four years older or more than the other person, or if the offender has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of Ohio R.C. 2907.02, 2907.03 or 2907.04, or former Ohio R.C. 2907.12, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2907.04)

533.04 SEXUAL IMPOSITION.

(a) No person shall have sexual contact with another, not the spouse of the offender; cause another, not the spouse of the offender, to have sexual contact with the offender; or cause two or more persons to have sexual contact when any of the following applies:

(1) The offender knows that the sexual contact is offensive to the other person, or one of the other persons, or is reckless in that regard.

(2) The offender knows that the other person's or one of the other person's ability to appraise the nature of or control the offender's or touching person's conduct is substantially impaired.

(3) The offender knows that the other person or one of the other persons submits because of being unaware of the sexual contact.

(4) The other person or one of the other persons is thirteen years of age or older but less than sixteen years of age, whether or not the offender knows the age of such person, and the offender is at least eighteen years of age and four or more years older than such other person.

(5) The offender is a mental health professional, the other person or one of the other persons is a mental health client or patient of the offender, and the offender induces the other person who is the client or patient to submit by falsely representing to the other person who is the client or patient that the sexual contact is necessary for mental health treatment purposes.

(b) No person shall be convicted of a violation of this section solely upon the victim's testimony unsupported by other evidence.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of sexual imposition, a misdemeanor of the third degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of Ohio R.C. 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06 or former Section 2907.12, or a substantially similar municipal ordinance, a violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or more violations of Ohio R.C. 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04 or 2907.05, 2907.06 or former Section 2907.12 or of any combination of those sections, a violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree and, notwithstanding the range of jail terms prescribed in Ohio R.C. 2929.24, the court may impose on the offender a definite jail term of not more than one year.

(ORC 2907.06)

533.05 IMPORTUNING.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Former Section 533.05 has been deleted from the Codified Ordinances. Section 533.05 was identical to Ohio R.C. 2907.07(B) which the Ohio Supreme Court held to be unconstitutional in State v. Thompson, 95 Ohio St. 3rd 264 (2002).)

533.06 VOYEURISM.

(a) No person, for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying the person’s self, shall commit trespass or otherwise surreptitiously invade the privacy of another, to spy or eavesdrop upon another.

(b) No person shall knowingly commit trespass or otherwise secretly or surreptitiously videotape, film, photograph, broadcast, stream, or otherwise record another person, in a place where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, for the purpose of viewing the private areas of that person.

(c) No person shall secretly or surreptitiously videotape, film, photograph, or otherwise record another person above, under or through the clothing being worn by that other person for the purpose of viewing the body of, or the undergarments worn by, that other person.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of voyeurism.

(1) A violation of subsection (a) hereof is a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(2) A violation of subsection (b) hereof is a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(3) A violation of subsection (c) hereof is a misdemeanor of the first degree. (ORC 2907.08)

533.07 PUBLIC INDECENCY.

(a) No person shall recklessly do any of the following, under circumstances in which the person’s conduct is likely to be viewed by and affront others, who are in the person’s physical proximity and who are not members of the person’s household:

(1) Expose the person’s private parts;

(2) Engage in sexual conduct or masturbation;

(3) Engage in conduct that to an ordinary observer would appear to be sexual conduct or masturbation.

(b) No person shall knowingly do any of the following, under circumstances in which the person’s conduct is likely to be viewed by and affront another person who is in the person’s physical proximity, who is a minor, and who is not the spouse of the offender:

(1) Engage in masturbation;

(2) Engage in sexual conduct;

(3) Engage in conduct that to an ordinary observer would appear to be sexual conduct or masturbation;

(4) Expose the person’s private parts with the purpose of personal sexual arousal or gratification or to lure the minor into sexual activity.

(c) (1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of public indecency and shall be punished as provided in subsections (c)(2), (3), (4) and (5) of this section.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section, a violation of subsection (a)(1) of this section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one violation of this section, a violation of subsection (a)(1) of this section is a misdemeanor of the third degree or, if any person who was likely to view and be affronted by the offender’s conduct was a minor, a misdemeanor of the second degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two violations of this section, a violation of subsection (a)(1) of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree or, if any person who was likely to view and be affronted by the offender’s conduct was a minor, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or more violations of this section, a violation of subsection (a)(1) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree or, if any person who was likely to view and be affronted by the offender’s conduct was a minor, a felony which shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(3) of this section, a violation of subsection (a)(2) or (3) of this section is a misdemeanor of the third degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one violation of this section, a violation of subsection (a)(2) or (3) of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree or, if any person who was likely to view and be affronted by the offender’s conduct was a minor, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of this section, a violation of subsection (a)(2) or (3) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree or, if any person who was likely to view and be affronted by the offender’s conduct was a minor, a felony which shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(4) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(4) of this section, a violation of subsection (b)(1), (2) or (3) of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one violation of this section, a violation of subsection (b)(1), (2) or (3) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of this section, a violation of subsection (b)(1), (2) or (3) of this section is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(5) A violation of subsection (b)(4) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree unless the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any violation of this section in which case the violation is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(d) (1) If either of the following applies, the court may determine at the time of sentencing whether to classify the offender as a tier I sex offender/child-victim offender for a violation of subsection (b)(4) of this section:

A. The offender is less than ten years older than the other person.

B. The offender is ten or more years older than the other person and the offender has not previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any violation of this section.

(2) If the offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of subsection (b)(4) of this section, is ten or more years older than the other person, and previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any violation of this section, the court shall issue an order at the time of sentencing that classifies the offender as a tier I sex offender/child-victim offender subject to registration under Ohio R.C. 2950.04, 2950.041, 2950.05 and 2950.06.

(ORC 2907.09)

533.08 PROCURING; ENGAGEMENT IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY FOR HIRE.

(a) Procuring. No person, knowingly and for gain, shall do either of the following:

(1) A. Entice or solicit another to patronize a prostitute or brothel;

B. Procure a prostitute for another to patronize, or take or direct another at his or her request to any place for the purpose of patronizing a prostitute.

(2) No person, having authority or responsibility over the use of premises, shall knowingly permit such premises to be used for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity for hire.

(3) Whoever violates subsection (a)(1)A. or B. of this section is guilty of procuring. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (c), procuring is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the prostitute who is procured, patronized or otherwise involved in a violation of subsection (a)(1)B. of this section is under eighteen years of age at the time of the violation, regardless of whether the offender who violates subsection (a)(1)B. of this section knows the prostitute’s age, or if a prostitute who engages in sexual activity for hire in premises used in violation of subsection (a)(2) of this section is under eighteen years of age at the time of the violation, regardless of whether the offender who violates subsection (a)(2) of this section knows the prostitute’s age, procuring is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(b) Engagement in Sexual Activity for Hire.

(1) As used in this subsection (b) of this section:

A. “Person with a developmental disability” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2905.32.

B. “Sexual activity for hire” means an implicit or explicit agreement to provide sexual activity in exchange for anything of value paid to the person engaging in such sexual activity, to any person trafficking that person, or to any person associated with either such person.

(2) No person shall recklessly induce, entice, or procure another to engage in sexual activity for hire in exchange for the person giving anything of value to the other person.

(3) No person shall recklessly induce, entice, or procure another to engage in sexual activity for hire in exchange for the person giving anything of value to the other person if the other person is a person with a developmental disability and the offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the other person is a person with a developmental disability.

(4) Whoever violates subsection (b)(2) of this section is guilty of engaging in prostitution, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Whoever violates subsection (b)(3) of this section is guilty of engaging in prostitution with a person with a developmental disability, a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law. In sentencing an offender under this subsection for a violation of subsection (b)(2) of this section, the court shall require the offender to attend an education or treatment program aimed at preventing persons from inducing, enticing, or procuring another to engage in sexual activity for hire in exchange for the person giving anything of value to the other person. Notwithstanding the fine specified in Ohio R.C. 2929.28(A)(2)(a) for a misdemeanor of the first degree, in sentencing an offender under this subsection for a violation of subsection (b)(2) of this section, the court may impose upon the offender a fine of not more than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500).

(ORC 2907.231)

533.09 SOLICITING.

(a) No person shall knowingly solicit another to engage in sexual activity for hire in exchange for the person receiving anything of value from the other person.

(b) No person, with knowledge that the person has tested positive as a carrier of a virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, shall engage in conduct in violation of subsection (a) of this section.

(c) As used in subsection (a) of this section, “Sexual Activity for Hire” means an implicit or explicit agreement to provide sexual activity in exchange for anything of value paid to the person engaging in such sexual activity, to any person trafficking that person, or to any

person associated with either such person.

(d) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of soliciting. Soliciting is a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(2) Whoever violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of engaging in solicitation after a positive HIV test, a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law. (ORC 2907.24)

533.091 LOITERING TO ENGAGE IN SOLICITATION.

(a) No person, with purpose to solicit another to engage in sexual activity for hire and while in or near a public place, shall do any of the following:

(1) Beckon to, stop or attempt to stop another;

(2) Engage or attempt to engage another in conversation;

(3) Stop or attempt to stop the operator of a vehicle or approach a stationary vehicle;

(4) If the offender is the operator of or a passenger in a vehicle, stop, attempt to stop, beckon to, attempt to beckon to, or entice another to approach or enter the vehicle of which the offender is the operator or in which the offender is the passenger;

(5) Interfere with the free passage of another.

(1) “Public Place”. Means any of the following:

A. A street, road, highway, thoroughfare, bikeway, walkway, sidewalk, bridge, alley, alleyway, plaza, park, driveway, parking lot or transportation facility.

B. A doorway or entrance way to a building that fronts on a place described in subsection (c)(1)A. of this definition.

C. A place not described in subsection (c)(1)A. or B. of this definition that is open to the public.

(2) “Vehicle”. Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4501.01.

(d) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of loitering to engage in solicitation, a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(2) Whoever violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of loitering to engage in solicitation after a positive HIV test, a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(ORC 2907.24, 2907.241)

533.10 PROSTITUTION.

(a) No person shall engage in sexual activity for hire.

(b) No person, with knowledge that the person has tested positive as a carrier of a virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, shall engage in sexual activity for hire.

(2) Whoever violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of engaging in prostitution after a positive HIV test, a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(ORC 2907.25)

533.11 DISSEMINATING MATTER HARMFUL TO JUVENILES.

(a) No person, with knowledge of its character or content, shall recklessly do any of the following:

(1) Directly sell, deliver, furnish, disseminate, provide, exhibit, rent or present to a juvenile, a group of juveniles, a law enforcement officer posing as a juvenile, or a group of law enforcement officers posing as juveniles any material or performance that is obscene or harmful to juveniles;

(2) Directly offer or agree to sell, deliver, furnish, disseminate, provide, exhibit, rent or present to a juvenile, a group of juveniles, a law enforcement officer posing as a juvenile, or a group of law enforcement officers posing as juveniles any material or performance that is obscene or harmful to juveniles;

(3) While in the physical proximity of the juvenile or law enforcement officer posing as a juvenile, allow any juvenile or law enforcement officer posing as a juvenile to review or peruse any material or view any live performance that is harmful to juveniles.

(b) The following are affirmative defenses to a charge under this section, that involves material or a performance that is harmful to juveniles but not obscene:

(1) The defendant is the parent, guardian or spouse of the juvenile involved.

(2) The juvenile involved, at the time of the conduct in question, was accompanied by the juvenile’s parent or guardian who, with knowledge of its character, consented to the material or performance being furnished or presented to the juvenile.

(3) The juvenile exhibited to the defendant or the defendant’s agent or employee a draft card, driver's license, birth certificate, marriage license, or other official or apparently official document purporting to show that the juvenile was eighteen years of age or over or married, and the person to whom that document was exhibited did not otherwise have reasonable cause to believe that the juvenile was under the age of eighteen and unmarried.

(c) (1) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section, involving material or a performance that is obscene or harmful to juveniles, that the material or performance was furnished or presented for a bona fide medical, scientific, educational, governmental, judicial or other proper purpose, by a physician, psychologist, sociologist, scientist, teacher, librarian, clergyman, prosecutor, judge or other proper person.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (b)(3) hereof, mistake of age is not a defense to a charge under this section.

(d) (1) A person directly sells, delivers, furnishes, disseminates, provides, exhibits, rents, or presents or directly offers or agrees to sell, deliver, furnish, disseminate, provide, exhibit, rent, or present material or a performance to a juvenile, a group of juveniles, a law enforcement officer posing as a juvenile, or a group of law enforcement officers posing as juveniles in violation of this section by means of an electronic method of remotely transmitting information if the person knows or has reason to believe that the person receiving the information is a juvenile or the group of persons receiving the information are juveniles.

(2) A person remotely transmitting information by means of a method of mass distribution does not directly sell, deliver, furnish, disseminate, provide, exhibit, rent, or present or directly offer or agree to sell, deliver, furnish, disseminate, provide, exhibit, rent, or present the material or performance in question to a juvenile, a group of juveniles, a law enforcement officer posing as a juvenile, or a group of law enforcement officers posing as juveniles in violation of this section if either of the following applies:

A. The person has inadequate information to know or have reason to believe that a particular recipient of the information or offer is a juvenile.

B. The method of mass distribution does not provide the person the ability to prevent a particular recipient from receiving the information.

(e) If any provision of this section, or the application of any provision of this section to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this section or related sections that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application. To this end, the provisions are severable.

(f) Whoever violates this section is guilty of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. If the material or performance involved is harmful to juveniles, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the material or performance involved is obscene, a violation of this section is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.
(ORC 2907.31)

533.12 DECEPTION TO OBTAIN MATTER HARMFUL TO JUVENILES.

(a) No person, for the purpose of enabling a juvenile to obtain any material or gain admission to any performance which is harmful to juveniles shall do either of the following:

(1) Falsely represent that he is the parent, guardian or spouse of such juvenile;

(2) Furnish such juvenile with any identification or document purporting to show that such juvenile is eighteen years of age or over or married.

(b) No juvenile, for the purpose of obtaining any material or gaining admission to any performance which is harmful to juveniles, shall do either of the following:

(1) Falsely represent that he is eighteen years of age or over or married;

(2) Exhibit any identification or document purporting to show that he is eighteen years of age or over or married.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of deception to obtain matter harmful to juveniles, a misdemeanor of the second degree. A juvenile who violates subsection (b) hereof shall be adjudged an unruly child, with such disposition of the case as may be appropriate under Ohio R.C. Chapter 2151.

(ORC 2907.33)

533.13 DISPLAYING MATTER HARMFUL TO JUVENILES.

(a) No person who has custody, control or supervision of a commercial establishment, with knowledge of the character or content of the material involved, shall display at the establishment any material that is harmful to juveniles and that is open to view by juveniles as part of the invited general public.

(b) It is not a violation of subsection (a) hereof if the material in question is displayed by placing it behind "blinder racks" or similar devices that cover at least the lower two-thirds of the material, if the material in question is wrapped or placed behind the counter, or if the material in question otherwise is covered or located so that the portion that is harmful to juveniles is not open to the view of juveniles.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of displaying matter harmful to juveniles, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Each day during which the offender is in violation of this section constitutes a separate offense.

(ORC 2907.311)

533.14 UNLAWFUL ADVERTISING OF MASSAGE.

(a) No person, by means of a statement, solicitation, or offer in a print or electronic publication, sign, placard, storefront display, or other medium, shall advertise massage, relaxation massage, any other massage technique or method, or any related service, with the suggestion or promise of sexual activity.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawful advertising of massage, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(c) Nothing in this section prevents the legislative authority of a municipal corporation or township from enacting any regulation of the advertising of massage further than and in addition to the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(ORC 2927.17)

533.15 DISSEMINATION OF PRIVATE SEXUAL IMAGES.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Disseminate” means to post, distribute, or publish on a computer device, computer network, web site, or other electronic device or medium of communication.

(2) “Image” means a photograph, film, videotape, digital recording or other depiction or portrayal of a person.

(3) “Interactive computer service” has the meaning defined in the “Telecommunications Act of 1996", 47 U.S.C. 230, as amended.

(4) “Internet provider” means a provider of internet service, including all of the following:

A. Broadband service, however defined or classified by the federal communications commission;

B. Information service or telecommunication service, both as defined in the “Telecommunications Act of 1996" 47 U.S.C. 153, as amended.

C. Internet protocol-enabled services, as defined in Ohio R.C. 4927.01.

(5) “Mobile service” and “telecommunications carrier” have the meanings defined in 47 U.S.C. 153, as amended.

(6) “Cable service provider” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 1332.01.

(7) “Direct-to-home satellite service” has the meaning defined in 47 U.S.C. 303, as amended.

(8) “Video service provider” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 1332.21.

(9) “Sexual act” means any of the following:

A. Sexual activity;

B. Masturbation;

C. An act involving a bodily substance that is performed for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification;

D. Sado-masochistic abuse.

(b) No person shall knowingly disseminate an image of another person if all of the following apply:

(1) The person in the image is eighteen years of age or older;

(2) The person in the image can be identified from the image itself or from information displayed in connection with the image and the offender supplied the identifying information.

(3) The person in the image is in a state of nudity or is engaged in a sexual act;

(4) The image is disseminated without consent from the person in the image;

(5) The image is disseminated with intent to harm the person in the image.

(1) The image is disseminated for the purpose of a criminal investigation that is otherwise lawful.

(2) The image is disseminated for the purpose of, or in connection with, the reporting of unlawful conduct.

(3) The image is part of a news report or commentary or an artistic or expressive work, such as a performance, work of art, literary work, theatrical work, musical work, motion picture, film, or audiovisual work.

(4) The image is disseminated by a law enforcement officer, or a corrections officer or guard in a detention facility, acting within the scope of the person’s official duties.

(5) The image is disseminated for another lawful public purpose;

(6) The person in the image is knowingly and willingly in a state of nudity or engaged in a sexual act and is knowingly and willingly in a location in which the person does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

(7) The image is disseminated for the purpose of medical treatment or examination.

(d) The following entities are not liable for a violation of this section solely as a result of an image or other information provided by another person:

(1) A provider of interactive computer service;

(2) A mobile service;

(3) A telecommunications carrier;

(4) An internet provider;

(5) A cable service provider;

(6) A direct-to-home satellite service;

(7) A video service provider.

(e) Any conduct that is a violation of this section and any other section of the General Offenses Code, or the Revised Code may be prosecuted under this section, the other section, or both sections.

(f) (1) A. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (f)(1)B., C., or D. of this section, whoever violates this section is guilty of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images, a misdemeanor of the third degree.

B. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section, nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images is a misdemeanor of the second degree.

C. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of this section, nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

D. If the offender is under eighteen years of age and the person in the image is not more than five years older than the offender, the offender shall not be prosecuted under this section.

(2) In addition to any other penalty or disposition authorized or required by law, the court may order any person who is convicted of a violation of this section or who is adjudicated delinquent by reason of a violation of this section to criminally forfeit all of the following property to the state under Ohio R.C. Chapter 2981.

A. Any profits or proceeds and any property the person has acquired or maintained in violation of this section that the sentencing court determines to have been acquired or maintained as a result of the violation;

B. Any interest in, securities of, claim against, or property or contractual right of any kind affording a source of influence over any enterprise that the person has established, operated, controlled or conducted in violation of this section that the sentencing court determines to have been acquired or maintained as a result of the violation.

(g) A victim of a violation of this section may commence a civil cause of action against the offender, as described in Ohio R.C. 2307.66.

(ORC 2917.211)

533.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

537.01 NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE.

(a) No person shall negligently cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another’s pregnancy by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance as defined in Section 549.01.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of negligent homicide, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(ORC 2903.05)

537.02 VEHICULAR HOMICIDE AND MANSLAUGHTER.

(a) No person, while operating or participating in the operation of a motor vehicle, motorcycle, snowmobile, locomotive, watercraft, or aircraft, shall cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another’s pregnancy in any of the following ways:

(1) A. Negligently;

B. As the proximate result of committing, while operating or participating in the operation of a motor vehicle or motorcycle in a construction zone, a speeding offense, provided that this subsection applies only if the person whose death is caused or whose pregnancy is unlawfully terminated is in the construction zone at the time of the offender’s commission of the speeding offense in the construction zone and does not apply as described in subsection (d) of this section.

(2) As the proximate result of committing a violation of any provision of any section contained in Title XLV of the Ohio Revised Code that is a minor misdemeanor or of a municipal ordinance that, regardless of the penalty set by ordinance for the violation, is substantially equivalent to any provision of any section contained in Title XLV of the Ohio Revised Code that is a minor misdemeanor.

(b) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a)(1) of this section is guilty of vehicular homicide. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, vehicular homicide is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Vehicular homicide is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law if, at the time of the offense, the offender was driving under a suspension or cancellation imposed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4510 or any other provision of the Ohio Revised Code or was operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle, did not have a valid driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege, and was not eligible for renewal of the offender’s driver’s license or commercial driver’s license without examination under Ohio R.C. 4507.10 or if the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section or any traffic-related homicide, manslaughter or assault offense. The court shall impose a mandatory jail term on the offender when required by Ohio R.C. 2903.06(E).

(2) Whoever violates subsection (a)(2) of this section is guilty of vehicular manslaughter. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, vehicular manslaughter is a misdemeanor of the second degree. Vehicular manslaughter is a misdemeanor of the first degree if, at the time of the offense, the offender was driving under a suspension or cancellation imposed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4510 or any other provision of the Ohio Revised Code or was operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle, did not have a valid driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege, and was not eligible for renewal of the offender’s driver’s license or commercial driver’s license without examination under Ohio R.C. 4507.10 or if the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section or any traffic-related homicide, manslaughter, or assault offense.

(c) The court shall impose a mandatory jail term of at least fifteen days on an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of subsection (a)(1)B. of this section and may impose upon the offender a longer jail term as authorized pursuant to Section 501.99. The court shall impose a mandatory prison term on an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of subsection (a)(1)A. hereof if either of the following applies:

(1) The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section or Ohio R.C. 2903.06 or 2903.08.

(2) At the time of the offense, the offender was driving under suspension or cancellation under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4510 or any other provision of the Ohio Revised Code or was operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle, did not have a valid driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege, and was not eligible for renewal of the offender’s driver’s license or commercial driver’s license without examination under Ohio R.C. 4507.10.

(d) Subsection (a)(1)B. does not apply in a particular construction zone unless signs of the type described in Ohio R.C. 2903.081 are erected in that construction zone in accordance with the guidelines and design specifications established by the Director of Transportation under Ohio R.C. 5501.27. The failure to erect signs of the type described in Ohio R.C. 2903.081 in a particular construction zone in accordance with those guidelines and design specifications does not limit or affect the application of subsections (a)(1)A. or (a)(2) of this section in that construction zone or the prosecution of any person who violates any of those subsections in that construction zone.

(e) As used in this section:

(1) “Mandatory prison term” and “mandatory jail term” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2929.01.

(2) “Traffic-related homicide, manslaughter or assault offense” means a violation of Ohio R.C. 2903.04 in circumstances in which division (D) of that section applies, a violation of Ohio R.C. 2903.06 or 2903.08, or a violation of Ohio R.C. 2903.06, 2903.07 or 2903.08 as they existed prior to March 23, 2000.

(3) “Construction zone” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 5501.27.

(4) “Speeding offense” means a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.21 or a municipal ordinance pertaining to speed.

