Ohio Republican lawmaker wants stiffer penalties for masked offenders as Dems ask, what about ICE?

By: Nick Evans

Outlets: Ohio Capital Journal

Published: February 13, 2026

Words: 1,020

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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An Ohio Republican lawmaker has proposed a measure heightening penalties for people who commit crimes while concealing their identity with a mask or disguise. Ohio Democrats would like to see the same restrictions applied to law enforcement officers.

State Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township, has introduced Ohio House Bill 236, which creates a new offense of “masked harassment” which is punishable as a first-degree misdemeanor.

The state’s aggravated riot statutes get new masking offenses …

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