(f) For the purposes of this section, when a penalty or suspension is enhanced because of a prior or current violation of a specified law or a prior or current specified offense, the reference to the violation of the specified law or the specified offense includes any violation of any substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, former law of this State, or current or former law of another state or the United States.

(ORC 2903.06)

(g) The court imposing a sentence upon an offender for any violation of this section also shall impose a suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (B) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02 that is equivalent in length to the suspension required for a violation of Ohio R.C. 2903.06 or division (A) or (B) of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 under similar circumstances. (ORC 4510.07)

537.021 VEHICULAR ASSAULT IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE.

(a) No person, while operating or participating in the operation of a motor vehicle, motorcycle, snowmobile, locomotive, watercraft, or aircraft, shall cause serious physical harm to another person or another’s unborn as the proximate result of committing, while operating or participating in the operation of a motor vehicle or motorcycle in a construction zone, a speeding offense. This subsection applies only if the person to whom the serious physical harm is caused or to whose unborn the serious physical harm is caused is in the construction zone at the time of the offender’s commission of the speeding offense in the construction zone and does not apply as described in subsection (d) hereof.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of vehicular assault. Except as provided in this subsection, vehicular assault is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Vehicular assault is a felony if, at the time of the offense, the offender was driving under a suspension imposed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4510, or any other provision of the Ohio Revised Code or if the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section or any traffic- related homicide, manslaughter, or assault offense, and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

In addition to any other sanctions imposed, the court shall impose upon the offender a class four suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(4) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02.

(c) The court shall impose a mandatory jail term of at least seven days on an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this section and may impose upon the offender a longer jail term as authorized pursuant to Section 501.99.

(d) This section does not apply in a particular construction zone unless signs of the type described in Ohio R.C. 2903.081 are erected in that construction zone in accordance with the guidelines and design specifications established by the Director of Transportation under Ohio R.C. 5501.27.

(e) As used in this section:

(1) “Mandatory jail term” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2929.01.

(2) “Traffic-related homicide, manslaughter or assault offense” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2903.06.

(3) “Construction zone” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 5501.27.

(4) “Speeding offense” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2903.06.

(ORC 2903.08)

537.03 ASSAULT.

(a) No person shall knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to another or to another’s unborn.

(b) No person shall recklessly cause serious physical harm to another or to another’s unborn.

(c) (1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of assault, a misdemeanor of the first degree, and the court shall sentence the offender as provided in subsection (c) hereof. If the assault was committed under the circumstances provided in subsection (c)(2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) or (9) hereof, assault is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if the offense is committed by a caretaker against a functionally impaired person under the caretaker’s care, the assault is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(3) If the offense occurs in or on the grounds of a State correctional institution or an institution of the Department of Youth Services, the victim of the offense is an employee of the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction or the Department of Youth Services, and the offense is committed by a person incarcerated in the State correctional institution or by a person institutionalized in the Department of Youth Services Institution pursuant to a commitment to the Department of Youth Services.

(4) If the offense is committed in any of the following circumstances:

A. The offense occurs in or on the grounds of a local correctional facility, the victim of the offense is an employee of the local correctional facility or a probation department or is on the premises of the facility for business purposes or as a visitor, and the offense is committed by a person who is under custody in the facility subsequent to the person’s arrest for any crime or delinquent act, subsequent to the person’s being charged with or convicted of any crime, or subsequent to the person’s being alleged to be or adjudicated a delinquent child.

B. The offense occurs off the grounds of a State correctional institution and off the grounds of an institution of the Department of Youth Services, the victim of the offense is an employee of the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the Department of Youth Services, or a probation department, the offense occurs during the employee’s official work hours and while the employee is engaged in official work responsibilities, and the offense is committed by a person incarcerated in a State correctional institution or institutionalized in the Department of Youth Services who temporarily is outside of the institution for any purpose, by a parolee, by an offender under transitional control, under a community control sanction, or on an escorted visit, by a person under post-release control, or by an offender under any other type of supervision by a government agency.

C. The offense occurs off the grounds of a local correctional facility, the victim of the offense is an employee of the local correctional facility or a probation department, the offense occurs during the employee’s official work hours and while the employee is engaged in official work responsibilities, and the offense is committed by a person who is under custody in the facility subsequent to the person’s arrest for any crime or delinquent act, subsequent to the person being charged with or convicted of any crime, or subsequent to the person being alleged to be or adjudicated a delinquent child and who temporarily is outside of the facility for any purpose or by a parolee, by an offender under transitional control, under a community control sanction, or on an escorted visit, by a person under post-release control, or by an offender under any other type of supervision by a government agency.

D. The victim of the offense is a school teacher or administrator or a school bus operator, and the offense occurs in a school, on school premises, in a school building, on a school bus or while the victim is outside of school premises or a school bus and is engaged in duties or official responsibilities associated with the victim’s employment or position as a school teacher or administrator or a school bus operator, including, but not limited to, driving, accompanying, or chaperoning students at or on class or field trips, athletic events, or other school extracurricular activities or functions outside of school premises.

(5) If the victim of the offense is a peace officer or an investigator of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, a firefighter, or a person performing emergency medical service, while in the performance of their official duties.

(6) If the victim of the offense is a peace officer or an investigator of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and if the victim suffered serious physical harm as a result of the commission of the offense.

(7) If the victim of the offense is an officer or employee of a public children services agency or a private child placing agency and the offense relates to the officer’s or employee’s performance or anticipated performance of official responsibilities or duties.

(8) If the victim of the offense is a health care professional of a hospital, a health care worker of a hospital, or a security officer of a hospital whom the offender knows or has reasonable cause to know is a health care professional of a hospital; a health care worker of a hospital, or a security officer of a hospital, if the victim is engaged in the performance of the victim’s duties, and if the hospital offers de-escalation or crisis intervention training for such professionals, workers or officers, assault is one of the following:

A. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(8)B. of this section, assault committed in the specified circumstances is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Notwithstanding the fine specified in division (A)(2)(b) of Ohio R.C. 2929.28 for a misdemeanor of the first degree, in sentencing the offender under this subsection and if the court decides to impose a fine, the court may impose upon the offender a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).

B. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one or more assault or homicide offenses committed against hospital personnel, assault committed in the specified circumstances is a felony.

(9) If the victim of the offense is a judge, magistrate, prosecutor or court official or employee whom the offender knows or has reasonable cause to know is a judge, magistrate, prosecutor or court official or employee, and if the victim is engaged in the performance of the victim’s duties, assault is one of the following:

A. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(9)B. of this section, assault committed in the specified circumstances is a misdemeanor of the first degree. In sentencing the offender under this subsection, if the court decides to impose a fine, notwithstanding the fine specified in division (A)(2)(b) of Ohio R.C. 2929.28 for a misdemeanor of the first degree, the court may impose upon the offender a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).

B. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one or more assault or homicide offenses committed against justice system personnel, assault committed in the specified circumstances is a felony.

(10) If an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to assault when it is a misdemeanor also is convicted of or pleads guilty to a specification as described in Ohio R.C. 2941.1423 that was included in the indictment, count in the indictment or information charging the offense, the court shall sentence the offender to a mandatory jail term as provided in division (G) of Ohio R.C. 2929.24.

(11) A prosecution for a violation of subsections (a) or (b) of this section does not preclude a prosecution for a violation of any other section of the Ohio Revised Code. One or more acts, a series of acts, or a course of behavior that can be prosecuted under subsections (a) or (b) of this section or any other section of the Ohio Revised Code may be prosecuted under subsections (a) or (b) of this section, the other sections of the Ohio Revised Code, or both sections. However, if an offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of subsections (a) or (b) of this section and also is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of Ohio R.C. 2903.22, or any substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, based on the same conduct involving the same victim that was the basis of the violation of subsections (a) or (b) of this section, the offenses are allied offenses of similar import under Ohio R.C. 2941.25.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) “Peace officer” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2935.01.

(2) “Firefighter” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3937.41.

(3) “Emergency medical service” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4765.01.

(4) “Local correctional facility” means a county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county or multicounty-municipal jail or workhouse. A minimum security jail established under Ohio R.C. 341.23 or 753.21, or another county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty- municipal facility used for the custody of persons arrested for any crime or delinquent act, persons charged with or convicted of any crime, or persons alleged to be or adjudicated a delinquent child.

(5) “Employee of a local correctional facility” means a person who is an employee of the political subdivision or of one or more of the affiliated political subdivisions that operates the local correctional facility and who operates or assists in the operation of the facility.

(6) “School teacher or administrator” means either of the following:

A. A person who is employed in the public schools of the State under a contract described in Ohio R.C. 3311.77 or 3319.08 in a position in which the person is required to have a certificate issued pursuant to Ohio R.C. 3319.22 to 3319.311.

B. A person who is employed by a nonpublic school for which the Director of Education and Workforce prescribes minimum standards under Ohio R.C. 3301.07 and who is certified in accordance with Ohio R.C. 3301.071.

(7) “Community control sanction” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2929.01.

(8) “Escorted visit” means an escorted visit granted under Ohio R.C. 2967.27.

(9) “Post-release control” and “transitional control” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2967.01.

(10) “Investigator of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2903.11.

(11) “Health care professional” and “health care worker” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2305.234.

(12) “Assault or homicide offense committed against hospital personnel” means a violation of this section or Ohio R.C. 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.041, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13 or 2903.14 committed in circumstances in which all of the following apply:

A. The victim of the offense was a health care professional of a hospital, a health care worker of a hospital or a security officer of a hospital.

B. The offender knew or had reasonable cause to know that the victim was a health care professional of a hospital, a health care worker of a hospital, or a security officer of a hospital;

C. The victim was engaged in the performance of the victim’s duties.

D. The hospital offered de-escalation or crisis intervention training for such professionals, workers or officers.

(13) “De-escalation or crisis intervention training” means de-escalation or crisis intervention training for health care professionals of a hospital, health care workers of a hospital, and security officers of a hospital to facilitate interaction with patients, members of a patient’s family, and visitors, including those with mental impairments.

(14) “Assault or homicide offense committed against justice system personnel” means a violation of this section or of Ohio R.C. 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.041, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13 or 2903.14 committed in circumstances in which the victim of the offense was a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, or court official or employee whom the offender knew or had reasonable cause to know was a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, or court official or employee, and the victim was engaged in the performance of the victim’s duties.

(15) “Court official or employee” means any official or employee of a court created under the constitution or statutes of this State or of a United States court located in this State.

(16) “Judge” means a judge of a court created under the constitution or statutes of this State or of a United States court located in this State.

(17) “Magistrate” means an individual who is appointed by a court of record of this State and who has the powers and may perform the functions specified in Civil Rule 53, Criminal Rule 19, or Juvenile Rule 40, or an individual who is appointed by a United States court located in this State who has similar powers and functions.

(18) “Prosecutor” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2935.01.

(19) A. “Hospital” means, subject to subsection (d)(19)B. of this section, an institution classified as a hospital under Ohio R.C. 3701.01 in which are provided to patients diagnostic, medical, surgical, obstetrical, psychiatric, or rehabilitation care or a hospital operated by a health maintenance organization.

B. “Hospital” does not include any of the following:

1. A facility licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 3721, a health care facility operated by the Department of Mental Health or the Department of Developmental Disabilities, a health maintenance organization that does not operate a hospital, or the office of any private, licensed health care professional, whether organized for individual or group practice;

2. An institution for the sick that is operated exclusively for patients who use spiritual means for healing and for whom the acceptance of medical care is inconsistent with their religious beliefs, accredited by a national accrediting organization, exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501 of the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986", 100 Stat. 2085, 26 U.S.C. 1, as amended, and providing twenty-four-hour nursing care pursuant to the exemption in division (E) of Ohio R.C. 4723.32 from the licensing requirements of Ohio R.C. Chapter 4723.

(20) “Health maintenance organization” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3727.01.

(21) “Emergency service responder” means any law enforcement officer, first responder, emergency medical technician-basic, emergency medical technician-intermediate, emergency medical technician-paramedic, firefighter, or volunteer firefighter.

(22) “Family or household member” means any of the following:

A. Any of the following who is residing or has resided with a person who is employed as an emergency service responder:

1. A spouse, a person living as a spouse, or a former spouse of a person who is employed as an emergency service responder;

2. A parent, a foster parent, or a child of a person who is employed as an emergency service responder, or another person related by consanguinity or affinity to a person who is employed as an emergency service responder;

3. A parent or a child of a spouse, person living as a spouse, or former spouse of a person who is employed as an emergency service responder, or another person related by consanguinity or affinity to a spouse, person living as a spouse, or former spouse of a person who is employed as an emergency service responder.

B. The natural parent of any child of whom a person who is employed as an emergency service responder is the other natural parent or is the putative other natural parent.

(23) “First responder”, “emergency medical technician-basic”, “emergency medical technician-intermediate” and “emergency medical technician-paramedic” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 4765.01.

(24) “Volunteer firefighter” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 146.01.

(25) “Person living as a spouse” means a person who is living or has lived with a person who is employed as an emergency service responder in a common law marital relationship, who otherwise is cohabiting with a person who is employed as an emergency service responder, or who otherwise has cohabited with a person who is employed as an emergency service responder within five years prior to the date of the alleged commission of the act in question.

(26) “Co-worker” means a person who is employed by the organization or entity that is served by a person who is employed as an emergency service responder. (ORC 2903.13)

537.04 NEGLIGENT ASSAULT.

(a) No person shall negligently, by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance as defined in Section 549.01 cause physical harm to another or to another’s unborn.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of negligent assault, a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(ORC 2903.14)

537.05 AGGRAVATED MENACING.

(a) No person shall knowingly cause another to believe that the offender will cause serious physical harm to the person or property of the other person, the other person’s unborn, or a member of the other person’s immediate family. In addition to any other basis for the other person’s belief that the offender will cause serious physical harm to the person or property of the other person, the other person’s unborn, or a member of the other person’s immediate family, the other person’s belief may be based on words or conduct of the offender that are directed at or identify a corporation, association or other organization that employs the other person or to which the other person belongs.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of aggravated menacing. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (b), aggravated menacing is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the victim of the offense is an officer or employee of a public children services agency or a private child placing agency and the offense relates to the officer’s or employee’s performance or anticipated performance of official responsibilities or duties, or, if the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense of violence, the victim of that prior offense was an officer or employee of a public children services agency or private child placing agency, and that prior offense related to the officer’s or employee’s performance or anticipated performance of official responsibilities or duties, aggravated menacing is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

537.051 MENACING BY STALKING.

(a) (1) No person by engaging in a pattern of conduct shall knowingly cause another person to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to the other person or a family or household member of the other person or cause mental distress to the other person or a family or household member of the other person. In addition to any other basis for the other person’s belief that the offender will cause physical harm to the other person or the other person’s family or household member or mental distress to the other person or the other person’s family or household member, the other person’s belief or mental distress may be based on words or conduct of the offender that are directed at or identify a corporation, association or other organization that employs the other person or to which the other person belongs.

(2) No person, through the use of any form of written communication or any electronic method of remotely transferring information, including, but not limited to, any computer, computer network, computer program, computer system or telecommunication device shall post a message or use any intentionally written or verbal graphic gesture with purpose to do either of the following:

A. Violate subsection (a)(1) of this section;

B. Urge or incite another to commit a violation of subsection (a)(1) of this section.

(3) No person, with sexual motivation, shall violate subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of menacing by stalking.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b)(2) and (3) of this section, menacing by stalking is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(2) Menacing by stalking is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law if any of the following applies:

A. The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section or a violation of Section 541.051.

B. In committing the offense under subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, the offender made a threat of physical harm to or against the victim, or as a result of an offense committed under subsection (a)(2) or (3) of this section, a third person induced by the offender’s posted message made a threat of physical harm to or against the victim.

C. In committing the offense under subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, the offender trespassed on the land or premises where the victim lives, is employed, or attends school, or as a result of an offense committed under subsection (a)(2) or (3) of this section, a third person induced by the offender’s posted message trespassed on the land or premises where the victim lives, is employed, or attends school.

D. The victim of the offense is a minor.

E. The offender has a history of violence toward the victim or any other person or a history of other violent acts toward the victim or any other person.

F. While committing the offense under subsection (a)(1) of this section or a violation of subsection (a)(3) of this section is based on conduct in violation of subsection (a)(1) of this section, the offender had a deadly weapon on or about the offender’s person or under the offender’s control. Subsection (b)(2)F. of this section does not apply in determining the penalty for a violation of subsection (a)(2) of this section or a violation of subsection (a)(3) of this section based on conduct in violation of subsection (a)(1) of this section.

G. At the time of the commission of the offense, the offender was the subject of a protection order issued under Ohio R.C. 2903.213 or 2903.214, regardless of whether the person to be protected under the order is the victim of the offense or another person.

H. In committing the offense under subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, the offender caused serious physical harm to the premises at which the victim resides, to the real property on which that premises is located, or to any personal property located on that premises, or as a result of an offense committed under subsection (a)(2) of this section, or an offense committed under subsection (a)(3) of this section based on a violation of subsection (a)(2) of this section, a third person induced by the offender’s posted message caused serious physical harm to that premises, that real property, or any personal property on that premises.

I. Prior to committing the offense, the offender had been determined to represent a substantial risk of physical harm to others as manifested by evidence of then-recent homicidal or other violent behavior, evidence of then-recent threats that placed another in reasonable fear of violent behavior and serious physical harm, or other evidence of then-present dangerousness.

(3) If the victim of the offense is an officer or employee of a public children services agency or a private child placing agency and the offense relates to the officer’s or employee’s performance or anticipated performance of official responsibilities or duties, or, if the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense of violence, the victim of that prior offense was an officer or employee of a public children services agency or private child placing agency, and that prior offense related to the officer’s or employee’s performance or anticipated performance of official responsibilities, or duties, menacing by stalking is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) “Pattern of conduct” means two or more actions or incidents closely related in time, whether or not there has been a prior conviction based on any of those actions or incidents, or two or more actions or incidents closely related in time, whether or not there has been a prior conviction based on any of those actions or incidents, directed at one or more persons employed by or belonging to the same corporation, association, or other organization. Actions or incidents that prevent, obstruct, or delay the performance by a public official, firefighter, rescuer, emergency medical services person, or emergency facility person of any authorized act within the public official’s, firefighter’s, rescuer’s, emergency medical services person’s, or emergency facility person’s official capacity, or the posting of messages, use of intentionally written or verbal graphic gestures, or receipt of information or data through the use of any form of written communication or an electronic method of remotely transferring information, including, but not limited to, a computer, computer network, computer program, computer system, or telecommunications device, may constitute a “pattern of conduct”.

(2) “Mental distress” means any of the following:

A. Any mental illness or condition that involves some temporary substantial incapacity;

B. Any mental illness or condition that would normally require psychiatric treatment, psychological treatment, or other mental health services, whether or not any person requested or received psychiatric treatment, psychological treatment, or other mental health services.

(3) “Emergency medical services person” is the singular of “emergency medical services personnel” as defined in Ohio R.C. 2133.21.

(4) “Emergency facility person” is the singular of “emergency facility personnel” as defined in Ohio R.C. 2909.04.

(5) “Public official” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2921.01.

(6) “Computer”, “computer network”, “computer program”, “computer system” and “telecommunications device” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2913.01.

(7) “Post a message” means transferring, sending, posting, publishing, disseminating or otherwise communicating, or attempting to transfer, send, post, publish, disseminate or otherwise communication, any message or information, whether truthful or untruthful, about an individual, and whether done under one’s own name, under the name of another, or while impersonating another.

(8) “Third person” means, in relation to conduct as described in subsection (a)(2) of this section, an individual who is neither the offender nor the victim of the conduct.

(9) “Sexual motivation” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2971.01.

(10) “Organization” includes an entity that is a governmental employer.

(11) “Family or household member” means any of the following:

A. Any of the following who is residing or has resided with the person against whom the act prohibited in subsection (a)(1) of this section is committed:

1. A spouse, a person living as a spouse, or a former spouse of the person;

2. A parent, a foster parent, or a child of the person, or another person related by consanguinity or affinity to the person;

3. A parent or a child of a spouse, person living as a spouse, or former spouse of the person, or another person related by consanguinity or affinity to a spouse, person living as a spouse, or former spouse of the person.

B. The natural parent of any child of whom the person against whom the act prohibited in subsection (a)(1) of this section is committed is the other natural parent or is the putative other natural parent.

(12) “Person living as a spouse” means a person who is living or has lived with the person against whom the act prohibited in subsection (a)(1) of this section is committed in a common law marital relationship, who otherwise is cohabiting with that person, or who otherwise has cohabited with the person within five years prior to the date of the alleged commission of the act in question.

(e) The Municipality does not need to prove in a prosecution under this section that a person requested or received psychiatric treatment, psychological treatment, or other mental health services in order to show that the person was caused mental distress as described in subsection (d)(2)B. of this section.

(f) (1) This section does not apply to a person solely because the person provided access or connection to or from an electronic method of remotely transferring information not under that person’s control, including having provided capabilities that are incidental to providing access or connection to or from the electronic method of remotely transferring the information, and that do not include the creation of the content of the material that is the subject of the access or connection. In addition, any person providing access or connection to or from an electronic method of remotely transferring information not under that person’s control shall not be liable for any action voluntarily taken in good faith to block the receipt or transmission through its service of any information that it believes is, or will be sent, in violation of this section.

(2) Subsection (f)(1) of this section does not create an affirmative duty for any person providing access or connection to or from an electronic method of remotely transferring information not under that person’s control to block the receipt or transmission through its service of any information that it believes is, or will be sent, in violation of this section except as otherwise provided by law.

(3) Subsection (f)(1) of this section does not apply to a person who conspires with a person actively involved in the creation or knowing distribution of material in violation of this section or who knowingly advertises the availability of material of that nature. (ORC 2903.211)

537.06 MENACING.

(a) (1) No person shall knowingly cause another to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to the person or property of the other person, the other person’s unborn, or a member of the other person’s immediate family. In addition to any other basis for the other person’s belief that the offender will cause physical harm to the person or property of the other person, the other person’s unborn, or a member of the other person’s immediate family, the other person’s belief may be based on words or conduct of the offender that are directed at or identify a corporation, association or other organization that employs the other person or to which the other person belongs.

(2) No person shall knowingly place or attempt to place another in reasonable fear of physical harm or death by displaying a deadly weapon, regardless of whether the deadly weapon displayed is operable or inoperable, if either of the following applies:

A. The other person is an emergency service responder, the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is an emergency service responder, and it is the person’s specific purpose to engage in the specified conduct against an emergency service responder.

B. The other person is a family or household member or co-worker of an emergency service responder, the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is a family or household member or co-worker of an emergency service responder, and it is the person’s specific purpose to engage in the specified conduct against a family or household member or co-worker of an emergency service responder.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of menacing. Except as otherwise provided in this division, menacing is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If the victim of the offense is an officer or employee of a public children services agency or a private child placing agency and the offense relates to the officer’s or employee’s performance or anticipated performance of official responsibilities or duties or if the victim of the offense is an emergency service responder in the performance of the responder’s official duties, menacing is one of the following:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (a)(2)B. of this section, a misdemeanor of the first degree;

(2) If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense of violence, the victim of that prior offense was an officer or employee of a public children services agency or private child placing agency or an emergency service responder, and that prior offense related to the officer’s or employee’s performance or anticipated performance of official responsibilities or duties or to the responder’s performance of the responder’s official duties, a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(c) A prosecution for a violation of subsection (a) of this section does not preclude a prosecution of a violation of any other section of the Ohio Revised Code. One or more acts, a series of acts, or a course of behavior that can be prosecuted under subsection (a) of this section or any other section of the Ohio Revised Code may be prosecuted under subsection (a) of this section, the other section of the Ohio Revised Code, or both sections. However, if an offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of subsection (a) of this section and also is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of Ohio R.C. 2903.13, or any substantially similar municipal ordinance, based on the same conduct involving the same victim that was the basis of the violation of subsection (a) of this section, the offenses are allied offenses of similar import under Ohio R.C. 2941.25.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) “Co-worker” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2903.13.

(2) “Emergency service responder” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2903.13.

(3) “Family or household member” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2903.13.

(4) “Organization” includes an entity that is a governmental employer.

(ORC 2903.22)

537.07 ENDANGERING CHILDREN.

(a) No person, who is the parent, guardian, custodian, person having custody or control, or person in loco parentis of a child under eighteen years of age or a child with a mental or physical disability under twenty-one years of age, shall create a substantial risk to the health or safety of the child, by violating a duty of care, protection or support. It is not a violation of a duty of care, protection or support under this subsection when the parent, guardian, custodian or person having custody or control of a child treats the physical or mental illness or disability of the child by spiritual means through prayer alone, in accordance with the tenets of a recognized religious body.

(b) No person shall abuse a child under eighteen years of age or a child with a mental or physical disability under twenty-one years of age.

(c) (1) No person shall operate a vehicle in violation of Section 333.01(a) of the Traffic Code when one or more children under eighteen years of age are in the vehicle. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person may be convicted at the same trial or proceeding of a violation of subsection (c) hereof and a violation of Section 333.01(a) of the Traffic Code that constitutes the basis of the charge of the violation of subsection (c) hereof. For purposes of Ohio R.C. 4511.191 to 4511.197 and all related provisions of law, a person arrested for a violation of subsection (c) hereof shall be considered to be under arrest for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them or for operating a vehicle with a prohibited concentration of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a metabolite of a controlled substance in the whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, or urine.

(2) As used in subsection (c) hereof:

A. “Controlled substance” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3719.01.

B. "Vehicle" has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4511.01.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of endangering children.

(1) Whoever violates subsection (a) or (b) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the violation results in serious physical harm to the child involved, or if the offender previously has been convicted of an offense under this section, Ohio R.C. 2919.22 or of any offense involving neglect, abandonment, contributing to the delinquency of or physical abuse of a child, endangering children is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(2) Whoever violates subsection (c) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. Endangering children is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law if either of the following applies:

A. The violation results in serious physical harm to the child involved or the offender previously has been convicted of an offense under Ohio R.C. 2919.22 or any offense involving neglect, abandonment, contributing to the delinquency of, or physical abuse of a child.

B. The violation results in serious physical harm to the child involved and the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of Ohio R.C. 2919.22(C) or subsection (c) hereof, Ohio R.C. 2903.06, or 2903.08, Section 2903.07 as it existed prior to March 23, 2000, or Ohio R.C. 2903.04 in a case in which the offender was subject to the sanctions described in division (D) of that section.

(3) In addition to any term of imprisonment, fine, or other sentence, penalty, or sanction it imposes upon the offender pursuant to subsection (d)(2) hereof, or pursuant to any other provision of law, the court also may impose upon the offender any of the sanctions provided under Ohio R.C. 2919.22(E)(5)(d).

(e) (1) If a person violates subsection (c) hereof and if, at the time of the violation, there were two or more children under eighteen years of age in the motor vehicle involved in the violation, the offender may be convicted of a violation of subsection (c) hereof for each of the children, but the court may sentence the offender for only one of the violations.

(2) A. If a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of subsection (c) hereof but the person is not also convicted of and does not also plead guilty to a separate charge charging the violation of Section 333.01(a) of the Traffic Code that was the basis of the charge of the violation of subsection (c) hereof, both of the following apply:

1. For purposes of the provisions of the Traffic Code penalty that set forth the penalties and sanctions for a violation of Section 333.01(a) of the Traffic Code, the conviction of or plea of guilty to the violation of subsection (c) hereof shall not constitute a violation of Section 333.01(a) of the Traffic Code.

2. For purposes of any provision of law that refers to a conviction of or plea of guilty to a violation of Section 333.01(a) of the Traffic Code and that is not described in subsection (e)(2)A.1. hereof, the conviction of or plea of guilty to the violation of subsection (c) hereof shall constitute a conviction of or plea of guilty to a violation of Section 333.01(a) of the Traffic Code.

B. If a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of subsection (c) hereof and the person also is convicted of or pleads guilty to a separate charge charging the violation of Section 333.01(a) of the Traffic Code that was the basis of the charge of the violation of subsection (c) hereof, the conviction of or plea of guilty to the violation of subsection (c) hereof shall not constitute, for purposes of any provision of law that refers to a conviction of or plea of guilty to a violation of Section 333.01(a) of the Traffic Code, a conviction of or plea of guilty to a violation of Section 333.01(a) of the Traffic Code.

(ORC 2919.22)

537.08 UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT.

(a) No person, without privilege to do so, shall knowingly restrain another of the other person’s liberty.

(b) No person, without privilege to do so and with a sexual motivation, shall knowingly restrain another of the other person’s liberty.

(d) As used in this section, “sexual motivation” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2971.01.

(ORC 2905.03)

537.09 COERCION.

(a) No person, with purpose to coerce another into taking or refraining from action concerning which the other person has a legal freedom of choice, shall do any of the following:

(1) Threaten to commit any offense;

(2) Utter or threaten any calumny against any person;

(3) Expose or threaten to expose any matter tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt or ridicule, to damage any person’s personal or business repute, or to impair any person’s credit;

(4) Institute or threaten criminal proceedings against any person;

(5) Take or withhold, or threaten to take or withhold official action, or cause or threaten to cause official action to be taken or withheld.

(b) Subsections (a)(4) and (5) hereof shall not be construed to prohibit a prosecutor or court from doing any of the following in good faith and in the interest of justice:

(1) Offering or agreeing to grant, or granting immunity from prosecution pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2945.44;

(2) In return for a plea of guilty to one or more offenses charged or to one or more other or lesser offenses, or in return for the testimony of the accused in a case to which the accused is not a party, offering or agreeing to dismiss, or dismissing one or more charges pending against an accused, or offering or agreeing to impose, or imposing a certain sentence or modification of sentence;

(3) Imposing community control sanction on certain conditions, including without limitation requiring the offender to make restitution or redress to the victim of the offense.

(c) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under subsection (a)(3), (4) or (5) hereof that the actor's conduct was a reasonable response to the circumstances that occasioned it, and that the actor’s purpose was limited to any of the following:

(1) Compelling another to refrain from misconduct or to desist from further misconduct;

(2) Preventing or redressing a wrong or injustice;

(3) Preventing another from taking action for which the actor reasonably believed the other person to be disqualified;

(4) Compelling another to take action that the actor reasonably believed the other person to be under a duty to take.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of coercion, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(e) As used in this section:

(1) "Threat" includes a direct threat and a threat by innuendo.

(2) “Community control sanction” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2929.01.

(ORC 2905.12)

537.10 TELECOMMUNICATION HARASSMENT.

(a) No person shall knowingly make or cause to be made a telecommunication, or knowingly permit telecommunication to be made from a telecommunications device under the person’s control, to another, if the caller does any of the following:

(1) Makes the telecommunication with purpose to harass, intimidate, or abuse, any person at the premises to which the telecommunication is made, whether or not actual communication takes place between the caller and a recipient;

(2) Describes, suggests, requests, or proposes that the caller, the recipient of the telecommunication, or any other person engage in sexual activity, and the recipient or another person at the premises to which the telecommunication is made has requested, in a previous telecommunication or in the immediate telecommunication, that the caller not make a telecommunication to the recipient or to the premises to which the telecommunication is made;

(3) During the telecommunication, violates Ohio R.C. 2903.21;

(4) Knowingly states to the recipient of the telecommunication that the caller intends to cause damage to or destroy public or private property, and the recipient, any member of the recipient’s family, or any other person who resides at the premises to which the telecommunication is made owns, leases, resides, or works in, will at the time of the destruction or damaging be near or in, has the responsibility of protecting, or insures the property that will be destroyed or damaged;

(5) Knowingly makes the telecommunication to the recipient of the telecommunication, to another person at the premises to which the telecommunication is made, or to those premises, and the recipient or another person at those premises previously has told the caller not to make a telecommunication to those premises or to any person at those premises.

(6) Knowingly makes any comment, request, suggestion, or proposal to the recipient of the telecommunication that is threatening, intimidating, menacing, coercive, or obscene with the intent to abuse, threaten or harass the recipient;

(7) Without a lawful business purpose, knowingly interrupts the telecommunication service of any person;

(8) Without a lawful business purpose, knowingly transmits to any person, regardless of whether the telecommunication is heard in its entirety, any file, document or other communication that prevents that person from using the person’s telephone service or electronic communication device;

(9) Knowingly makes any false statement concerning the death, injury, illness, disfigurement, reputation, indecent conduct, or criminal conduct of the recipient of the telecommunication or family or household member of the recipient with purpose to abuse, threaten, intimidate, or harass the recipient;

(10) Knowingly incites another person through a telecommunication or other means to harass or participate in the harassment of a person;

(11) Knowingly alarms the recipient by making a telecommunication without a lawful purpose at an hour or hours known to be inconvenient to the recipient and in an offensive or repetitive manner.

(b) (1) No person shall make or cause to be made a telecommunication, or permit a telecommunication to be made from a telecommunications device under the person’s control, with purpose to abuse, threaten, or harass another person.

(2) No person shall knowingly post a text or audio statement or an image on an internet web site or web page for the purpose of abusing, threatening, or harassing another person.

(2) A violation of subsections (a)(1), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), or (11) or (b) hereof is a misdemeanor of the first degree on a first offense. Each subsequent offense is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(3) Whoever violates subsection (a)(4) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree for a first offense. For each subsequent offense or if a violation of subsection (a)(4) hereof results in economic harm of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, a violation of subsection (a)(4) hereof is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(d) No cause of action may be asserted in any court of this State against any provider of a telecommunications service, interactive computer service as defined in Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code, or information service, or against any officer, employee, or agent of a telecommunication service, interactive computer service as defined in Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code, or information service, for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises out of the provider’s, officer’s, employee’s, or agent’s provision of information, facilities, or assistance in accordance with the terms of a court order that is issued in relation to the investigation or prosecution of an alleged violation of this section. A provider

of a telecommunications service, interactive computer service as defined in Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code, or information service, or an officer, employee, or agent of a telecommunications service, interactive computer service as defined in Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code, of information service, is immune from any civil or criminal liability for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises out of the provider’s, officer’s, employee’s, or agent’s provision of information, facilities, or assistance in accordance with the terms of a court order that is issued in relation to the investigation or prosecution of an alleged violation of this section.

(e) (1) This section does not apply to a person solely because the person provided access or connection to or from an electronic method of remotely transferring information not under that person’s control, including having provided capabilities that are incidental to providing access or connection to or from the electronic method of remotely transferring the information, and that do not include the creation of the content of the material that is the subject of the access or connection. In addition, any person providing access or connection to or from an electric method of remotely transferring information not under that person’s control shall not be liable for any action voluntarily taken in good faith to block the receipt or transmission through its service of any information that the person believes is, or will be sent, in violation of this section.

(2) Subsection (e)(1) of this section does not create an affirmative duty for any person providing access or connection to or from an electronic method of remotely transferring information not under that person’s control to block the receipt or transmission through its service of any information that it believes is, or will be sent, in violation of this section except as otherwise provided by law.

(3) Subsection (e)(1) of this section does not apply to a person who conspires with a person actively involved in the creation or knowing distribution of material in violation of this section or who knowingly advertises the availability of material of that nature.

(4) A provider or user of an interactive computer service, as defined in Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code, shall neither be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider, as defined in Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code, nor held civilly or criminally liable for the creation or development of information provided by another information content provider, as defined in Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to protect a person from liability to the extent that the person developed or created any content in violation of this section.

(f) Subsections (a)(5) to (11) and (b)(2) of this section do not apply to a person who, while employed or contracted by a newspaper, magazine, press association, news agency, news wire service, cable channel or cable operator, or radio or television station, is gathering, processing, transmitting, compiling, editing or disseminating information for the general public, within the scope of the person’s employment in that capacity or the person’s contractual authority in that capacity.

(g) As used in this section:

(1) “Economic harm” means all direct, incidental, and consequential pecuniary harm suffered by a victim as a result of criminal conduct. “Economic harm” includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

A. All wages, salaries, or other compensation lost as a result of the criminal conduct;

B. The cost of all wages, salaries or other compensation paid to employees for time those employees are prevented from working as a result of the criminal conduct;

C. The overhead costs incurred for the time that a business is shut down as a result of the criminal conduct;

D. The loss of value to tangible or intangible property that was damaged as a result of the criminal conduct.

(2) “Caller” means the person described in subsection (a) hereof who makes or causes to be made a telecommunication or who permits a telecommunication to be made from a telecommunications device under that person’s control.

(3) “Telecommunication” and “telecommunications device” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2913.01.

(4) “Sexual activity” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2907.01.

(5) “Family or household member” means any of the following:

A. Any of the following who is residing or has resided with the recipient of the telecommunication against whom the act prohibited in subsection (a)(9) of this section is committed:

1. A spouse, a person living as a spouse, or a former spouse of the recipient;

2. A parent, a foster parent, or a child of the recipient, or another person related by consanguinity or affinity to the recipient;

3.. A parent or a child of a spouse, person living as a spouse, or former spouse of the recipient, or anther person related by consanguinity or affinity to a spouse, person living as a spouse, or former spouse of the recipient.

B. The natural parent of any child of whom the recipient of the telecommunication against whom the act prohibited in subsection (a)(9) of this section is committed is the other natural parent or is the putative other natural parent.

(6) “Person living as a spouse” means a person who is living or has lived with the recipient of the telecommunication against whom the act prohibited in subsection (a)(9) of this section is committed in a common law marital relationship, who otherwise is cohabiting with the recipient, or who otherwise has cohabited with the recipient within five years prior to the date of the alleged commission of the act in question.

(7) “Cable operator” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 1332.21.

(h) Nothing in this section prohibits a person from making a telecommunication call to a debtor that is in compliance with the “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act”, 91 Stat. 874 (1977), 15 U.S.C. 1692, as amended, or the “Telephone Consumer Protection Act”, 105 Stat. 2395 (1991), 47 U.S.C. 227, as amended. (ORC 2917.21)

537.11 THREATENING OR HARASSING TELEPHONE CALLS.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Former Ohio R.C. 4931.31 from which Section 537.11 was derived was repealed by Senate Bill 162, effective September 13, 2010. See now Section 537.10 “Telecommunication Harassment”.)

537.12 MISUSE OF 9-1-1 SYSTEM.

(a) “9-1-1 system” means a system through which individuals can request emergency service using the access number 9-1-1. (ORC 128.01(A))

(b) No person shall knowingly use the telephone number of the 9-1-1 system established under Ohio R.C. Chapter 128 to report an emergency if he knows that no emergency exists.

(d) No person shall disclose or use any information concerning telephone numbers, addresses, or names obtained from the data base that serves the public safety answering point of a 9-1-1 system established under Ohio R.C. Chapter 128, except for any of the following purposes or under any of the following circumstances:

(1) For the purpose of the 9-1-1 system;

(2) For the purpose of responding to an emergency call to an emergency service provider;

(3) In the circumstance of the inadvertent disclosure of such information due solely to technology of the wireline telephone network portion of the 9-1-1 system not allowing access to the data base to be restricted to 9-1-1 specific answering lines at a public safety answering point;

(4) In the circumstance of access to a data base being given by a telephone company that is a wireline service provider to a public utility or municipal utility in handling customer calls in times of public emergency or service outages. The charge, terms, and conditions for the disclosure or use of such information for the purpose of such access to a data base shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the steering committee.

(5) In the circumstance of access to a data base given by a telephone company that is a wireline service provider to a state and local government in warning of a public emergency, as determined by the steering committee. The charge, terms, and conditions for the disclosure or use of that information for the purpose of access to a data base is subject to the jurisdiction of the steering committee.

(ORC 128.32)

(e) (1) Whoever violates subsection (b) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(2) Whoever violates subsection (c) or (d) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense. For each subsequent offense such person is guilty of a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. (ORC 128.99)

537.13 ADULTERATING OF OR FURNISHING ADULTERATED FOOD OR CONFECTION.

(a) No person shall do either of the following, knowingly or having reasonable cause to believe that any person may suffer physical harm or be seriously inconvenienced or annoyed thereby:

(1) Place a pin, needle, razor blade, glass, laxative, drug of abuse, or other harmful or hazardous object or substance in any food or confection;

(2) Furnish to any person any food or confection which has been adulterated in violation of subsection (a)(1) hereof.
(ORC 3716.11)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(ORC 3716.99(C))

537.14 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

(a) No person shall knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to a family or household member.

(b) No person shall recklessly cause serious physical harm to a family or household member.

(c) No person, by threat of force, shall knowingly cause a family or household member to believe that the offender will cause imminent physical harm to the family or household member.

(d) (1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of domestic violence.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d)(3) to (5) of this section, a violation of subsection (c) of this section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, and a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d)(4) of this section, if the offender previously has pleaded guilty to or been convicted of domestic violence, a violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this or any other state or the United States that is substantially similar to domestic violence, a violation of Ohio R.C. 2903.14, 2909.06, 2909.07, 2911.12, 2911.211, or 2919.22 if the victim of the violation was a family or household member at the time of the violation, a violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this or any other state or the United States that is substantially similar to any of those sections if the victim of the violation was a family or household member at the time of the commission of the violation, or any offense of violence if the victim of the offense was a family or household member at the time of the commission of the offense, a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law, and a violation of subsection (c) of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(4) If the offender previously has pleaded guilty to or been convicted of two or more offenses of domestic violence or two or more violations or offenses of the type described in subsection (d)(3) of this section involving a person who was a family or household member at the time of the violations or offenses, a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law, and a violation of subsection (c) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d)(3) or (4) of this section, if the offender knew that the victim of the violation was pregnant at the time of the violation, a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law, and a violation of subsection (c) of this section is a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(e) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no court or unit of local government shall charge any fee, cost, deposit, or money in connection with the filing of charges against a person alleging that the person violated this section or in connection with the prosecution of any charges so filed.

(f) As used in this section:

(1) "Family or household member" means any of the following:

A. Any of the following who is residing or has resided with the offender:

1. A spouse, a person living as a spouse or a former spouse of the offender;

2. A parent, a foster parent or a child of the offender, or another person related by consanguinity or affinity to the offender;

3. A parent, or a child of a spouse, person living as a spouse, or former spouse of the offender; or another person related by consanguinity or affinity to a spouse, person living as a spouse or former spouse of the offender.

B. The natural parent of any child of whom the offender is the other natural parent or is the putative other natural parent.

(2) "Person living as a spouse" means a person who is living or has lived with the offender in a common law marital relationship, who otherwise is cohabiting with the offender, or who otherwise has cohabited with the offender within five years prior to the date of the alleged commission of the act in question.
(ORC 2919.25)

(g) The same relief available under the Ohio Revised Code for filing a complaint for violation of Ohio R.C. 2919.25 shall be available for filing a complaint for violation of this section.

537.15 TEMPORARY PROTECTION ORDER.

(a) No person shall recklessly violate the terms of any of the following:

(1) A protection order issued or consent agreement approved pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2919.26 or 3113.31;

(2) A protection order issued pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2151.34, 2903.213 or 2903.214;

(3) A protection order issued by a court of another state.

(b) (1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of violating a protection order.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b)(3) of this section, violating a protection order is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(3) Violating a protection order is a felony and shall be prosecuted under State law if the offender previously has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or been adjudicated a delinquent child for any of the following:

A. A violation of a protection order issued or consent agreement approved pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2151.34, 2903.213, 2903.214, 2919.26, or 3113.31;

B. Two or more violations of Ohio R.C. 2903.21, 2903.211, 2903.22, or 2911.211 or any combination of those offenses that involved the same person who is the subject of the protection order or consent agreement;

C. One or more violations of this section.

(4) If the offender violates a protection order or consent agreement while committing a felony offense, violating a protection order is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(5) If the protection order violated by the offender was an order issued pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2151.34 or 2903.214 that required electronic monitoring of the offender pursuant to that section, the court may require in addition to any other sentence imposed upon the offender that the offender be electronically monitored for a period not exceeding five years by a law enforcement agency designated by the court. If the court requires under this subsection that the offender be electronically monitored, unless the court determines that the offender is indigent, the court shall order that the offender pay the costs of the installation of the electronic monitoring device and the cost of monitoring the electronic monitoring device.

(c) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under subsection (a)(3) of this section that the protection order issued by a court of another state does not comply with the requirements specified in 18 U.S.C. 2265(b) for a protection order that must be accorded full faith and credit by a court of this State or that it is not entitled to full faith and credit under 18 U.S.C. 2265(c).

(d) In a prosecution for a violation of this section, it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove that the protection order or consent agreement was served on the defendant if the prosecution proves that the defendant was shown the protection order or consent agreement or a copy of either or a judge, magistrate, or law enforcement officer informed the defendant that a protection order or consent agreement had been issued, and proves that the defendant recklessly violated the terms of the order or agreement.

(e) As used in this section, “protection order issued by a court of another state” means an injunction or another order issued by a criminal court of another state for the purpose of preventing violent or threatening acts or harassment against, contact or communication with, or physical proximity to another person, including a temporary order, and means an injunction or order of that nature issued by a civil court of another state, including a temporary order and a final order issued in an independent action or as a pendente lite order in a proceeding for other relief, if the court issued it in response to a complaint, petition or motion filed by or on behalf of a person seeking protection. “Protection order issued by a court of another state” does not include an order for support or for custody of a child. (ORC 2919.27)

537.16 ILLEGAL DISTRIBUTION OF CIGARETTES, OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS OR ALTERNATE NICOTINE PRODUCTS; TRANSACTION SCANS.

(a) Illegal Distribution of Cigarettes, Other Tobacco Products, or Alternative Nicotine Products.

(1) As used in this section:

A. “Age verification.” A service provided by an independent third party (other than a manufacturer, producer, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer of cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes) that compares information available from a commercially available database, or aggregate of databases, that regularly are used by government and businesses for the purpose of age and identity verification to personal information provided during an internet sale or other remote method of sale to establish that the purchaser is twenty-one years of age or older.

B. “Alternative nicotine product.”

1. Subject to subsection (a)(1)B.2. of this section, an electronic smoking device, vapor product, or any other product or device that consists of or contains nicotine that can be ingested into the body by any means, including, but not limited to, chewing, smoking, absorbing, dissolving, or inhaling.

2. The phrase does not include any of the following:

a. Any cigarette or other tobacco product;

b. Any product that is a “drug” as that term is defined in 21 U.S.C. 321(g)(1);

c. Any product that is a “device” as that term is defined in 21 U.S.C. 321(h);

d. Any product that is a “combination product” as described in 21 U.S.C. 353(g).

C. “Cigarette.” Includes clove cigarettes and hand-rolled cigarettes.

D. “Distribute.” Means to furnish, give, or provide cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes to the ultimate consumer of the cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes.

E. “Electronic smoking device.” Means any device that can be used to deliver aerosolized or vaporized nicotine or any other substance to the person inhaling from the device including an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic hookah, vaping pen, or electronic pipe. The phrase includes any component, part, or accessory of such a device, whether or not sold separately, and includes any substance intended to be aerosolized or vaporized during the use of the device. The phrase does not include any product that is a drug, device, or combination product, as those terms are defined or described in 21 U.S.C. 321 and 353(g).

F. “Proof of age.” Means a driver’s license, a commercial driver’s license, a military identification card, a passport, or an identification card issued under Ohio R.C. 4507.50 to 4507.52 that shows that a person is twenty-one years of age or older.

G. “Tobacco product.” Means any product that is made or derived from tobacco or that contains any form of nicotine, if it is intended for human consumption or is likely to be consumed, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, or ingested by any other means, including, but not limited to, a cigarette, an electronic smoking device, a cigar, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, or snus. The phrase also means any component or accessory used in the consumption of a tobacco product, such as filters, rolling papers, pipes, blunt or hemp wraps, and liquids used in electronic smoking devices, whether or not they contain nicotine. The phrase does not include any product that is a drug, device, or combination product, as those terms are defined or described in 21 U.S.C. 321 and 353(g).

H. “Vapor product.” Means a product, other than a cigarette or other tobacco product as defined in Ohio R.C. Chapter 5743, that contains or is made or derived from nicotine and that is intended and marketed for human consumption, including by smoking, inhaling, snorting, or sniffing. The phrase includes any component, part, or additive that is intended for use in an electronic smoking device, a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit and is used to deliver the product. The phrase does not include any product that is a drug, device, or combination product, as those terms are defined or described in 21 U.S.C. 321 and 353(g). The phrase includes any product containing nicotine, regardless of concentration.

I. “Vending machine.” Has the same meaning as “coin machine” in Ohio R.C. 2913.01.

(2) No manufacturer, producer, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer of cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes, no agent, employee, or representative of a manufacturer, producer, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer of cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes, and no other person shall do any of the following:

A. Give, sell, or otherwise distribute cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes:

1. To any person under twenty-one years of age; or

2. Without first verifying proof of age.

B. Give away, sell, or distribute cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes in any place that does not have posted in a conspicuous place a legibly printed sign in letters at least one-half inch high stating that giving, selling, or otherwise distributing cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes to a person under twenty-one years of age is prohibited by law;

C. Knowingly furnish any false information regarding the name, age, or other identification of any person under twenty-one years of age with purpose to obtain cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes for that person;

D. Manufacture, sell, or distribute in this state any pack or other container of cigarettes containing fewer than twenty cigarettes or any package of roll-your-own tobacco containing less than six-tenths of one ounce of tobacco;

E. Sell cigarettes or alternative nicotine products in a smaller quantity than that placed in the pack or other container by the manufacturer;

F. Give, sell, or otherwise distribute alternative nicotine products, papers used to roll cigarettes, or tobacco products other than cigarettes over the internet or through another remote method without age verification.

G. Allow an employee under eighteen years of age to sell any tobacco product;

H. Give away or otherwise distribute free samples of cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or coupons redeemable for cigarettes, other tobacco products or alternative tobacco products.

(3) No person shall sell or offer to sell cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products by or from a vending machine, except in the following locations:

A. An area within a factory, business, office, or other place not open to the general public;

B. An area to which persons under twenty-one years of age are not generally permitted access;

C. Any other place not identified in subsection (a)(3)A. or B. of this section, upon all of the following conditions:

1. The vending machine is located within the immediate vicinity, plain view, and control of the person who owns or operates the place, or an employee of that person, so that all cigarettes, other tobacco product, and alternative nicotine product purchases from the vending machine will be readily observed by the person who owns or operates the place or an employee of that person. For the purpose of this section, a vending machine located in any unmonitored area, including an unmonitored coatroom, restroom, hallway, or outer waiting area, shall not be considered located within the immediate vicinity, plain view, and control of the person who owns or operates the place, or an employee of that person.

2. The vending machine is inaccessible to the public when the place is closed.

3. A clearly visible notice is posted in the area where the vending machine is located that states the following in letters that are legibly printed and at least one-half inch high: “It is illegal for any person under the age of twenty-one to purchase tobacco or alternative nicotine products.”

(4) The following are affirmative defenses to a charge under subsection (a)(2)A. of this section:

A. The person under twenty-one years of age was accompanied by a parent, spouse who is twenty-one years of age or older, or legal guardian of the person under twenty-one years of age.

B. The person who gave, sold, or distributed cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes to a person under twenty-one years of age under subsection (a)(2)A. of this section is a parent, spouse who is twenty-one years of age or older, or legal guardian of the person under twenty-one years of age.

(5) A. It is not a violation of subsection (a)(2)A. or B. of this section for a person to give or otherwise distribute to a person under twenty-one years of age cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes while the person under twenty-one years of age is participating in a research protocol if all of the following apply:

1. The parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the person under twenty-one years of age has consented in writing to the person under twenty-one years of age participating in the research protocol.

2. An institutional human subjects protection review board, or an equivalent entity, has approved the research protocol.

3. The person under twenty-one years of age is participating in the research protocol at the facility or location specified in the research protocol.

B. It is not a violation of subsection (a)(2)A. or B. of this section for an employer to permit an employee eighteen, nineteen or twenty years of age to sell a tobacco product.

(6) A. No delivery service shall accept from, transport or deliver to, or allow pick-up by, a person under twenty-one years of age with respect to any of the following:

1. Alternative nicotine products;

2. Papers used to roll cigarettes;

3. Tobacco products other than cigarettes.

B. A delivery service shall require proof of age as a condition of accepting, transporting, delivering, or allowing pickup of the items described in subsections (a)(6)A1. to 3. of this section.

(7) Whoever violates subsections (a)(2)A., B., D., E., F., G., H., (3) or (6) of this section is guilty of illegal distribution of cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products. Except as otherwise provided in this division, illegal distribution of cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to illegal distribution of cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products is a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(8) Whoever violates subsection (a)(2)C. of this section is guilty of permitting a person under twenty-one years of age to use cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products. Except as otherwise provided in this division, permitting a person under twenty-one years of age to use cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of subsection (a)(2)C. of this section or a substantially equivalent state law or municipal ordinance, permitting a person under twenty-one years of age to use cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products is a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(9) Any cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes that are given, sold, or otherwise distributed to a person under twenty-one years of age in violation of this section and that are used, possessed, purchased, or received by a person under twenty-one years of age in violation of Ohio R.C. 2151.87 are subject to seizure and forfeiture as contraband under Ohio R.C. Chapter 2981.

(ORC 2927.02)

(b) Transaction Scan.

(1) For the purpose of this subsection (b) and subsection (c) of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

A. “Card holder.” Any person who presents a driver’s or commercial driver’s license or an identification card to a seller, or an agent or employee of a seller, to purchase or receive cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products from a seller, agent or employee.

B. “Identification card.” An identification card issued under Ohio R.C. 4507.50 to 4507.52.

C. “Seller.” A seller of cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products and includes any person whose gift of or other distribution of cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products is subject to the prohibitions of subsection (a) of this section.

D. “Transaction scan.” The process by which a seller or an agent or employee of a seller checks, by means of a transaction scan device, the validity of a driver’s or commercial driver’s license or an identification card that is presented as a condition for purchasing or receiving cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products.

E. “Transaction scan device.” Any commercial device or combination of devices used at a point of sale that is capable of deciphering in an electronically readable format the information encoded on the magnetic strip or bar code of a driver’s or commercial driver’s license or an identification card.

(2) A. A seller or an agent or employee of a seller may perform a transaction scan by means of a transaction scan device to check the validity of a driver’s or commercial driver’s license or identification card presented by a card holder as a condition for selling, giving away or otherwise distributing to the card holder cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products.

B. If the information deciphered by the transaction scan performed under subsection (b)(2)A. of this section fails to match the information printed on the driver’s or commercial driver’s license or identification card presented by the card holder, or if the transaction scan indicates that the information so printed is false or fraudulent, neither the seller nor any agent or employee of the seller shall sell, give away or otherwise distribute any cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products to the card holder.

C. Subsection (b)(2)A. of this section does not preclude a seller or an agent or employee of a seller from using a transaction scan device to check the validity of a document other than a driver’s or commercial driver’s license or identification card, if the document includes a bar code or magnetic strip that may be scanned by the device, as a condition for selling, giving away or otherwise distributing cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products to the person presenting the document.

(3) Rules adopted by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles under Ohio R.C. 4301.61(C) apply to the use of transaction scan devices for purposes of this subsection (b) and subsection (c) of this section.

(4) A. No seller or agent or employee of a seller shall electronically or mechanically record or maintain any information derived from a transaction scan, except for the following:

1. The name and date of birth of the person listed on the driver’s or commercial driver’s license or identification card presented by the card holder;

2. The expiration date and identification number of the driver’s or commercial driver’s license or identification card presented by the card holder.

B. No seller or agent or employee of a seller shall use the information that is derived from a transaction scan or that is permitted to be recorded and maintained under subsection (b)(4)A. of this section, except for purposes of subsection (c) of this section.

C. No seller or agent or employee of a seller shall use a transaction scan device for a purpose other than the purpose specified in subsection (c)(2)A. of this section.

D. No seller or agent or employee of a seller shall sell or otherwise disseminate the information derived from a transaction scan to any third party, including but not limited to selling or otherwise disseminating that information for any marketing, advertising or promotional activities, but a seller or agent or employee of a seller may release that information pursuant to a court order or as specifically authorized by subsection (c) of this section or another section of these Codified Ordinances or the Ohio Revised Code.

(5) Nothing in this subsection (b) or subsection (c) of this section relieves a seller or an agent or employee of a seller of any responsibility to comply with any other applicable local, state or federal laws or rules governing the sale, giving away or other distribution of cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products.

(6) Whoever violates subsection (b)(2)B. or (b)(4) of this section is guilty of engaging in an illegal tobacco product or alternative nicotine product transaction scan, and the court may impose upon the offender a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation. The Clerk of the Court shall pay each collected civil penalty to the County Treasurer for deposit into the County Treasury.

(ORC 2927.021)

(1) A seller or an agent or employee of a seller may not be found guilty of a charge of a violation of subsection (a) of this section in which the age of the purchaser or other recipient of cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products is an element of the alleged violation, if the seller, agent or employee raises and proves as an affirmative defense that all of the following occurred:

A. A card holder attempting to purchase or receive cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products presented a driver’s or commercial driver’s license or an identification card.

B. A transaction scan of the driver’s or commercial driver’s license or identification card that the card holder presented indicated that the license or card was valid.

C. The cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products were sold, given away or otherwise distributed to the card holder in reasonable reliance upon the identification presented and the completed transaction scan.

(2) In determining whether a seller or an agent or employee of a seller has proven the affirmative defense provided by subsection (c)(1) of this section, the trier of fact in the action for the alleged violation of subsection (a) of this section shall consider any written policy that the seller has adopted and implemented and that is intended to prevent violations of subsection (a) of

this section. For purposes of subsection (c)(1)C. of this section, the trier of fact shall consider that reasonable reliance upon the identification presented and the completed transaction scan may require a seller or an agent or employee of a seller to exercise reasonable diligence to determine, and that the use of a transaction scan device does not excuse a seller or an agent or employee of a seller from exercising reasonable diligence to determine, the following:

A. Whether a person to whom the seller or agent or employee of a seller sells, gives away or otherwise distributes cigarettes, other tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products is twenty-one years of age or older;

B. Whether the description and picture appearing on the driver’s or commercial driver’s license or identification card presented by a card holder is that of the card holder.

(3) In any criminal action in which the affirmative defense provided by subsection (c)(1) of this section is raised, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles or a Deputy Registrar who issued an identification card under Ohio R.C. 4507.50 to 4507.52 shall be permitted to submit certified copies of the records of that issuance in lieu of the testimony of the personnel of or contractors with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in the action.

(ORC 2927.022)

(d) Shipment of Tobacco Products.

(1) As used in this subsection (d):

A. “Authorized recipient of tobacco products” means:

1. In the case of cigarettes, a person who is:

a. Licensed as a cigarette wholesale dealer under Ohio R.C. 5743.15;

b. Licensed as a retail dealer as long as the person purchases cigarettes with the appropriate tax stamp affixed;

c. An export warehouse proprietor as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 5702;

d. An operator of a customs bonded warehouse under 19 U.S.C. Section 1311 or 19 U.S.C. Section 1555;

e. An officer, employee, or agent of the federal government or of this state acting in the person's official capacity;

f. A department, agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision of the federal government or of this state;

g. A person having a consent for consumer shipment issued by the Ohio Tax Commissioner under Ohio R.C. 5743.71.

2. In the case of electronic smoking devices or vapor products, a person who is:

a. Licensed as a distributor of tobacco or vapor products under Ohio R.C. 5743.61;

b. A retail dealer of vapor products, as defined in Ohio R.C. 5741.01(C)(3), that is not licensed as a vapor distributor, as long as the tax levied by Ohio R.C. 5743.51, 5743.62, or 5743.63, as applicable, has been paid;

c. An operator of a customs bonded warehouse under 19 U.S.C. Section 1311 or 19 U.S.C. Section 1555;

d. An officer, employee, or agent of the federal government or of this state acting in the person's official capacity;

e. A department, agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision of the federal government or of this state.

B. “Motor Carrier,” Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4923.01.

(2) The purpose of this section is to prevent the sale of cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, and vapor products to minors and to ensure compliance with the Master Settlement Agreement, as defined in Ohio R.C. 1346.01.

(3) A. No person shall cause to be shipped any cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, and vapor products to any person in this municipality other than an authorized recipient of tobacco products.

B. No motor carrier, or other person shall knowingly transport cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, and vapor products to any person in this municipality that the carrier or other person reasonably believes is not an authorized recipient of tobacco products. If cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, and vapor products are transported to a home or residence, it shall be presumed that the motor carrier, or other person knew that the person to whom the cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, and vapor products were delivered was not an authorized recipient of tobacco products.

(4) No person engaged in the business of selling cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, and vapor products who ships or causes to be shipped cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, and vapor products to any person in this municipality in any container or wrapping other than the original container or wrapping shall fail to plainly and visibly mark the exterior of the container or wrapping in which the cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, and vapor products are shipped with the words ”cigarettes”, ”electronic smoking devices”, or “vapor products”, as applicable.

(5) A court shall impose a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation of subsection (d)(3)A., (d)(3)B. or (d)(4) of this section.

(ORC 2927.023)

(e) Furnishing False Information to Obtain Tobacco Products.

(1) No person who is eighteen years of age or older but younger than twenty-one years of age shall knowingly furnish false information concerning that person’s name, age, or other identification for the purpose of obtaining tobacco products.

(2) Whoever violates subsection (e)(1) of this section is guilty of furnishing false information to obtain tobacco products. Except as otherwise provided in this division, furnishing false information to obtain tobacco products is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of subsection (e)(1) of this section or a substantially equivalent state law or municipal ordinance, furnishing false information to obtain tobacco products is a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(ORC 2927.024)

537.17 RESERVED.

(Editor’s note: This section was formerly 537.17 Criminal Child Enticement, based on Ohio R.C. 2905.05, Criminal Child Enticement. The Ohio Supreme Court held that Ohio R.C. 2905.05(A) was unconstitutionally overbroad in violation of the First Amendment. See State v. Romage, 138 Ohio St. 3d. 390 (2014).)

537.18 CONTRIBUTING TO UNRULINESS OR DELINQUENCY OF A CHILD.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Delinquent child” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2152.02.

(2) “Unruly child” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2151.022.

(b) No person, including a parent, guardian or other custodian of a child, shall do any of the following:

(1) Aid, abet, induce, cause, encourage, or contribute to a child or a ward of the juvenile court becoming an unruly child or a delinquent child;

(2) Act in a way tending to cause a child or a ward of the juvenile court to become an unruly child or a delinquent child;

(3) Act in a way that contributes to an adjudication of the child as a delinquent child based on the child’s violation of a court order adjudicating the child an unruly child for being an habitual truant;

(4) If the person is the parent, guardian, or custodian of a child who has the duties under Ohio R.C. Chapters 2152 and 2950 to register, register a new residence address, and periodically verify a residence address and, if applicable, to send a notice of intent to reside, and if the child is not emancipated, as defined in Ohio R.C. 2919.121, fail to ensure that the child complies with those duties under Ohio R.C. Chapters 2152 and 2950.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of contributing to the unruliness or delinquency of a child, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Each day of violation of this section is a separate offense. (ORC 2919.24)

537.19 HAZING PROHIBITED.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Hazing” means doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse, as defined in Ohio R.C. 3719.011.

(2) “Organization” includes a national or international organization with which a fraternity or sorority is affiliated.

(b) (1) No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another.

(2) No administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, including any primary, secondary, or post-secondary school or any other educational institution, public or private, shall recklessly permit the hazing of any person associated with the organization.

(c) (1) No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another when the hazing includes coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs of abuse resulting in serious physical harm to the other person.

(2) No administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, including any primary, secondary, or post-secondary school or other educational institution, public or private, shall recklessly permit the hazing of any person associated with the organization when the hazing includes coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs of abuse resulting in serious physical harm to that person.

(d) Whoever violates subsections (b) or (c) of this section is guilty of hazing. A violation of subsections (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree. A violation of subsections (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section is a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law. (ORC 2903.31)

(e) Reckless failure to immediately report knowledge of hazing.

(1) No administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, including any primary, secondary, or post-secondary school or any other public or private educational institution, who is acting in an official and professional capacity shall recklessly fail to immediately report the knowledge of hazing to a law enforcement agency in the county in which the victim of hazing resides or in which the hazing is occurring or has occurred.

(2) A violation of subsection (e)(1) of this section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, except that the violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree if the hazing causes serious physical harm.

(ORC 2903.311(B), (C))

537.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

541.01 DETERMINING PROPERTY VALUE IN ARSON.

(a) The following criteria shall be used in determining the value of property or amount of physical harm involved in a violation of Section 541.02.

(1) If the property is an heirloom, memento, collector's item, antique, museum piece, manuscript, document, record or other thing that is either irreplaceable or is replaceable only on the expenditure of substantial time, effort or money, the value of the property or the amount of physical harm involved is the amount that would compensate the owner for its loss.

(2) If the property is not covered under subsection (a)(1) hereof, and the physical harm is such that the property can be restored substantially to its former condition, the amount of physical harm involved is the reasonable cost of restoring the property.

(3) If the property is not covered under subsection (a)(1) hereof, and the physical harm is such that the property cannot be restored substantially to its former condition, the value of the property, in the case of personal property, is the cost of replacing the property with new property of like kind and quality, and in the case of real property or real property fixtures, is the difference in the fair market value of the property immediately before and immediately after the offense.

(b) As used in this section, "fair market value" has the same meaning as in Section 545.02(c)(3).

(c) Prima-facie evidence of the value of property, as provided in Section 545.02(d) may be used to establish the value of property pursuant to this section.

(ORC 2909.11)

541.02 ARSON.

(a) No person, by means of fire or explosion, shall knowingly cause or create a substantial risk of physical harm to any property of another without the other person’s consent.

(b) (1) No person, by means of fire or explosion, shall knowingly cause or create a substantial risk of physical harm to any structure of another that is not an occupied structure;

(2) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under subsection (b)(1) of this section that the defendant acted with the consent of the other person.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of arson, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the value of the property or the amount of physical harm involved is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, arson is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2909.03)

541.03 CRIMINAL DAMAGING OR ENDANGERING.

(a) No person shall cause, or create a substantial risk of physical harm to any property of another without the other person’s consent:

(1) Knowingly, by any means;

(2) Recklessly, by means of fire, explosion, flood, poison gas, poison, radioactive material, caustic or corrosive material, or other inherently dangerous agency or substance.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of criminal damaging or endangering, a misdemeanor of the second degree. If violation of this section creates a risk of physical harm to any person, criminal damaging or endangering is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the property involved in a violation is an aircraft, an aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, spare part, or any other equipment or implement used or intended to be used in the operation of an aircraft and if the violation creates a risk of physical harm to any person or if the property involved in a violation is an occupied aircraft, criminal damaging or endangering is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2909.06)

541.04 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF.

(a) No person shall:

(1) Without privilege to do so, knowingly move, deface, damage, destroy or otherwise improperly tamper with either of the following:

A. The property of another;

B. One’s own residential real property with the purpose to decrease the value of or enjoyment of the residential real property, if both of the following apply:

1. The residential real property is subject to a mortgage.

2. The person has been served with a summons and complaint in a pending residential mortgage loan foreclosure action relating to that real property. As used in this subsection, “pending” includes the time between judgment entry and confirmation of sale.

(2) With purpose to interfere with the use or enjoyment of property of another employ a tear gas device, stink bomb, smoke generator or other device releasing a substance that is harmful or offensive to persons exposed, or that tends to cause public alarm;

(3) Without privilege to do so, knowingly move, deface, damage, destroy or otherwise improperly tamper with a bench mark, triangulation station, boundary marker or other survey station, monument or marker.

(4) Without privilege to do so, knowingly move, deface, damage, destroy or otherwise improperly tamper with any safety device, the property of another or the property of the offender when required or placed for the safety of others, so as to destroy or diminish its effectiveness or availability for its intended purpose;

(5) With purpose to interfere with the use or enjoyment of the property of another, set a fire on the land of another or place personal property that has been set on fire on the land of another, which fire or personal property is outside and apart from any building, other structure or personal property that is on that land.

(6) Without privilege to do so, and with intent to impair the functioning of any computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, or computer program, all as defined in Ohio R.C. 2909.01, knowingly do any of the following:

A. In any manner or by any means, including, but not limited to, computer hacking, alter, damage, destroy, or modify a computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, or computer program or data contained in a computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, or computer program;

B. Introduce a computer contaminant into a computer, computer system, computer network, computer software or computer program.

(7) Without privilege to do so, knowingly destroy or improperly tamper with a critical infrastructure facility.

(b) As used in this section:

(1) “Critical Infrastructure Facility”. Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2911.21.

(2) “Improperly Tamper”. Means to change the physical location or the physical condition of the property.

(3) “Safety Device”. Means any fire extinguisher, fire hose, or fire axe, or any fire escape, emergency exit, or emergency escape equipment, or any life line, life-saving ring, life preserver, or life boat or raft, or any alarm, light, flare, signal, sign, or notice intended to warn of danger or emergency, or intended for other safety purposes, or any guard railing or safety barricade, or any traffic sign or signal, or any railroad grade crossing sign, signal, or gate, or any first aid or survival equipment, or any other device, apparatus, or equipment intended for protecting or preserving the safety of persons or property.

(c) (1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of criminal mischief, and shall be punished as provided in subsection (c)(2), (c)(3), or (c)(4) of this section.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, criminal mischief committed in violation of subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), or (a)(5) of this section is a misdemeanor of the third degree. Except as otherwise provided in this division, if the violation of subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), or (a)(5) of this section creates a risk of physical harm to any person, criminal mischief committed in violation of subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), or (a)(5) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the property involved in the violation of subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), or (a)(5) of this section is an aircraft, an aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, spare part, fuel, lubricant, hydraulic fluid, any other equipment, implement, or material used or intended to be used in the operation of an aircraft, or any cargo carried or intended to be carried in an aircraft and if the violation creates any risk of physical harm to any person, or if the aircraft in question is an occupied aircraft, criminal mischief committed in violation of subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), or (a)(5) of this section is a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, criminal mischief committed in violation of subsection (a)(6) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the value of the computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, computer program, or data involved in the violation of subsection (a)(6) of this section or the loss to the victim resulting from the violation is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, or if the computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, computer program, or data involved in the violation of subsection (a)(6) is used or intended to be used in the operation of an aircraft and the violation creates any risk of physical harm to any person, or if the aircraft in question is an occupied aircraft, criminal mischief committed in violation of subsection (a)(6) of this section is a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(4) Criminal mischief committed in violation of subsection (a)(7) of this section is a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(ORC 2909.07)

541.05 CRIMINAL TRESPASS.

(a) No person, without privilege to do so, shall do any of the following:

(1) Knowingly enter or remain on the land or premises of another;

(2) Knowingly enter or remain on the land or premises of another, the use of which is lawfully restricted to certain persons, purposes, modes or hours, when the offender knows the offender is in violation of any such restriction or is reckless in that regard;

(3) Recklessly enter or remain on the land or premises of another, as to which notice against unauthorized access or presence is given by actual communication to the offender, or in a manner prescribed by law, or by posting in a manner reasonably calculated to come to the attention of potential intruders, or by fencing or other enclosure manifestly designed to restrict access;

(4) Being on the land or premises of another, negligently fail or refuse to leave upon being notified by signage posted in a conspicuous place or otherwise being notified to do so by the owner or occupant, or the agent or servant of either.

(5) Knowingly enter or remain on a critical infrastructure facility.

(b) It is no defense to a charge under this section that the land or premises involved was owned, controlled or in custody of a public agency.

(c) It is no defense to a charge under this section that the offender was authorized to enter or remain on the land or premises involved when such authorization was secured by deception.

(d) (1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of criminal trespass. Criminal trespass in violation of subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4) of this section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Criminal trespass in violation of subsection (a)(5) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(2) Notwithstanding Section 501.99, if the person, in committing the violation of this section, used a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle, the court shall impose a fine of two times the usual amount imposed for the violation.

(3) If an offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of this section or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, or state law, and the offender, in committing each violation, used a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle, the court, in addition to or independent of all other penalties imposed for the violation, may impound the certificate of registration of that snowmobile or off-highway motorcycle or the certificate of registration and license plate of that all-purpose vehicle for not less than sixty days. In such a case, Ohio R.C. 4519.47 applies.

(e) As used in subsections (a) through (e) of this section:

(1) “All-Purpose Vehicle, Off-Highway Motorcycle” and “Snowmobile”. Have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 4519.01.

(2) “Critical Infrastructure Facility”. Means:

A. One of the following, if completely enclosed by a fence or other physical barrier that is obviously designed to exclude intruders, or if clearly marked with signs that are reasonably likely to come to the attention of potential intruders and that indicate entry is forbidden without site authorization:

1. A petroleum or alumina refinery;

2. An electric generating facility, substation, switching station, electrical control center, or electric transmission and distribution lines and associated equipment;

3. A chemical, polymer, or rubber manufacturing facility;

4. A water intake structure, water treatment facility, waste water facility, drainage facility, water management facility, or any similar water or sewage treatment system and its water and sewage piping;

5. A natural gas company facility or interstate natural gas pipeline, including a pipeline interconnection, a natural gas compressor station and associated facilities, city gate or town border station, metering station, above-ground piping, regulator station, valve site, delivery station, fabricated assembly, or any other part of a natural gas storage facility involved in the gathering, storage, transmission, or distribution of gas;

6. A telecommunications central switching office or remote switching facility or an equivalent network facility that serves a similar purpose;

7. Wireline or wireless telecommunications infrastructure, including telecommunications towers and telephone poles and lines, including fiber optic lines;

8. A port, trucking terminal, or other freight transportation facility;

9. A gas processing plant, including a plant used in the processing, treatment, or fractionation of natural gas or natural gas liquids;

10. A transmission facility used by a federally licensed radio or television station;

11. A steel-making facility that uses an electric arc furnace to make steel;

12. A facility identified and regulated by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program under 6 C.F.R. part 27;

13. A dam that is regulated by the state or federal government;

14. A crude oil or refined products storage and distribution facility, including valve sites, pipeline interconnections, pump station, metering station, below- or above-ground pipeline, or piping and truck loading or off-loading facility;

15. A video service network and broadband infrastructure, including associated buildings and facilities, video service headends, towers, utility poles, and utility lines such as fiber optic lines. As used in this division, “video service network” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 1332.21.

16. Any above-ground portion of an oil, gas, hazardous liquid or chemical pipeline, tank, or other storage facility;

17. Any above-ground portion of a well, well pad, or production operation;

18. A laydown area or construction site for pipe and other equipment intended for use on an interstate or intrastate natural gas or crude oil pipeline;

19. Any mining operation, including any processing equipment, batching operation, or support facility for that mining operation.

B. With respect to a video service network or broadband or wireless telecommunications infrastructure, the above-ground portion of a facility installed in a public right-of-way on a utility pole or in a conduit;

C. Any railroad property;

D. An electronic asset of any of the following:

1. An electric light company that is a public utility under Ohio R.C. 4905.02;

2. An electric cooperative, as defined in Ohio R.C. 4928.01;

3. A municipal electric utility, as defined in Ohio R.C. 4928.01;

4. A natural gas company that is a public utility under Ohio R.C. 4905.02;

5. A telephone company that is a public utility under Ohio R.C. 4905.02;

6. A video service provider, including a cable operator, as those terms are defined in Ohio R.C. 1332.21.

(3) “Electronic Asset”. Includes, but is not limited to, the hardware, software, and data of a programmable electronic device; all communications, operations, and customer data networks; and the contents of those data networks.

(4) “Land” or “Premises”. Includes any land, building, structure, or place belonging to, controlled by, or in custody of another, and any separate enclosure or room, or portion thereof.

(5) “Production Operation, Well, and Well Pad”. Have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 1509.01.

(ORC 2911.21)

541.051 AGGRAVATED TRESPASS.

(a) (1) No person shall enter or remain on the land or premises of another with purpose to commit on that land or those premises a misdemeanor, the elements of which involve causing physical harm to another person or causing another person to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to that person.

(2) No person shall enter or remain on a critical infrastructure facility with purpose to destroy or tamper with the facility.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of aggravated trespass. Aggravated trespass in violation of subsection (a)(1) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Aggravated trespass in violation of subsection (a)(2) of this section is a felony to be prosecuted under

appropriate state law.

(c) As used in this section, “Critical infrastructure facility” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2911.21. (ORC 2911.211)

541.06 DESTRUCTION OF SHRUBS, TREES OR CROPS.

(a) No person, without privilege to do so, shall recklessly cut down, destroy, girdle or otherwise injure a vine, bush, shrub, sapling, tree or crop standing or growing on the land of another or upon public land.

(b) In addition to any penalty provided, whoever violates this section is liable in treble damages for the injury caused.

(ORC 901.51)

541.07 DESECRATION.

(a) No person, without privilege to do so, shall purposely deface, damage, pollute or otherwise physically mistreat any of the following:

(1) The flag of the United States or of this State;

(2) Any public monument;

(3) Any historical or commemorative marker, or any structure, Indian mound or earthwork, cemetery, thing or site of great historical or archeological interest;

(4) A work of art or museum piece;

(5) Any other object of reverence or sacred devotion.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of desecration, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(c) As used in this section, “cemetery” means any place of burial and includes burial sites that contain American Indian burial objects placed with or containing American Indian human remains.

(ORC 2927.11)

541.08 ETHNIC INTIMIDATION.

(a) No person shall violate Ohio R.C. 2903.21, 2903.22, 2909.06, 2909.07 or 2917.21(A)(3) to (5) or Sections 537.05, 537.06, 537.10(a)(3) to (5), 541.03 or 541.04 of the General Offenses Code by reason of the race, color, religion or national origin of another person or group of persons.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of ethnic intimidation. Ethnic intimidation is an offense of the next higher degree than the offense the commission of which is a necessary element of ethnic intimidation.

(ORC 2927.12)

541.09 VEHICULAR VANDALISM.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Highway” means any highway as defined in Section 301.42 of the Traffic Code or any lane, road, street, alley, bridge, or overpass.

(2) “Alley”, “street”, and “vehicle” have the same meanings as in Chapter 301 of the Traffic Code.

(3) “Vessel” and “waters in this State” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 1546.01.

(b) No person shall knowingly, and by any means, drop or throw any object at, onto, or in the path of any of the following:

(1) Any vehicle on a highway;

(2) Any boat or vessel on any of the waters in this State that are located in the Municipality.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of vehicular vandalism. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, vehicular vandalism is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the violation of this section creates a substantial risk of physical harm to any person, serious physical harm to property, physical harm to any person or serious physical harm to any person, vehicular vandalism is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2909.09)

541.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

545.01 DEFINITIONS.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires that a term be given a different meaning:

(a) "Deception" means knowingly deceiving another or causing another to be deceived, by any false or misleading representation, by withholding information, by preventing another from acquiring information, or by any other conduct, act or omission that creates, confirms or perpetuates a false impression in another, including a false impression as to law, value, state of mind, or other objective or subjective fact.

(b) "Defraud" means to knowingly obtain, by deception, some benefit for oneself or another, or to knowingly cause, by deception, some detriment to another.

(1) Withhold property of another permanently, or for such period that appropriates a substantial portion of its value or use, or with purpose to restore it only upon payment of a reward or other consideration;

(2) Dispose of property so as to make it unlikely that the owner will recover it;

(3) Accept, use or appropriate money, property or services, with purpose not to give proper consideration in return for the money, property or services, and without reasonable justification or excuse for not giving proper consideration.

(d) "Owner" means, unless the context requires a different meaning, any person, other than the actor, who is the owner of, who has possession or control of, or who has any license or interest in property or services, even though the ownership, possession, control, license or interest is unlawful.

(e) "Services" include labor, personal services, professional services, rental services, public utility services, including wireless service as defined in Ohio R.C. 5507.01(F)(1), common carrier services, and food, drink, transportation, entertainment and cable television services.

(f) "Writing" means any computer software, document, letter, memorandum, note, paper, plate, data, film or other thing having in or upon it any written, typewritten or printed matter, and any token, stamp, seal, credit card, badge, trademark, label or other symbol of value, right, privilege, license or identification.

(g) "Forge" means to fabricate or create, in whole or in part and by any means any spurious writing, or to make, execute, alter, complete, reproduce or otherwise purport to authenticate any writing, when the writing in fact is not authenticated by that conduct.

(h) "Utter" means to issue, publish, transfer, use, put or send into circulation, deliver or display.

(i) "Coin machine" means any mechanical or electronic device designed to do both of the following:

(1) Receive a coin, bill, or token made for that purpose;

(2) In return for the insertion or deposit of a coin, bill or token, automatically dispense property, provide a service or grant a license.

(j) "Slug" means an object that, by virtue of its size, shape, composition or other quality, is capable of being inserted or deposited in a coin machine as an improper substitute for a genuine coin, bill or token made for that purpose.

(k) "Theft offense" means any of the following:

(1) A violation of Ohio R.C. 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2911.13, 2911.31, 2911.32, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.041, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.32, 2913.33, 2913.34, 2913.40, 2913.42 to 2913.45, 2913.47, 2913.48, 2913.51, 2915.05, 2915.06.

(2) A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this or any other state or the United States substantially equivalent to any section listed in subsection (k)(1) hereof or a violation of Ohio R.C. 2913.41, 2913.81 or 2915.06 as it existed prior to July 1, 1996;

(3) An offense under an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this or any other state or the United States involving robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, theft, embezzlement, wrongful conversion, forgery, counterfeiting, deceit or fraud;

(4) A conspiracy or attempt to commit, or complicity in committing any offense under subsection (k)(1), (2) or (3) hereof.

(l) "Computer services" includes, but is not limited to, the use of a computer system, computer network, computer program, data that is prepared for computer use or data that is contained within a computer system or computer network.

(m) "Computer" means an electronic device that performs logical, arithmetic and memory functions by the manipulation of electronic or magnetic impulses. "Computer" includes, but is not limited to, all input, output, processing, storage, computer program or communication facilities that are connected or related, in a computer system or network to an electronic device of that nature.

(n) "Computer system" means a computer and related devices, whether connected or unconnected, including, but not limited to, data input, output and storage devices, data communications links, and computer programs and data that make the system capable of performing specified special purpose data processing tasks.

(o) "Computer network" means a set of related and remotely connected computers and communication facilities that includes more than one computer system that has the capability to transmit among the connected computers and communication facilities through the use of computer facilities.

(p) "Computer program" means an ordered set of data representing coded instructions or statements that when executed by a computer cause the computer to process data.

(q) "Computer software" means computer programs, procedures and other documentation associated with the operation of a computer system.

(r) "Data" means a representation of information, knowledge, facts, concepts or instructions that are being or have been prepared in a formalized manner and that are intended for use in a computer, computer system or computer network. For purposes of Section 545.07, "data" has the additional meaning set forth in subsection (a) of that section.

(s) "Cable television service" means any services provided by or through the facilities of any cable television system or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system, or any microwave or similar transmission service used in connection with any cable television system or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system.

(t) "Gain access" means to approach, instruct, communicate with, store data in, retrieve data from or otherwise make use of any resources of a computer, computer system or computer network.

(u) "Credit card" includes, but is not limited to, a card, code, device or other means of access to a customer's account for the purpose of obtaining money, property, labor or services on credit, or for initiating an electronic fund transfer at a point-of-sale terminal, an automated teller machine or a cash dispensing machine.

(v) "Electronic fund transfer" has the same meaning as in 92 Stat. 3728, 15 U.S.C.A. 1693a, as amended.

(w) “Rented property” means personal property in which the right of possession and use of the property is for a short and possibly indeterminate term in return for consideration; the rentee generally controls the duration of possession of the property, within any applicable minimum or maximum term; and the amount of consideration generally is determined by the duration of possession of the property.

(x) “Telecommunication” means the origination, emission, dissemination, transmission, or reception of data, images, signals, sounds, or other intelligence or equivalence of intelligence or any nature over any communications system by any method, including, but not limited to, a fiber optic, electronic, magnetic, optical, digital, or analog method.

(y) “Telecommunications device” means any instrument, equipment, machine, or other device that facilitates telecommunication, including, but not limited to, a computer, computer network, computer chip, computer circuit, scanner, telephone, cellular telephone, pager, personal communications device, transponder, receiver, radio, modem, or device that enables the use of a modem.

(z) “Telecommunications service” means the providing, allowing, facilitating, or generating of any form of telecommunication through the use of a telecommunications device over a telecommunications system.

(aa) “Counterfeit telecommunications device” means a telecommunications device that, alone or with another telecommunications device, has been altered, constructed, manufactured, or programmed to acquire, intercept, receive, or otherwise facilitate the use of a telecommunications service or information service without the authority or consent of the provider of the telecommunications service or information service. “Counterfeit telecommunications device” includes, but is not limited to, a clone telephone, clone microchip, tumbler telephone, or tumbler microchip; a wireless scanning device capable of acquiring, intercepting, receiving, or otherwise facilitating the use of telecommunications service or information service without immediate detection; or a device, equipment, hardware, or software designed for, or capable of, altering or changing the electronic serial number in a wireless telephone.

(bb) (1) “Information service” means, subject to subsection (bb)(2) hereof, the offering of a capability for generating, acquiring, storing, transforming, processing, retrieving, utilizing, or making available information via telecommunications, including, but not limited to, electronic publishing.

(2) “Information service” does not include any use of a capability of a type described in subsection (bb)(1) hereof for the management, control, or operation of a telecommunications system or the management of a telecommunications service.

(cc) “Elderly person” means a person who is sixty-five years of age or older.

(dd) “Disabled adult” means a person who is eighteen years of age or older and has some impairment of body or mind that makes the person unfit to work at any substantially remunerative employment that the person otherwise would be able to perform and that will, with reasonable probability, continue for a period of at least twelve months without any present indication of recovery from the impairment, or who is eighteen years of age or older and has been certified as permanently and totally disabled by an agency of this State or the United States that has the function of so classifying persons.

(ee) “Firearm” and “dangerous ordnance” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2923.11.

(ff) “Motor vehicle” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4501.01.

(gg) “Dangerous drug” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4729.01.

(hh) “Drug abuse offense” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2925.01.

(ii) “Police dog or horse” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2921.321.

(jj) “Anhydrous ammonia” is a compound formed by the combination of two gaseous elements, nitrogen and hydrogen, in the manner described in this subsection. Anhydrous ammonia is one part nitrogen to three parts hydrogen (NH3). Anhydrous ammonia by weight is fourteen parts nitrogen to three parts hydrogen, which is approximately eighty-two per cent nitrogen to eighteen per cent hydrogen.

(kk) “Assistance dog” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 955.011.

(ll) “Active duty service member” means any member of the armed forces of the United States performing active duty under Title 10 of the United States Code.

(ORC 2913.01)

545.02 DETERMINING PROPERTY VALUE IN THEFT OFFENSE.

(a) If more than one item of property or service is involved in a theft offense, the value of the property or services involved for the purpose of determining the value is the aggregate value of all property or services involved in the offense.

(b) (1) When a series of offenses under Section 545.05, or a series of violations of, attempts to commit a violation of, conspiracies to violate, or complicity in violations of Section 545.05, 545.06, or 545.08, 545.10(b)(1) or (2), or Section 545.15 or 545.20 involving a victim who is an elderly person or disabled adult, is committed by the offender in the offender’s same employment, capacity, or relationship to another, all of those offenses shall be tried as a single offense. When a series of offenses under Section 545.05, or a series of violations of, attempts to commit a violation of, conspiracies to violate, or complicity in violations of Sections 545.05 or 545.15 involving a victim who is an active duty service member or spouse of an active duty service member is committed by the offender in the offender’s same employment, capacity or relationship to another, all of those offenses shall be tried as a single offense. The value of the property or services involved in the series of offenses for the purpose of determining the value is the aggregate value of all property and services involved in all offenses in the series.

(2) If an offender commits a series of offenses under Section 545.05 that involves a common course of conduct to defraud multiple victims, all of the offenses may be tried as a single offense. If an offender is being tried for the commission of a series of violations of, attempts to commit a violation of, conspiracies to violate, or complicity in violations of Section 545.05, 545.06 or 545.08, Section 545.10(b)(1) or (2), or Section 545.15 or 545.20, whether committed against one victim or more than one victim, involving a victim who is an elderly person or disabled adult, pursuant to a scheme or course of conduct, all of those offenses may be tried as a single offense. If the offender is being tried for the commission of a series of violations of, attempts to commit a violation of, conspiracies to violate, or complicity in violations of Section 545.05 or 545.15, whether committed against one victim or more than one victim, involving a victim who is an active duty service member or spouse of an active duty service member pursuant to a scheme or course of conduct, all of those offenses may be tried as a single offense. If the offenses are tried as a single offense, the value of the property or services involved for the purpose of determining the value is the aggregate value of all property and services involved in all of the offenses in the course of conduct.

(3) In prosecuting a single offense under subsection (b)(1) or (2), it is not necessary to separately allege and prove each offense in the series. Rather, it is sufficient to allege and prove that the offender, within a given span of time, committed one or more theft offenses in the offender’s same employment, capacity, or relationship to another as described in subsection (b)(1) of this section or that involve a common course of conduct to defraud multiple victims or a scheme or course of conduct as described in subsection (b)(2) of this section. While it is not necessary to separately allege and prove each offense in the series in order to prosecute a single offense under subsection (b)(1) or (2) hereof, it remains necessary in prosecuting them as a single offense to prove the aggregate value of the property or services in order to meet the requisite statutory offense level sought by the prosecution.

(1) The value of an heirloom, memento, collector's item, antique, museum piece, manuscript, document, record or other thing that has intrinsic worth to its owner and that is either irreplaceable or is replaceable only on the expenditure of substantial time, effort or money, is the amount that would compensate the owner for its loss.

(2) The value of personal effects and household goods, and of materials, supplies, equipment and fixtures used in the profession, business, trade, occupation or avocation of its owner, which property is not covered under subsection (c)(1) hereof, and which retains substantial utility for its purpose regardless of its age or condition, is the cost of replacing the property with new property of like kind and quality.

(3) The value of any real or personal property that is not covered under subsections (c)(1) or (2) hereof, and the value of services, is the fair market value of the property or services. As used in this section, "fair market value" is the money consideration that a buyer would give and a seller would accept for property or services, assuming that the buyer is willing to buy and the seller is willing to sell, that both are fully informed as to all facts material to the transaction, and that neither is under any compulsion to act.

(d) Without limitation on the evidence that may be used to establish the value of property or services involved in a theft offense:

(1) When the property involved is personal property held for sale at wholesale or retail, the price at which the property was held for sale is prima-facie evidence of its value.

(2) When the property involved is a security or commodity traded on an exchange, the closing price or, if there is no closing price, the asked price, given in the latest market quotation prior to the offense, is prima-facie evidence of the value of the security or commodity.

(3) When the property involved is livestock, poultry or raw agricultural products for which a local market price is available, the latest local market price prior to the offense is prima-facie evidence of the value of the livestock, poultry or products.

(4) When the property involved is a negotiable instrument, the face value is prima-facie evidence of the value of the instrument.

(5) When the property involved is a warehouse receipt, bill of lading, pawn ticket, claim check or other instrument entitling the holder or bearer to receive property, the face value or, if there is no face value, the value of the property covered by the instrument less any payment necessary to receive the property, is prima-facie evidence of the value of the instrument.

(6) When the property involved is a ticket of admission, ticket for transportation, coupon, token or other instrument entitling the holder or bearer to receive property or services, the face value or, if there is no face value, the value of the property or services that may be received by the instrument, is prima-facie evidence of the value of the instrument.

(7) When the services involved are gas, electricity, water, telephone, transportation, shipping or other services for which the rate is established by law, the duly established rate is prima-facie evidence of the value of the services.

(8) When the services involved are services for which the rate is not established by law, and the offender has been notified prior to the offense of the rate for the services, either in writing or orally, or by posting in a manner reasonably calculated to come to the attention of potential offenders, the rate contained in the notice is prima-facie evidence of the value of the services.

(ORC 2913.61)

545.03 PROPERTY EXCEPTIONS AS FELONY OFFENSE.

Regardless of the value of the property involved, and regardless of whether the offender has previously been convicted of a theft offense, the provisions of Section 545.05 or 545.18 do not apply if the property involved is any of the following:

(a) A credit card;

(b) A printed form for a check or other negotiable instrument, that on its face identifies the drawer or maker for whose use it is designed or identifies the account on which it is to be drawn, and that has not been executed by the drawer or maker or on which the amount is blank;

(c) A motor vehicle identification license plate as prescribed by Ohio R.C. 4503.22, a temporary motor vehicle license registration as prescribed by Ohio R.C. 4503.182, or any comparable temporary motor vehicle license registration as prescribed by the applicable law of another state or the United States;

(d) A blank form for a certificate of title or a manufacturer's or importer's certificate to a motor vehicle, as prescribed by Ohio R.C. 4505.07;

(e) A blank form for any license listed in Ohio R.C. 4507.01(A).

(ORC 2913.71)

545.04 DETENTION OF SHOPLIFTERS; RIGHTS OF MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES.

(a) A merchant, or his employee or agent, who has probable cause to believe that items offered for sale by a mercantile establishment have been unlawfully taken by a person, may, for the purposes set forth in subsection (c) hereof, detain the person in a reasonable manner for a reasonable length of time within the mercantile establishment or its immediate vicinity.

(b) Any officer, employee or agent of a library, museum or archival institution may, for the purposes set forth in subsection (c) hereof or for the purpose of conducting a reasonable investigation of a belief that the person has acted in a manner described in subsections (b)(1) and (2) hereof, detain a person in a reasonable manner for a reasonable length of time within, or in the immediate vicinity of the library, museum or archival institution, if the officer, employee or agent has probable cause to believe that the person has either:

(1) Without privilege to do so, knowingly moved, defaced, damaged, destroyed or otherwise improperly tampered with property owned by or in the custody of the library, museum or archival institution; or

(2) With purpose to deprive the library, museum or archival institution of property owned by it or in its custody, knowingly obtained or exerted control over the property without the consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent, beyond the scope of the express or implied consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent, by deception, or by threat.

(c) An officer, agent or employee of a library, museum or archival institution pursuant to subsection (b) hereof or a merchant or his employee or agent pursuant to subsection (a) hereof may detain another person for any of the following purposes:

(1) To recover the property that is the subject of the unlawful taking, criminal mischief or theft;

(2) To cause an arrest to be made by a peace officer;

(3) To obtain a warrant of arrest.

(4) To offer the person, if the person is suspected of the unlawful taking, criminal mischief, or theft and notwithstanding any other provision of this General Offenses or the Ohio Revised Code, an opportunity to complete a pretrial diversion program and to inform the person of the other legal remedies available to the library, museum, archival institution or merchant.

(d) The officer, agent or employee of the library, museum or archival institution, or the merchant or his employee or agent acting under subsection (a) or (b) hereof shall not search the person, search or seize any property belonging to the person detained without the person's consent, or use undue restraint upon the person detained.

(e) Any peace officer may arrest without a warrant any person that he has probable cause to believe has committed any act described in subsection (b)(1) or (2) hereof or that he has probable cause to believe has committed an unlawful taking in a mercantile establishment. An arrest under this subsection shall be made within a reasonable time after the commission of the act or unlawful taking.

(f) As used in this section:

(1) "Archival institution" means any public or private building, structure or shelter in which are stored historical documents, devices, records, manuscripts or items of public interest, which historical materials are stored to preserve the materials or the information in the materials, to disseminate the information contained in the materials, or to make the materials available for public inspection or for inspection by certain persons who have a particular interest in, use for or knowledge concerning the materials.

(2) "Museum" means any public or private nonprofit institution that is permanently organized for primarily educational or aesthetic purposes, owns or borrows objects or items of public interest, and cares for and exhibits to the public the objects or items.

(3) “Pretrial diversion program” means a rehabilitative, educational program designed to reduce recidivism and promote personal responsibility that is at least four hours in length and that has been approved by any court in this State.
(ORC 2935.041)

545.05 MISDEMEANOR THEFT.

(a) No person, with purpose to deprive the owner of property or services, shall knowingly obtain or exert control over either the property or services in any of the following ways:

(1) Without the consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent;

(2) Beyond the scope of the express or implied consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent;

(3) By deception;

(4) By threat;

(5) By intimidation.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of misdemeanor theft, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If any of the following criteria are met, then a violation of this section is a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law:

(1) The value of the property or services stolen is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more; or

(2) If the property stolen is any of the property listed in Ohio R.C. 2913.71;

(3) The victim of the offense is an elderly person, disabled adult, active duty service member, or spouse of an active duty service member, or

(4) The property stolen is a firearm or dangerous ordnance, or

(5) The property stolen is a motor vehicle, or

(6) The property stolen is any dangerous drug, or

(7) The property stolen is a police dog or horse or an assistance dog and the offender knows or should know that the property stolen is a police dog or horse or an assistance dog, or

(8) The property stolen is anhydrous ammonia, or

(9) The property stolen is a special purpose article as defined in Ohio R.C. 4737.04 or a bulk merchandise container as defined in Ohio R.C. 4737.012.

(c) In addition to the penalties described in subsection (b) of this section, if the offender committed the violation by causing a motor vehicle to leave the premises of an establishment at which gasoline is offered for retail sale without the offender making full payment for gasoline that was dispensed into the fuel tank of the motor vehicle or into another container, the court may do one of the following:

(1) Unless subsection (c)(2) of this section applies, suspend for not more than six months the offender’s driver’s license, probationary driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, or nonresident operating privilege;

(2) If the offender’s driver’s license, probationary driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, or nonresident operating privilege has previously been suspended pursuant to subsection (c)(1) of this section, impose a class seven suspension of the offender’s license, permit, or privilege from the range specified in Ohio R.C. 4510.02(A)(7), provided that the suspension shall be for at least six months.

(3) The court, in lieu of suspending the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license, probationary driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, or nonresident operating privilege pursuant to subsections (c)(1) or (2) of this section, instead may require the offender to perform community service for a number of hours determined by the court.

(d) In addition to the penalties described in subsection (b) hereof, if the offender committed the violation by stealing rented property or rental services, the court may order that the offender make restitution pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.18 or 2929.28. Restitution may include, but is not limited to, the cost of repairing or replacing the stolen property, or the cost of repairing the stolen property and any loss of revenue resulting from deprivation of the property due to theft of rental services that is less than or equal to the actual value of the property at the time it was rented. Evidence of intent to commit theft of rented property or rental services shall be determined pursuant to the provisions of Ohio R.C. 2913.72.

(e) The sentencing court that suspends an offender’s license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege under subsection (c) of this section may grant the offender limited driving privileges during the period of the suspension in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 4510.

(ORC 2913.02)

545.06 UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A VEHICLE; VEHICLE TRESPASS.

(a) No person shall knowingly use or operate an aircraft, motor vehicle, motorcycle, motorboat or other motor-propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent.

(b) This section does not apply to property removed from the State or if possession is kept for more than forty-eight hours.

(1) At the time of the alleged offense, the actor, though mistaken, reasonably believed that the actor was authorized to use or operate the property.

(2) At the time of the alleged offense, the actor reasonably believed that the owner or person empowered to give consent would authorize the actor to use or operate the property.

(d) No person shall knowingly enter into or upon a motor vehicle, motorcycle or other motor-propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent.

(e) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of unauthorized use of a vehicle, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the victim of the offense is an elderly person or disabled adult and if the victim incurs a loss as a result of the violation, a violation of subsection (a) hereof is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. (ORC 2913.03)

(f) Whoever violates subsection (d) hereof is guilty of vehicle trespass, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

545.07 INSURANCE FRAUD.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) "Data" has the same meaning as in Section 545.01 and additionally includes any other representation of information, knowledge, facts, concepts or instructions that are being or have been prepared in a formalized manner.

(2) "Deceptive" means that a statement, in whole or in part, would cause another to be deceived because it contains a misleading representation, withholds information, prevents the acquisition of information or by any other conduct, act or omission creates, confirms or perpetuates a false impression, including, but not limited to, a false impression as to law, value, state of mind or other objective or subjective fact.

(3) "Insurer" means any person that is authorized to engage in the business of insurance in this State under Title XXXIX of the Ohio Revised Code; The Ohio Fair Plan Underwriting Association created under Ohio R.C. 3929.43; any health insuring corporation; and any legal entity that is self-insured and provides benefits to its employees or members.

(4) "Policy" means a policy, certificate, contract or plan that is issued by an insurer.

(5) "Statement" includes, but is not limited to, any notice, letter or memorandum; proof of loss; bill of lading; receipt for payment; invoice, account or other financial statement; estimate of property damage; bill for services; diagnosis or prognosis; prescription; hospital, medical or dental chart or other record; X-Ray, photograph, videotape or movie film; test result; other evidence of loss, injury or expense; computer-generated document; and data in any form.

(b) No person, with purpose to defraud or knowing that the person is facilitating a fraud, shall do either of the following:

(1) Present to, or cause to be presented to, an insurer any written or oral statement that is part of, or in support of, an application for insurance, a claim for payment pursuant to a policy or a claim for any other benefit pursuant to a policy, knowing that the statement, or any part of the statement, is false or deceptive;

(2) Assist, aid, abet, solicit, procure or conspire with another to prepare or make any written or oral statement that is intended to be presented to an insurer as part of, or in support of, an application for insurance, a claim for payment pursuant to a policy, or a claim for any other benefit pursuant to a policy, knowing that the statement, or any part of the statement, is false or deceptive.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of insurance fraud a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the amount of the claim that is false or deceptive is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, insurance fraud is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(d) This section shall not be construed to abrogate, waive or modify Ohio R.C. 2317.02(A).

(ORC 2913.47)

545.08 UNAUTHORIZED USE OF PROPERTY.

(a) No person shall knowingly use or operate the property of another without the consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent.

(b) The affirmative defenses contained in Section 545.06(c) are affirmative defenses to a charge under this section.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unauthorized use of property. Except as provided in subsection (d) hereof, unauthorized use of property is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(d) If unauthorized use of property is committed for the purpose of devising or executing a scheme to defraud or to obtain property or services, unauthorized use of property is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Unauthorized use of property is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law if:

(1) Unauthorized use of property is committed for the purpose of devising or executing a scheme to defraud or to obtain property or services, and if the value of the property is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more; or

(2) If the victim of the offense is an elderly person or disabled adult.

(ORC 2913.04)

545.09 PASSING BAD CHECKS.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Check” includes any form of debit from a demand deposit account, including, but not limited to any of the following:

A. A check, bill of exchange, draft, order of withdrawal, or similar negotiable or nonnegotiable instrument;

B. An electronic check, electronic transaction, debit card transaction, check card transaction, substitute check, web check, or any form of automated clearing house transaction.

(2) “Issue a check” means causing any form of debit from a demand deposit account.

(b) No person, with purpose to defraud, shall issue or transfer or cause to be issued or transferred a check or other negotiable instrument, knowing that it will be dishonored or knowing that a person has ordered or will order stop payment on the check or other negotiable instrument.

(c) For purposes of this section, a person who issues or transfers a check or other negotiable instrument is presumed to know that it will be dishonored, if either of the following occurs:

(1) The drawer had no account with the drawee at the time of issue or the stated date, whichever is later.

(2) The check or other negotiable instrument was properly refused payment for insufficient funds upon presentment within thirty days after issue or the stated date, whichever is later, and the liability of the drawer, indorser or any party who may be liable thereon is not discharged by payment or satisfaction within ten days after receiving notice of dishonor.

(d) In determining the value of the payment for purposes of subsection (e) of this section, the court may aggregate all checks and other negotiable instruments that the offender issued or transferred or caused to be issued or transferred in violation of subsection (a) of this section within a period of one hundred eighty consecutive days.

(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of passing bad checks. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, passing bad checks is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the check or checks or other negotiable instrument or instruments are issued or transferred to a single vendor or single other person for the payment of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more or if the check or checks or other negotiable instrument or instruments are issued or transferred to multiple vendors or persons for the payment of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) or more, passing bad checks is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2913.11)

545.10 MISUSE OF CREDIT CARDS.

(a) No person shall do any of the following:

(1) Practice deception for the purpose of procuring the issuance of a credit card, when a credit card is issued in actual reliance thereon;

(2) Knowingly buy or sell a credit card from or to a person other than the issuer.

(3) As an officer, employee, or appointee of a political subdivision or as a public servant as defined under Section 525.01, knowingly misuse a credit card account held by a political subdivision.

(b) No person, with purpose to defraud, shall do any of the following:

(1) Obtain control over a credit card as security for a debt;

(2) Obtain property or services by the use of a credit card, in one or more transactions, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the card has expired or been revoked, or was obtained, is retained or is being used in violation of law;

(3) Furnish property or services upon presentation of a credit card, knowing that the card is being used in violation of law;

(4) Represent or cause to be represented to the issuer of a credit card that property or services have been furnished, knowing that the representation is false.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of misuse of credit cards, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Misuse of credit cards is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law if:

(1) The cumulative retail value of the property and services involved in one or more violations of subsection (b)(2), (3) or (4) hereof, which violations involve one or more credit card accounts and occur within a period of ninety consecutive days commencing on the date of the first violation, is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more; or

(2) The victim of the offense is an elderly person or disabled adult and the offense involves a violation of subsection (b)(1) or (2) hereof.

(ORC 2913.21)

545.11 MAKING OR USING SLUGS.

(a) No person shall do any of the following:

(1) Insert or deposit a slug in a coin machine, with purpose to defraud;

(2) Make, possess or dispose of a slug, with purpose of enabling another to defraud by inserting or depositing it in a coin machine.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of making or using slugs, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(ORC 2913.33)

545.12 TAMPERING WITH COIN MACHINES.

(a) No person, with purpose to commit theft or to defraud, shall knowingly enter, force an entrance into, tamper with or insert any part of an instrument into any coin machine.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of tampering with coin machines, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender has previously been convicted of a violation of Ohio R.C. 2911.32 or of any theft offense, tampering with coin machines is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2911.32)

545.13 CRIMINAL SIMULATION.

(a) No person, with purpose to defraud, or knowing that the person is facilitating a fraud, shall do any of the following:

(1) Make or alter any object so that it appears to have value because of antiquity, rarity, curiosity, source, or authorship, which it does not in fact possess;

(2) Practice deception in making, retouching, editing, or reproducing any photograph, movie film, video tape, phonograph record, or recording tape;

(3) Falsely or fraudulently make, simulate, forge, alter, or counterfeit any wrapper, label, stamp, cork, or cap prescribed by the Liquor Control Commission under Ohio R.C. Chapters 4301 and 4303, falsely or fraudulently cause to be made, simulated, forged, altered, or counterfeited any wrapper, label, stamp, cork, or cap prescribed by the Liquor Control Commission under Ohio R.C. Chapters 4301 and 4303, or use more than once any wrapper, label, stamp, cork, or cap prescribed by the Liquor Control Commission under Ohio R.C. Chapters 4301 and 4303.

(4) Utter, or possess with purpose to utter, any object that the person knows to have been simulated as provided in subsection (a)(1), (2) or (3) of this section.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of criminal simulation, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the loss to the victim is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, criminal simulation is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2913.32)

545.14 TAMPERING WITH RECORDS.

(a) No person, knowing the person has no privilege to do so, and with purpose to defraud or knowing that the person is facilitating a fraud, shall do any of the following:

(1) Falsify, destroy, remove, conceal, alter, deface or mutilate any writing, computer software, data, or record;

(2) Utter any writing or record, knowing it to have been tampered with as provided in subsection (a)(1) hereof.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of tampering with records, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the violation involves data or computer software the value of which or loss to the victim is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, or if the writing or record is a will unrevoked at the time of the offense, tampering with records is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. (ORC 2913.42)

545.15 SECURING WRITINGS BY DECEPTION.

(a) No person, by deception, shall cause another to execute any writing that disposes of or encumbers property, or by which a pecuniary obligation is incurred.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of securing writings by deception, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Securing writings by deception is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law if:

(1) The value of the property or obligation involved is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more; or

(2) The victim of the offense is an elderly person, disabled adult, active duty service member or spouse of an active duty service member.

(ORC 2913.43)

545.16 PERSONATING AN OFFICER.

(a) No person, with purpose to defraud or knowing that he is facilitating a fraud, or with purpose to induce another to purchase property or services, shall personate a law enforcement officer, or an inspector, investigator or agent of any governmental agency.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of personating an officer, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(ORC 2913.44)

545.17 DEFRAUDING CREDITORS.

(a) No person, with purpose to defraud one or more of the person’s creditors, shall do any of the following:

(1) Remove, conceal, destroy, encumber, convey or otherwise deal with any of the person’s property.

(2) Misrepresent or refuse to disclose to a fiduciary appointed to administer or manage the person’s affairs or estate, the existence, amount or location of any of the person’s property, or any other information regarding such property that the person is legally required to furnish to the fiduciary.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of defrauding creditors, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the value of the property involved is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, defrauding creditors is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2913.45)

545.18 RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY.

(a) No person shall receive, retain or dispose of property of another, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the property has been obtained through commission of a theft offense.

(b) It is not a defense to a charge of receiving stolen property in violation of this section that the property was obtained by means other than through the commission of a theft offense if the property was explicitly represented to the accused person as being obtained through the commission of a theft offense.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of receiving stolen property, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Receiving stolen property is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law if:

(1) The value of the property involved is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more; or

(2) The property involved is:

A. Listed in Section 545.03; or

B. A motor vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C. 4501.01; or

C. A dangerous drug as defined in Ohio R.C. 4729.01.

D. A special purchase article as defined in Ohio R.C. 4737.04 or a bulk merchandise container as defined in Ohio R.C. 4737.012.

(ORC 2913.51)

545.19 POSSESSION OF CRIMINAL TOOLS.

(a) No person shall possess or have under the person’s control any substance, device, instrument, or article, with purpose to use it criminally.

(b) Each of the following constitutes prima-facie evidence of criminal purpose:

(1) Possession or control of any dangerous ordnance, or the materials or parts for making dangerous ordnance, in the absence of circumstances indicating the dangerous ordnance, materials, or parts are intended for legitimate use;

(2) Possession or control of any substance, device, instrument, or article designed or specially adapted for criminal use;

(3) Possession or control of any substance, device, instrument, or article commonly used for criminal purposes, under circumstances indicating the item is intended for criminal use.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of possessing criminal tools, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the circumstances indicate that the substance, device, instrument, or article involved in the offense was intended for use in the commission of a felony, possessing criminal tools is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2923.24)

545.20 FORGERY OF IDENTIFICATION CARDS.

(a) No person shall knowingly do either of the following:

(1) Forge an identification card;

(2) Sell or otherwise distribute a card that purports to be an identification card, knowing it to have been forged.

(3) As used in this section, "identification card" means a card that includes personal information or characteristics of an individual, a purpose of which is to establish the identity of the bearer described on the card, whether the words "identity," "identification," "identification card" or other similar words appear on the card.

(b) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of forging identification cards or selling or distributing forged identification cards. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, forging or selling or distributing forged identification cards is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of this section or Ohio R.C. 2913.31 (B), forging identification cards or selling or distributing forged identification cards is a misdemeanor of the first degree and, in addition, the court shall impose upon the offender a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).

(ORC 2913.31)

545.21 IDENTITY FRAUD.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Former Section 545.21 has been deleted from the Codified Ordinances. Ohio R.C. 2913.49, from which Section 545.21 was derived, has been reclassified from a misdemeanor to a felony offense.)

545.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

549.01 DEFINITIONS.

As used in this chapter:

(a) "Deadly weapon" means any instrument, device or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried or used as a weapon.

(b) (1) "Firearm" means any deadly weapon capable of expelling or propelling one or more projectiles by the action of an explosive or combustible propellant. "Firearm" includes an unloaded firearm, and any firearm that is inoperable but that can readily be rendered operable.

(2) When determining whether a firearm is capable of expelling or propelling one or more projectiles by the action of an explosive or combustible propellant, the trier of fact may rely upon circumstantial evidence, including, but not limited to, the representations and actions of the individual exercising control over the firearm.

(1) Any firearm that has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand;

(2) Any combination of parts from which a firearm of a type described in subsection (c)(1) of this section can be assembled.

(d) "Semi-automatic firearm" means any firearm designed or specially adapted to fire a single cartridge and automatically chamber a succeeding cartridge ready to fire, with a single function of the trigger.

(e) "Automatic firearm" means any firearm designed or specially adapted to fire a succession of cartridges with a single function of the trigger.

(f) "Sawed-off firearm" means a shotgun with a barrel less than eighteen inches long, or a rifle with a barrel less than sixteen inches long, or a shotgun or rifle less than twenty-six inches long overall. “Sawed-off firearm” does not include any firearm with an overall length of at least twenty-six inches that is approved for sale by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the “Gun Control Act of 1968", 82 Stat. 1213, 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3), but that is found by the Bureau not to be regulated under the “National Firearms Act”, 68A Stat. 725 (1934), 26 U.S.C. 5845(a).

(g) "Zip-gun" means any of the following:

(1) Any firearm of crude and extemporized manufacture;

(2) Any device, including without limitation a starter's pistol, that is not designed as a firearm, but that is specially adapted for use as a firearm;

(3) Any industrial tool, signalling device or safety device, that is not designed as a firearm, but that as designed is capable of use as such, when possessed, carried or used as a firearm.

(h) "Explosive device" means any device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of an explosion, and consisting of an explosive substance or agency and a means to detonate it. "Explosive device" includes without limitation any bomb, any explosive demolition device, any blasting cap or detonator containing an explosive charge, and any pressure vessel that has been knowingly tampered with or arranged so as to explode.

(i) "Incendiary device" means any firebomb, and any device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of fire, and consisting of an incendiary substance or agency and a means to ignite it.

(j) "Ballistic knife" means a knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism.

(k) "Dangerous ordnance" means any of the following, except as provided in subsection (l) hereof:

(1) Any automatic or sawed-off firearm, zip-gun or ballistic knife;

(2) Any explosive device or incendiary device;

(3) Nitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, nitrostarch, PETN, cyclonite, TNT, picric acid and other high explosives; amatol, tritonal, tetrytol, pentolite, pecretol, cyclotol and other high explosive compositions; plastic explosives; dynamite, blasting gelatin, gelatin dynamite, sensitized ammonium nitrate, liquid-oxygen blasting explosives, blasting powder and other blasting agents; and any other explosive substance having sufficient brisance or power to be particularly suitable for use as a military explosive, or for use in mining, quarrying, excavating or demolitions;

(4) Any firearm, rocket launcher, mortar, artillery piece, grenade, mine, bomb, torpedo or similar weapon, designed and manufactured for military purposes, and the ammunition for that weapon;

(5) Any firearm muffler or suppressor;

(6) Any combination of parts that is intended by the owner for use in converting any firearm or other device into a dangerous ordnance.

(l) "Dangerous ordnance" does not include any of the following:

(1) Any firearm, including a military weapon and the ammunition for that weapon, and regardless of its actual age, that employs a percussion cap or other obsolete ignition system, or that is designed and safe for use only with black powder;

(2) Any pistol, rifle or shotgun, designed or suitable for sporting purposes, including a military weapon as issued or as modified, and the ammunition for that weapon unless the firearm is an automatic or sawed-off firearm;

(3) Any cannon or other artillery piece that, regardless of its actual age, is of a type in accepted use prior to 1887, has no mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or other system for absorbing recoil and returning the tube into battery without displacing the carriage, and is designed and safe for use only with black powder;

(4) Black powder, priming quills and percussion caps possessed and lawfully used to fire a cannon of a type defined in subsection (l)(3) hereof during displays, celebrations, organized matches or shoots, and target practice, and smokeless and black powder, primers and percussion caps possessed and lawfully used as a propellant or ignition device in small-arms or small-arms ammunition;

(5) Dangerous ordnance that is inoperable or inert and cannot readily be rendered operable or activated, and that is kept as a trophy, souvenir, curio or museum piece.

(6) Any device that is expressly excepted from the definition of a destructive device pursuant to the "Gun Control Act of 1968," 82 Stat. 1213, 18 U.S.C.921(a)(4), as amended, and regulations issued under that Act.

(7) Any firearm with an overall length of at least twenty-six inches that is approved for sale by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives under the “Gun Control Act of 1968", 82 Stat. 1213, 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3), but that is found by the Bureau not to be regulated under the “National Firearms Act”, 68A Stat. 725 (1934), 26 U.S.C. 5845(a).

(m) “Explosive” means any chemical compound, mixture, or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. “Explosive” includes all materials that have been classified as division 1.1, division 1.2, division 1.3, or division 1.4 explosives by the United States Department of Transportation in its regulations and includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet powders, initiating explosives, blasting caps, electric blasting caps, safety fuses, fuse igniters, squibs, cordeau detonant fuses, instantaneous fuses, and igniter cords and igniters. “Explosive” does not include “fireworks”, as defined in Ohio R.C. 3743.01, or any substance or material otherwise meeting the definition of explosive set forth in this section that is manufactured, sold, possessed, transported, stored or used in any activity described in Ohio R.C. 3743.80, provided the activity is conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, the provisions of Ohio R.C. 3743.80, and the rules of the Fire Marshal adopted pursuant to Ohio R.C. 3737.82.

(n) (1) “Concealed handgun license” or “license to carry a concealed handgun” means, subject to subsection (n)(2) of this section, a license or temporary emergency license to carry a concealed handgun issued under Ohio R.C. 2923.125 or 2923.1213 or a license to carry a concealed handgun issued by another state with which the Attorney General has entered into a reciprocity agreement under Ohio R.C. 109.69.

(2) A reference in any provision of the Ohio Revised Code to a concealed handgun license issued under Ohio R.C. 2923.125 or a license to carry a concealed handgun issued under Ohio R.C. 2923.125 means only a license of the type that is specified in that section. A reference in any provision of the Ohio Revised Code to a concealed handgun license issued under Ohio R.C. 2923.1213, a licence to carry a concealed handgun issued under Ohio R.C. 2923.1213, or a license to carry a concealed handgun on a temporary emergency basis means only a license of the type that is specified in Ohio R.C. 2923.1213. A reference in any provision of the Ohio Revised Code to a concealed handgun license issued by another state or a license to carry a concealed handgun issued by another state means only a license issued by another state with which the Attorney General has entered into a reciprocity agreement under Ohio R.C. 109.69.

(o) “Valid concealed handgun license” or “valid license to carry a concealed handgun” means a concealed handgun license that is currently valid, that is not under a suspension under division (A)(1) of Ohio R.C. 2923.128, under Ohio R.C. 2923.1213, or under a suspension provision of the state other than this State in which the license was issued, and that has not been revoked under division (B)(1) of Ohio R.C. 2923.128, under Ohio R.C. 2923.1213 or under a revocation provision of the state other than this State in which the license was issued.

(p) “Misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year” does not include any of the following:

(1) Any federal or state offense pertaining to antitrust violations, unfair trade practices, restraints of trade or other similar offenses relating to the regulation of business practices;

(2) Any misdemeanor offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of two years or less.

(q) “Alien registration number” means the number issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Agency that is located on the alien’s permanent resident card and may also be commonly referred to as the “USCIS number” or the “alien number”.

(r) “Active duty” has the same meaning as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101.

(ORC 2923.11)

549.02 CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPONS.

(a) No person shall knowingly carry or have, concealed on the person’s person or concealed ready at hand, any of the following:

(1) A deadly weapon other than a handgun;

(2) A handgun other than a dangerous ordnance;

(3) A dangerous ordnance.

(b) No person who has been issued a concealed handgun license, shall do any of the following:

(1) If the person is stopped for a law enforcement purpose and is carrying a concealed handgun, before or at the time a law enforcement officer asks if the person is carrying a concealed handgun, knowingly fail to disclose that the person then is carrying a concealed handgun, provided that it is not a violation of this section if the person fails to disclose that fact to an officer during the stop and the person already has notified another officer of that fact during the same stop;

(2) If the person is stopped for a law enforcement purpose and is carrying a concealed handgun, knowingly fail to keep the person’s hands in plain sight at any time after any law enforcement officer begins approaching the person while stopped and before the law enforcement officer leaves, unless the failure is pursuant to and in accordance with directions given by a law enforcement officer;

(3) If the person is stopped for a law enforcement purpose and is carrying a concealed handgun, knowingly disregard or fail to comply with any lawful order of any law enforcement officer given while the person is stopped, including, but not limited to, a specific order to the person to keep the person’s hands in plain sight.

A. An officer, agent or employee or this or any other state or the United States, or to a law enforcement officer, who is authorized to carry concealed weapons or dangerous ordnance, or is authorized to carry handguns and is acting within the scope of the officer’s, agent’s or employee’s duties;

B. Any person who is employed in this State, who is authorized to carry concealed weapons or dangerous ordnance or is authorized to carry handguns, and who is subject to and in compliance with the requirements of Ohio R.C. 109.801 unless the appointing authority of the person has expressly specified that the exemption provided in subsection (c)(1)B. hereof does not apply to the person.

C. A person’s transportation or storage of a firearm, other than a firearm described in divisions (G) to (M) of Ohio R.C. 2923.11 in a motor vehicle for any lawful purpose if the firearm is not on the actor’s person;

D. A person’s storage or possession of a firearm, other than a firearm described in divisions (G) to (M) of Ohio R.C. 2923.11 in the actor’s own home for any lawful purpose.

(2) Subsection (a)(2) of this section does not apply to any person who has been issued a concealed handgun license that is valid at the time of the alleged carrying or possession of a handgun or who, at the time of the alleged carrying or possession of a handgun, is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in Ohio R.C. 2923.125(G)(1), unless the person knowingly is in a place described in Ohio R.C. 2923.126(B).

(d) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under subsection (a)(1) of this section of carrying or having control of a weapon other than a handgun and other than a dangerous ordnance, that the actor was not otherwise prohibited by law from having the weapon, and that any of the following applies:

(1) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes, while the actor was engaged in or was going to or from the actor’s lawful business or occupation, which business or occupation was of a character or was necessarily carried on in a manner or at a time or place as to render the actor particularly susceptible to criminal attack, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed.

(2) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes, while the actor was engaged in a lawful activity and had reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack upon the actor, a member of the actor’s family, or the actor’s home, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed.

(3) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for any lawful purpose and while in the actor’s own home.

(e) (1) No person who is charged with a violation of this section shall be required to obtain a concealed handgun license as a condition for the dismissal of the charge.

(2) If a person is convicted of, was convicted of, pleads guilty to, or has pleaded guilty to a violation of subsection (b)(1) of this section as it existed prior to June 13, 2022, the person may file an application under Ohio R.C. 2953.35 requesting the expungement of the record of conviction.

(f) (1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of carrying concealed weapons. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection or subsections (f)(2), (5) and (6) of this section, carrying concealed weapons in violation of subsection (a) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection or subsections (f)(2), (5) and (6) of this section, if the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of this section or of any offense of violence, if the weapon involved is a firearm that is either loaded or for which the offender has ammunition ready at hand, or if the weapon involved is dangerous ordnance, carrying concealed weapons in violation of subsection (a) of this section is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (f)(2), (5) and (6) of this section, if the weapon involved is a firearm and the violation of this section is committed at premises for which a D permit has been issued under Chapter 4303, of the Revised Code or if the offense is committed aboard an aircraft, or with purpose to carry a concealed weapon aboard an aircraft, regardless of the weapon involved, carrying concealed weapons in violation of subsection (a) of this section is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(2) A person shall not be arrested for a violation of subsection (a)(2) of this section solely because the person does not promptly produce a valid concealed handgun license. If a person is arrested for a violation of subsection (a)(2) of this section and is convicted of or pleads guilty to the violation, the offender shall be punished as follows:

A. The offender shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor if both of the following apply:

1. Within ten days after the arrest, the offender presents a concealed handgun license, which license was valid at the time of the arrest to the law enforcement agency that employs the arresting officer.

2. At the time of the arrest, the offender was not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of Ohio R.C. 2923.126.

B. The offender shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500.00) if all of the following apply:

1. The offender previously had been issued a concealed handgun license and that license expired within the two years immediately preceding the arrest.

2. Within forty-five days after the arrest, the offender presents any type of concealed handgun license to the law enforcement agency that employed the arresting officer, and the offender waives in writing the offender’s right to a speedy trial on the charge of the violation that is provided in Ohio R.C. 2945.71.

3. At the time of the commission of the offense, the offender was not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of Ohio R.C. 2923.126.

C. If subsections (f)(2)A. and B. and (f)(5) of this section do not apply, the offender shall be punished under subsection (f)(1) or (6) of this section.

(3) Carrying concealed weapons in violation of subsection (b)(1) of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(4) Carrying concealed weapons in violation of subsection (b)(2) or (b)(3) hereof is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender has previously been convicted or pleaded guilty to a violation of subsection (b)(2) or (b)(3) hereof or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, carrying concealed weapons is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law. In addition to any other penalty or sanction imposed for a violation of subsection (b)(2) or (b)(3) hereof, the offender’s concealed handgun license shall be suspended pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2923.128(A)(2).

(5) If a person being arrested for a violation of subsection (a)(2) of this section is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of Ohio R.C. 2923.125, and if at the time of the violation the person was not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of Ohio R.C. 2923.126, the officer shall not arrest the person for a violation of that division. If the person is not able to promptly produce a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of Ohio R.C. 2923.125 and if the person is not in a place described in division (B) of Ohio R.C. 2923.126, the officer shall issue a citation and the offender shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). The citation shall be automatically dismissed and the civil penalty shall not be assessed if both of the following apply:

A. Within ten days after the issuance of the citation, the offender presents a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of Ohio R.C. 2923.125, which were both valid at the time of the issuance of the citation to the law enforcement agency that employs the citing officer.

B. At the time of the citation, the offender was not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of Ohio R.C. 2923.126.

(6) If a person being arrested for a violation of subsection (a)(2) of this section is knowingly in a place described in division (B)(5) of Ohio R.C. 2923.126, and is not authorized to carry a handgun or have a handgun concealed on the person’s person or concealed ready at hand under that division, the penalty shall be as follows:

A. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if the person produces a valid concealed handgun license within ten days after the arrest and has not previously been convicted or pleaded guilty to a violation of subsection (a)(2) of this section, the person is guilty of a minor misdemeanor;

B. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if the person has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of subsection (a)(2) of this section, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree;

C. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if the person has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two violations of subsection (a)(2) of this section, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree;

D. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if the person has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or more violations of subsection (a)(2) of this section, or convicted of or pleaded guilty to any offense of violence, if the weapon involved is a firearm that is either loaded or for which the offender has ammunition ready at hand, or if the weapon involved is a dangerous ordnance, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(g) If a law enforcement officer stops a person to question the person regarding a possible violation of this section, for a traffic stop, or for any other law enforcement purpose, if the person surrenders a firearm to the officer, either voluntarily or pursuant to a request or demand of the officer, and if the officer does not charge the person with a violation of this section or arrest the person for any offense, the person is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm, and the firearm is not contraband, the officer shall return the firearm to the person at the termination of the stop. If a court orders a law enforcement officer to return a firearm to a person pursuant to the requirement set forth in this subsection, division (B) of Ohio R.C. 2923.163 applies.

(h) For purposes of this section, “deadly weapon” or “weapon” does not include any knife, razor, or cutting instrument if the instrument was not used as a weapon.

(ORC 2923.12)

549.03 USING WEAPONS WHILE INTOXICATED.

(a) No person, while under the influence of alcohol or any drug of abuse, shall carry or use any firearm or dangerous ordnance.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of using weapons while intoxicated, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(ORC 2923.15)

549.04 IMPROPERLY HANDLING FIREARMS IN A MOTOR VEHICLE.

(a) No person shall knowingly transport or have a firearm in a motor vehicle, unless the person may lawfully possess that firearm under applicable law of this state or the United States, the firearm is unloaded, and the firearm is carried in one of the following ways:

(1) In a closed package, box or case;

(2) In a compartment which can be reached only by leaving the vehicle;

(3) In plain sight and secured in a rack or holder made for the purpose;

(4) If the firearm is at least twenty-four inches in overall length as measured from the muzzle to the part of the stock furthest from the muzzle and if the barrel is at least eighteen inches in length, either in plain sight with the action open or the weapon stripped, or, if the firearm is of a type on which the action will not stay open or which cannot easily be stripped, in plain sight.

(b) No person who has been issued a concealed handgun license, or who is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of Ohio R.C. 2923.125, who is the driver or an occupant of a motor vehicle that is stopped as a result of a traffic stop or a stop for another law enforcement purpose or is the driver or an occupant of a commercial motor vehicle that is stopped by an employee of the motor carrier enforcement unit for the purposes defined in Ohio R.C. 5503.34, and who is transporting or has a loaded handgun in the motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle in any manner, shall do any of the following:

(1) Before or at the time a law enforcement officer asks if the person is carrying a concealed handgun, knowingly fail to disclose that the person then possesses or has a loaded handgun in the motor vehicle, provided that it is not a violation of this division if the person fails to disclose that fact to an officer during the stop and the person already has notified another officer of that fact during the same stop;

(2) Before or at the time an employee of the motor carrier enforcement unit asks if the person is carrying a concealed handgun, knowingly fail to disclose that the person then possesses or has a loaded handgun in the commercial motor vehicle, provided that it is not a violation of this division if the person fails to disclose that fact to an employee of the unit during the stop and the person already has notified another employee of the unit of that fact during the same stop;

(3) Knowingly fail to remain in the motor vehicle while stopped, or knowingly fail to keep the person’s hands in plain sight at any time after any law enforcement officer begins approaching the person while stopped and before the law enforcement officer leaves, unless the failure is pursuant to and in accordance with directions given by a law enforcement officer.

(4) Knowingly disregard or fail to comply with any lawful order of any law enforcement officer given while the motor vehicle is stopped, including, but not limited to, a specific order to the person to keep the person’s hands in plain sight.

A. An officer, agent or employee of this or any other state or the United States, or a law enforcement officer, when authorized to carry or have loaded or accessible firearms in motor vehicles and acting within the scope of the officer’s, agent’s or employee’s duties;

B. Any person who is employed in this State, who is authorized to carry or have loaded or accessible firearms in motor vehicles, and who is subject to and in compliance with the requirements of Ohio R.C. 109.801, unless the appointing authority of the person has expressly specified that the exemption provided in subsection (c)(1)B. does not apply to the person.

(2) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a person who transports or possesses a handgun in a motor vehicle if, at the time of that transportation or possession, both of the following apply:

A. The person transporting or possessing the handgun has been issued a concealed handgun license that is valid at the time in question or the person is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in Ohio R.C. 2923.125(G)(1).

B. The person transporting or possessing the handgun is not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of Ohio R.C. 2923.126.

(3) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a person if all of the following apply:

A. The person possesses a valid all-purpose vehicle permit issued under Ohio R.C. 1533.103 by the Chief of the Division of Wildlife.

B. The person is on or in an all-purpose vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C. 1531.01 on private or publicly owned lands or on or in a motor vehicle during the open hunting season for a wild quadruped or game bird.

C. The person is on or in an all-purpose vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C. 1531.01 or a motor vehicle that is parked on a road that is owned or administered by the Division of Wildlife.

(d) (1) The affirmative defenses authorized in Section 549.02(d)(1) and (2) are affirmative defenses to a charge under subsection (a) that involves a firearm other than a handgun.

(2) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under subsection (a) of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle that the actor transported or had the firearm in the motor vehicle for any lawful purpose and while the motor vehicle was on the actor’s own property, provided that the affirmative defense is not available unless the person, immediately prior to arriving at the actor’s own property, did not transport or possess the firearm in a motor vehicle in a manner prohibited by subsection (a) while the motor vehicle was being operated on a street, highway, or other public or private property used by the public for vehicular traffic.

(e) (1) No person who is charged with a violation of subsection (a) shall be required to obtain a concealed handgun license as a condition for the dismissal of the charge.

(2) If a person is convicted of, was convicted of, pleads guilty to, or has pleaded guilty to a violation of subsection (b) of this section as it existed prior to September 30, 2011, and the conduct that was the basis of the violation no longer would be a violation of subsection (b) of this section on or after September 30, 2011, or if a person is convicted of, was convicted of, pleads guilty to, or has pleaded guilty to a violation of subsection (a) of this section as the subsection existed prior to June 13, 2022, the person may file an application under Ohio R.C. 2953.35 requesting the expungement of the record of conviction.

(f) Whoever violates this section is guilty of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. Violation of subsection (a) of this section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. A violation of subsection (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree. A violation of subsection (b)(3) or (4) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree or, if the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of subsection (b)(3) or (4) of this section, a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. In addition to any other penalty or sanction imposed for a misdemeanor violation of subsection (b)(3) or (4) of this section, the offender’s concealed handgun license shall be suspended pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2923.128(A)(2).

(g) If a law enforcement officer stops a motor vehicle for a traffic stop or any other purpose, if any person in the motor vehicle surrenders a firearm to the officer, either voluntarily or pursuant to a request or demand of the officer, and if the officer does not charge the person with a violation of this section or arrest the person for any offense, the person is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm, and the firearm is not contraband, the officer shall return the firearm to the person at the termination of the stop. If a court orders a law enforcement officer to return a firearm to a person pursuant to the requirement set forth in this subsection, division (B) of Ohio R.C. 2923.163 applies.

(h) As used in this section:

(1) “Commercial motor vehicle” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4506.25(A).

(2) “Motor carrier enforcement unit” means the motor carrier enforcement unit in the Department of Public Safety, Division of State Highway Patrol, that is created by Ohio R.C. 5503.34.

(3) “Motor vehicle”, “street” and “highway” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 4511.01.

(4) A. “Unloaded” means:

1. With respect to a firearm other than a firearm described in subsection (h)(4)B. of this section, that no ammunition is in the firearm in question, no magazine or speed loader containing ammunition is inserted into the firearm in question and one of the following applies:

a. There is no ammunition in a magazine or speed loader that is in the vehicle in question and that may be used with the firearm in question.

b. Any magazine or speed loader that contains ammunition and that may be used with the firearm in question is stored in a compartment within the vehicle in question that cannot be accessed without leaving the vehicle or is stored in a container that provides complete and separate enclosure.

2. For the purposes of subsection (h)(4)A.1.b. of this section, a “container that provides complete and separate enclosure” includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

a. A package, box or case with multiple compartments, as long as the loaded magazine or speed loader and the firearm in question either are in separate compartments within the package, box, or case, or, if they are in the same compartment, the magazine or speed loader is contained within a separate enclosure in that compartment that does not contain the firearm and that closes using a snap, button, buckle, zipper, hook and loop closing mechanism, or other fastener that must be opened to access the contents or the firearm is contained within a separate enclosure of that nature in that compartment that does not contain the magazine or speed loader;

b. A pocket or other enclosure on the person of the person in question that closes using a snap, button, buckle, zipper, hook and loop closing mechanism, or other fastener that must be opened to access the contents.

3. For the purposes of subsection (h)(4)A. of this section, ammunition held in stripper-clips or in en-bloc clips is not considered ammunition that is loaded into a magazine or speed loader.

B. “Unloaded” means, with respect to a firearm employing a percussion cap, flintlock, or other obsolete ignition system, when the weapon is uncapped or when the priming charge is removed from the pan.

(i) Subsection (h)(4) of this section does not affect the authority of a person who has been issued a concealed handgun license that is valid at the time in question to have one or more magazines or speed loaders containing ammunition anywhere in a vehicle, without being transported as described in those divisions, so long as no ammunition is in a firearm, other than a handgun, in the vehicle other than as permitted under any other provision of this chapter. A person who has been issued a concealed handgun license that is valid at the time in question may have one or more magazines or speed loaders containing ammunition anywhere in a vehicle without further restriction, as long as no ammunition is in a firearm, other than a handgun, in the vehicle other than as permitted under any provision of this chapter.

(ORC 2923.16)

549.05 FAILURE TO SECURE DANGEROUS ORDNANCE.

(a) No person, in acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any dangerous ordnance shall negligently fail to take proper precautions:

(1) To secure the dangerous ordnance against theft, or against its acquisition or use by any unauthorized or incompetent person;

(2) To insure the safety of persons and property.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of failure to secure dangerous ordnance, a misdemeanor of the second degree.
(ORC 2923.19)

549.06 UNLAWFUL TRANSACTIONS IN WEAPONS.

(a) No person shall do any of the following:

(1) When transferring any dangerous ordnance to another, negligently fail to require the transferee to exhibit such identification, license or permit showing the transferee to be authorized to acquire dangerous ordnance pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2923.17, or negligently fail to take a complete record of the transaction and forthwith forward a copy of such record to the sheriff of the county or safety director or police chief of the municipality where the transaction takes place;

(2) Knowingly fail to report to law enforcement authorities forthwith the loss or theft of any firearm or dangerous ordnance in the person's possession or under the person’s control.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawful transactions in weapons. A violation of subsection (a)(1) hereof is a misdemeanor of the second degree. A violation of subsection (a)(2) hereof is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. (ORC 2923.20)

549.07 UNDERAGE PURCHASE OF FIREARM.

(a) No person under eighteen years of age shall purchase or attempt to purchase a firearm.

(b) No person under twenty-one years of age shall purchase or attempt to purchase a handgun, provided that this subsection does not apply to the purchase or attempted purchase of a handgun by a person eighteen years of age or older and under twenty-one years of age if either of the following apply:

(1) The person is a law enforcement officer who is properly appointed or employed as a law enforcement officer and has received firearms training approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council or equivalent firearms training.

(2) The person is an active or reserve member of the armed services of the United States or the Ohio national guard, or was honorably discharged from military service in the active or reserve armed services of the United States or the Ohio national guard, and the person has received firearms training from the armed services or the national guard or equivalent firearms training.

(c) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of underage purchase of a firearm, a delinquent act that would be a felony of the fourth degree if it could be committed by an adult. Whoever violates subsection (b) hereof is guilty of underage purchase of a handgun, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(ORC 2923.211)

549.08 DISCHARGING FIREARMS; EXCEPTIONS.

(a) No person shall discharge any air gun, rifle, shotgun, revolver, pistol or other firearm within the corporate limits of the Municipality.

(b) This section shall not apply to any of the following:

(1) The firing of a military salute by duly authorized persons.

(2) The discharge of firearms by law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.

(3) The discharge of firearms by military personnel acting under military authority.

(4) The discharge of firearms by any person in the exercise of the right to self defense.

(5) The discharge of firearms by any person when restricted to an indoor firing range provided the projectile fired from the firearm does not leave the confines of the indoor firing range.

(6) The discharge of a blank gun with a blank cartridge in connection with an organized sporting event.

(Ord. 576. Passed 5-21-79.)

549.09 THROWING OR SHOOTING MISSILES.

(a) No person shall throw, shoot or propel an arrow, missile, pellet, stone, metal or other similar substance capable of causing physical harm to persons or property, in or on any public place, in or on the property of another in a residential district (R1). This section does not apply to supervised archery ranges or instruction nor when otherwise lawfully authorized.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(Ord. 1775-23. Passed 9-25-23.)

549.10 POSSESSING REPLICA FIREARM IN SCHOOL.

(a) No person shall knowingly possess an object in a school safety zone if both of the following apply:

(1) The object is indistinguishable from a firearm, whether or not the object is capable of being fired.

(2) The person indicates that the person possesses the object and that it is a firearm, or the person knowingly displays or brandishes the object and indicates that it is a firearm.

(b) (1) This section does not apply to any of the following:

A. An officer, agent, or employee of this or any other state or the United States who is authorized to carry deadly weapons or dangerous ordnance and is acting within the scope of the officer’s, agent’s, or employee’s duties;

B. A law enforcement officer who is authorized to carry deadly weapons or dangerous ordnance;

C. A security officer employed by a board of education or governing body of a school during the time that the security officer is on duty pursuant to that contract of employment;

D. 1. Any person not described in subsections (b)(1)A. to (b)(1)C. of this section who has written authorization from the board of education or governing body of a school to convey deadly weapons or dangerous ordnance into a school safety zone or to possess a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a school safety zone and who conveys or possesses the deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in accordance with that authorization, provided both of the following apply:

a. Either the person has successfully completed the curriculum, instruction, and training established under Ohio R.C. 5502.703, or the person has received a certificate of having satisfactorily completed an approved basic peace officer training program or is a law enforcement officer;

b. The board or governing body has notified the public, by whatever means the affected school regularly communicates with the public, that the board or governing body has authorized one or more persons to go armed within a school operated by the board or governing authority;

2. A district board or school governing body that authorizes a person under subsection (b)(1)D. of this section shall require that person to submit to an annual criminal records check conducted in the same manner as Ohio R.C. 3319.39 or Ohio R.C. 3319.391.

E. Any person who is employed in this state, who is authorized to carry deadly weapons or dangerous ordnance, and who is subject to and in compliance with the requirements of Ohio R.C. 109.801, unless the appointing authority of the person has expressly specified that the exemption provided in subsection (b)(1)E. of this section does not apply to the person.

(2) This section does not apply to premises upon which home schooling is conducted. This section also does not apply to a school administrator, teacher or employee who possesses an object that is indistinguishable from a firearm for legitimate school purposes during the course of employment, a student who uses an object that is indistinguishable from a firearm under the direction of a school administrator, teacher or employee, or any other person who, with the express prior approval of a school administrator, possesses an object that is indistinguishable from a firearm for a legitimate purpose, including the use of the object in a ceremonial activity, a play, re-enactment or other dramatic presentation, school safety training, or a ROTC activity or another similar use of the object.

(3) This section does not apply to a person who conveys or attempts to convey a handgun into, or possesses a handgun in, a school safety zone if, at the time of that conveyance, attempted conveyance, or possession of the handgun, all of the following apply:

A. The person does not enter into a school building or onto school premises and is not at a school activity.

B. The person has been issued a concealed handgun license that is valid at the time of the conveyance, attempted conveyance, or possession or the person is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in Ohio R.C. 2923.125(G)(1).

C. The person is in the school safety zone in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 922(q)(2)(B).

D. The person is not knowingly in a place described in Ohio R.C. 2923.126(B)(1) or (B)(3) to (8).

(4) This section does not apply to a person who conveys or attempts to convey a handgun into, or possesses a handgun in, a school safety zone if at the time of that conveyance, attempted conveyance, or possession of the handgun all of the following apply:

A. The person has been issued a concealed handgun license that is valid at the time of the conveyance, attempted conveyance or possession or the person is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in Ohio R.C. 2923.125(G)(1).

B. The person leaves the handgun in a motor vehicle.

C. The handgun does not leave the motor vehicle.

D. If the person exits the motor vehicle, the person locks the motor vehicle.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of illegal possession of an object indistinguishable from a firearm in a school safety zone. Except as otherwise provided in this division, illegal possession of an object indistinguishable from a firearm in a school safety zone is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of this section, illegal possession of an object indistinguishable from a firearm in a school safety zone is a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(d) (1) In addition to any other penalty imposed upon a person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this section, and subject to subsection (d)(2) of this section, if the offender has not attained nineteen years of age, regardless of whether the offender is attending or is enrolled in a school operated by a board of education or for which the Director of Education and Workforce prescribes minimum standards under Ohio R.C. 3301.07, the court shall impose upon the offender a class four suspension of the offender’s probationary driver’s license, restricted license, driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, or probationary commercial driver’s license that then is in effect from the range specified in Ohio R.C. 4510.02(A)(4) and shall deny the offender the issuance of any permit or license of that type during the period of the suspension. If the offender is not a resident of this State, the court shall impose a class four suspension of the nonresident operating privilege of the offender from the range specified in Ohio R.C. 4510.02(A)(4).

(2) If the offender shows good cause why the court should not suspend one of the types of licenses, permits or privileges specified in subsection (d)(1) of this section or deny the issuance of one of the temporary instruction permits specified in subsection (d)(1) of this section, the court in its discretion may choose not to impose the suspension, revocation or denial required in subsection (d)(1) of this section, but the court, in its discretion, instead may require the offender to perform community service for a number of hours determined by the court.

(e) As used in this section, "object that is indistinguishable from a firearm" means an object made, constructed or altered so that, to a reasonable person without specialized training in firearms, the object appears to be a firearm.

(ORC 2923.122(C) - (G))

549.11 CONCEALED HANDGUN LICENSES; POSSESSION OF REVOKED OR SUSPENDED LICENSE; ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS; POSTING SIGNS PROHIBITING POSSESSION.

(a) Possession of a Revoked or Suspended Concealed Handgun License.

(1) No person, except in the performance of official duties, shall possess a concealed handgun license that was issued and that has been revoked or suspended.

(2) Whoever violates this subsection (a) is guilty of possessing a revoked or suspended concealed handgun license, a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(ORC 2923.1211(B), (C))

(b) Additional Restrictions. Pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2923.126:

(1) A concealed handgun license that is issued under Ohio R.C. 2923.125 shall expire five years after the date of issuance. A licensee who has been issued a license under that section shall be granted a grace period of thirty days after the licensee’s license expires during which the licensee’s license remains valid. Except as provided in subsection (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section, a licensee who has been issued a concealed handgun license under Ohio R.C. 2923.125 or 2923.1213 may carry a concealed handgun anywhere in this state if the license is valid when the licensee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun. The licensee shall give notice of any change in the licensee’s residence address to the sheriff who issued the license within forty-five days after that change.

(2) A valid concealed handgun license does not authorize the licensee to carry a concealed handgun in any manner prohibited under Ohio R.C. 2923.12(B) or in any manner prohibited under Ohio R.C. 2923.16. A valid license does not authorize the licensee to carry a concealed handgun into any of the following places:

A. A police station, sheriff's office, or state highway patrol station, premises controlled by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation; a state correctional institution, jail, workhouse, or other detention facility; any area of an airport passenger terminal that is beyond a passenger or property screening checkpoint or to which access is restricted through security measures by the airport authority or a public agency; or an institution that is maintained, operated, managed, and governed pursuant to Ohio R.C. 5119.14(A) or Ohio R.C. 5123.03(A)(1);

B. A school safety zone if the licensee's carrying the concealed handgun is in violation of Ohio R.C. 2923.122;

C. A courthouse or another building or structure in which a courtroom is located if the licensee's carrying the concealed handgun is in violation of Ohio R.C. 2923.123;

D. Any premises or open air arena for which a D permit has been issued under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4303 if the licensee's carrying the concealed handgun is in violation of Ohio R.C. 2923.121;

E. Any premises owned or leased by any public or private college, university, or other institution of higher education, unless the handgun is in a locked motor vehicle or the licensee is in the immediate process of placing the handgun in a locked motor vehicle or unless the licensee is carrying the concealed handgun pursuant to a written policy, rule, or other authorization that is adopted by the institution's board of trustees or other governing body and that authorizes specific individuals or classes of individuals to carry a concealed handgun on the premises;

F. Any church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship, unless the church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship posts or permits otherwise;

G. Any building that is a government facility of this state or a political subdivision of this state and that is not a building that is used primarily as a shelter, restroom, parking facility for motor vehicles, or rest facility and is not a courthouse or other building or structure in which a courtroom is located that is subject to subsection (b)(2)C. of this section, unless the governing body with authority over the building has enacted a statute, ordinance, or policy that permits a licensee to carry a concealed handgun into the building;

H. A place in which federal law prohibits the carrying of handguns.

(3) A. Nothing in this subsection (b) shall negate or restrict a rule, policy, or practice of a private employer that is not a private college, university, or other institution of higher education concerning or prohibiting the presence of firearms on the private employer's premises or property, including motor vehicles owned by the private employer. Nothing in this subsection (b) shall require a private employer of that nature to adopt a rule, policy, or practice concerning or prohibiting the presence of firearms on the private employer's premises or property, including motor vehicles owned by the private employer.

B. 1. A private employer shall be immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to a licensee bringing a handgun onto the premises or property of the private employer, including motor vehicles owned by the private employer, unless the private employer acted with malicious purpose. A private employer is immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to the private employer's decision to permit a licensee to bring, or prohibit a licensee from bringing, a handgun onto the premises or property of the private employer.

2. A political subdivision shall be immune from liability in a civil action, to the extent and in the manner provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 2744, for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to a licensee bringing a handgun onto any premises or property owned, leased, or otherwise under the control of the political subdivision. As used in this division, "political subdivision" has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2744.01.

3. An institution of higher education shall be immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to a licensee bringing a handgun onto the premises of the institution, including motor vehicles owned by the institution, unless the institution acted with malicious purpose. An institution of higher education is immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to the institution's decision to permit a licensee or class of licensees to bring a handgun onto the premises of the institution.

C. 1. a. Except as provided in subsection (b)(3)C.2. of this section and Ohio R.C. 2923.1214, the owner or person in control of private land or premises, and a private person or entity leasing land or premises owned by the state, the United States, or a political subdivision of the state or the United States, may post a sign in a conspicuous location on that land or on those premises prohibiting persons from carrying firearms or concealed firearms on or onto that land or those premises. Except as otherwise provided in this division, a person who knowingly violates a posted prohibition of that nature is guilty of criminal trespass in violation of Ohio R.C. 2911.21(A)(4) and is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If a person knowingly violates a posted prohibition of that nature and the posted land or premises primarily

was a parking lot or other parking facility, the person is not guilty of criminal trespass under Ohio R.C. 2911.21 or under any other criminal law of this State or criminal law, ordinance, or resolution of a political subdivision of this State, and instead is subject only to a civil cause of action for trespass based on the violation.

b. If a person knowingly violates a posted prohibition of the nature described in this subsection and the posted land or premises is a child care center, type A family child care home, or type B family child care home, unless the person is a licensee who resides in a type A family child care home or type B family child care home, the person is guilty of aggravated trespass in violation of Ohio R.C. 2911.211. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the person previously has been convicted of a violation of this subsection or any substantially equivalent state law or municipal ordinance, or of any offense of violence, if the weapon involved is a firearm that is either loaded or for which the offender has ammunition ready at hand, or if the weapon involved is dangerous ordnance, the offender is guilty of a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

2. A landlord may not prohibit or restrict a tenant who is a licensee and who on or after September 9, 2008 enters into a rental agreement with the landlord for the use of residential premises, and the tenant's guest while the tenant is present, from lawfully carrying or possessing a handgun on those residential premises.

3. As used in subsection (b)(3)C. of this section:

a. "Residential premises" has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 5321.01, except "residential premises" does not include a dwelling unit that is owned or operated by a college or university.

b. "Landlord", "tenant", and "rental agreement" have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 5321.01.

(4) A person who holds a valid concealed handgun license issued by another state that is recognized by the Attorney General pursuant to a reciprocity agreement entered into pursuant to Ohio R.C. 109.69 or a person who holds a valid concealed handgun license under the circumstances described in Ohio R.C. 109.69(B) has the same right to carry a concealed handgun in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun license under Ohio R.C. 2923.125 and is subject to the same restrictions that apply to a person who has been issued a license under that section that is valid at the time in question.

(5) A. A peace officer has the same right to carry a concealed handgun in this State as a person who was issued a concealed handgun license under Ohio R.C. 2923.125, provided that the officer when carrying a concealed handgun under authority of this section is carrying validating identification. For purposes of reciprocity with other States, a peace officer shall be considered to be a licensee in this State.

B. An active duty member of the armed forces of the United States who is carrying a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in Ohio R.C. 2923.125(G)(1) has the same right to carry a concealed handgun in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun license under Ohio R.C. 2923.125 and is subject to the same restrictions as specified in this subsection (b).

C. A tactical medical professional who is qualified to carry firearms while on duty under Ohio R.C. 109.771 has the same right to carry a concealed handgun in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun license under Ohio R.C. 2923.125.

(6) A. A qualified retired peace officer who possesses a retired peace officer identification card issued pursuant to subsection (b)(6)B. of this section and a valid firearms requalification certification issued pursuant to subsection (b)(6)C. of this section has the same right to carry a concealed handgun in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun license under Ohio R.C. 2923.125 and is subject to the same restrictions that apply to a person who has been issued a license issued under that section that is valid at the time in question. For purposes of reciprocity with other states, a qualified retired peace officer who possesses a retired peace officer identification card issued pursuant to subsection (b)(6)B. of this section and a valid firearms requalification certification issued pursuant to subsection (b)(6)C. of this section shall be considered to be a licensee in this state.

B. 1. Each public agency of this State or of a political subdivision of this State that is served by one or more peace officers shall issue a retired peace officer identification card to any person who retired from service as a peace officer with that agency, if the issuance is in accordance with the agency's policies and procedures and if the person, with respect to the person's service with that agency, satisfies all of the following:

a. The person retired in good standing from service as a peace officer with the public agency, and the retirement was not for reasons of mental instability.

b. Before retiring from service as a peace officer with that agency, the person was authorized to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of, or the incarceration of any person for, any violation of law and the person had statutory powers of arrest.

c. At the time of the person's retirement as a peace officer with that agency, the person was trained and qualified to carry firearms in the performance of the peace officer's duties.

d. Before retiring from service as a peace officer with that agency, the person was regularly employed as a peace officer for an aggregate of 15 years or more, or, in the alternative, the person retired from service as a peace officer with that agency, after completing any applicable probationary period of that service, due to a service-connected disability, as determined by the agency.

2. A retired peace officer identification card issued to a person under subsection (b)(6)B.1. of this section shall identify the person by name, contain a photograph of the person, identify the public agency of this state or of the political subdivision of this State from which the person retired as a peace officer and that is issuing the identification card, and specify that the person retired in good standing from service as a peace officer with the issuing public agency and satisfies the criteria set forth in subsections (b)(6)B.1.a. to (b)(6)B.1.d. of this section. In addition to the required content specified in this subsection, a retired peace officer identification card issued to a person under subsection (b)(6)B.1. of this section may include the firearms requalification certification described in subsection (b)(6)C. of this section, and if the identification card includes that certification, the identification card shall serve as the firearms requalification certification for the retired peace officer. If the issuing public agency issues credentials to active law enforcement officers who serve the agency, the agency may comply with subsection (b)(6)B.1. of this section by issuing the same credentials to persons who retired from service as a peace officer with the agency and who satisfy the criteria set forth in subsection (b)(6)B.1.a. to (b)(6)B.1.d. of this section, provided that the credentials so issued to retired peace officers are stamped with the word "RETIRED".

3. A public agency of this state or of a political subdivision of this State may charge persons who retired from service as a peace officer with the agency a reasonable fee for issuing to the person a retired peace officer identification card pursuant to subsection (b)(6)B.1. of this section.

C. 1. If a person retired from service as a peace officer with a public agency of this state or of a political subdivision of this state and the person satisfies the criteria set forth in subsections (b)(6)B.1.a. to (b)(6)B.1.d. of this section, the public agency may provide the retired peace officer with the opportunity to attend a firearms requalification program that is approved for purposes of firearms requalification required under Ohio R.C. 109.801. The retired peace officer may be required to pay the cost of the course.

2. If a retired peace officer who satisfies the criteria set forth in subsections (b)(6)B.1.a. to (b)(6)B.1.d. of this section attends a firearms requalification program that is approved for purposes of firearms requalification required under Ohio R.C. 109.801, the retired peace officer's successful completion of the firearms requalification program requalifies the retired peace officer for purposes of subsection (b)(6) of this section for five years from the date on which the program was successfully completed, and the requalification is valid during that five-year period. If a retired peace officer who satisfies the criteria set forth in subsections (b)(6)B.1.a. to (b)(6)B.1.d. of this section satisfactorily completes such a firearms requalification program, the retired peace officer shall be issued a firearms requalification certification that identifies the retired peace officer by name, identifies the entity that taught the program, specifies that the retired peace officer successfully completed the program, specifies the date on which the course was successfully completed, and specifies that the requalification is valid for five years year from that date of successful completion. The firearms requalification certification for a retired peace officer may be included in the retired peace officer identification card issued to the retired peace officer under subsection (b)(6)B. of this section.

3. A retired peace officer who attends a firearms requalification program that is approved for purposes of firearms requalification required under Ohio R.C. 109.801 may be required to pay the cost of the program.

(7) As used in subsection (b)(6) of this section:

A. "Governing body." Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 154.01.

B. "Government facility of this State or a political subdivision of this State" means any of the following:

1. A building or part of a building that is owned or leased by the government of this State or a political subdivision of this State and where employees of the government of this State or the political subdivision regularly are present for the purpose of performing their official duties as employees of the State or political subdivision;

2. The office of a deputy registrar serving pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 4503 that is used to perform deputy registrar functions.

C. "Qualified retired peace officer" means a person who satisfies all of the following:

1. The person satisfies the criteria set forth in subsections (b)(6)B.1.a. to (b)(6)B.1.d. of this section.

2. The person is not under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating or hallucinatory drug or substance.

3. The person is not prohibited by Federal law from receiving firearms.

D. "Retired peace officer identification card" means an identification card that is issued pursuant to subsection (b)(6)B. of this section to a person who is a retired peace officer.

E. "Tactical medical professional." Has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 109.71.

F. "Validating identification." Means photographic identification issued by the agency for which an individual serves as a peace officer that identifies the individual as a peace officer of the agency.

(ORC 2923.126)

(c) Posting of Signs Prohibiting Possession. Each person, board, or entity that owns or controls any place or premises identified in Ohio R.C. 2923.126(B) as a place into which a valid license does not authorize the licensee to carry a concealed handgun, or a designee of such a person, board, or entity, shall post in the following one or more conspicuous locations in the premises a sign that contains a statement in substantially the following form: "Unless otherwise authorized by law, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person's control, convey, or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance onto these premises.

(ORC 2923.1212)

549.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

553.01 OBSTRUCTING STREETS BY RAILROAD COMPANIES.

(a) (1) No railroad company shall obstruct or permit or cause to be obstructed a public street, road or highway by permitting a railroad car, locomotive or other obstruction to remain upon or across it for longer than five minutes to the hindrance or inconvenience of travelers or a person passing along or upon such street, road or highway.

(2) At the end of each five minute period of obstruction of a public street, road or highway, each railroad company shall cause such railroad car, locomotive or other obstruction to be removed for sufficient time, not less than three minutes, to allow the passage of persons and vehicles waiting to cross.

(3) This section does not apply to obstruction of a public street, road or highway by a continuously moving through train or caused by circumstances wholly beyond the control of the railroad company, but does apply to other obstructions, including without limitation those caused by stopped trains and trains engaged in switching, loading or unloading operations.

(4) If a railroad car, locomotive, or other obstruction is obstructing a public street, road, or highway in violation of subsection (a)(1) hereof and the violation occurs in the unincorporated area of one or more counties, or in one or more municipal corporations, the officers and employees of each affected county or municipal corporation may charge the railroad company with only one violation of the law arising from the same facts and circumstances and the same act.

(5) Upon the filing of an affidavit or complaint for violation of this subsection (a)(1) hereof, summons shall be issued to the railroad company pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2935.10(B), which summons shall be served on the regular ticket or freight agent of the company in the county where the offense occurred.

(ORC 5589.21)

(b) For purposes of this section, "railroad company" includes the officers, employees and agents of such company.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000).

553.011 OBSTRUCTING STREETS BY ABANDONING THE LOCOMOTIVE.

(a) No railroad company shall obstruct, or permit or cause to be obstructed, a public street, road, or highway, by permitting any part of a train whose crew has abandoned the locomotive to remain across it for longer than five minutes to the hindrance or inconvenience of travelers or a person passing along or upon the street, road, or highway, unless the safety of the train crew requires them to abandon the locomotive.

(b) Upon the filing of an affidavit or complaint for violation of this section, summons shall be issued to the railroad company pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2935.10(B), which summons shall be served on the regular ticket or freight agent of the company in the county where the offense occurred.

(ORC 5589.211)

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined five thousand dollars ($5,000).

(ORC 5589.99)

553.02 CLIMBING UPON RAILROAD CARS.

(a) No person shall climb, jump, step or stand upon or cling or attach himself to a locomotive, engine or car upon the track of a railroad, unless in compliance with law or by permission under the rules of the corporation managing such railroad.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(ORC 4999.02)

553.03 DUTIES OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER.

(a) No person in charge of a locomotive shall fail to bring the locomotive to a full stop at least 200 feet before arriving at a crossing with another track, or proceed through the crossing before signaled to do so or before the way is clear.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If violation of this misdemeanor causes physical harm to any person, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. (ORC 4999.04)

553.04 RAILROAD VANDALISM.

(a) No person shall knowingly, and by any means, drop or throw any object at, onto, or in the path of, any railroad rail, railroad track, locomotive, engine, railroad car, or other vehicle of a railroad company while such vehicle is on a railroad track.

(b) No person, without privilege to do so, shall climb upon or into any locomotive, engine, railroad car, or other vehicle of a railroad company when it is on a railroad track.

(c) No person, without privilege to do so, shall disrupt, delay, or prevent the operation of any train or other vehicle of a railroad company while such vehicle is on a railroad track.

(d) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of railroad vandalism. Whoever violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of criminal trespass on a locomotive, engine, railroad car or other railroad vehicle. Whoever violates subsection (c) of this section is guilty of interference with the operation of a train.

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, railroad vandalism; criminal trespass on a locomotive, engine, railroad car, or other railroad vehicle; and interference with the operation of a train each is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the violation of subsection (a), (b) or (c) of this section causes serious physical harm to property, creates a substantial risk of physical harm to any person, causes physical harm to any person, or serious physical harm to any person, the violation is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(e) No person shall knowingly deface, damage, obstruct, remove, or otherwise impair the operation of any railroad grade crossing warning signal or other protective device, including any gate, bell, light, crossbuck, stop sign, yield sign, advance warning sign, or advance pavement

marking.

(f) Whoever violates subsection (e) of this section is guilty of railroad grade crossing device vandalism. Except as otherwise provided in this division, railroad grade crossing device vandalism is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the violation of subsection (e) of this section causes serious physical harm to property or creates a substantial risk of physical harm to any person, causes physical harm to any person, or causes serious physical harm to any person, railroad grade crossing device vandalism is a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(ORC 2909.10, 2909.101)

553.05 GRADE CROSSING DEVICE VANDALISM.

(a) No person shall knowingly deface, damage, obstruct, remove or otherwise impair the operation of any railroad grade crossing warning signal or other protective device, including any gate, bell, light, crossbuck, stop sign, yield sign, advance warning sign, or advance pavement marking.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of railroad grade crossing device vandalism. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, railroad grade crossing device vandalism is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the violation of this section causes serious physical harm to property, creates a substantial risk of physical harm to any person, causes physical harm to any person, or causes serious physical harm to any person, railroad grade crossing device vandalism is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

(ORC 2909.101)

553.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for penalties applicable to any misdemeanor classification.)

CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF SOUTH AMHERST