COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio lawmakers have introduced legislation that would make the intentional, unlawful dissemination of a peace officer's personally identifying information a third-degree felony.

House Bill 1033, introduced by state Rep. Manning during the 2025-2026 legislative session, would establish a new offense under Section 2921.26 of the Ohio Revised Code.

The proposed legislation targets the online publication or disclosure of officers' personal information when specific conditions involving intent, harm and disruption are met.

Under the bill, prohibited information would include an officer's Social Security number, date of birth, home address, email address, telephone number and financial account information. The definition also covers biometric, health, medical and insurance data, as well as school or employment locations.

To constitute an offense, the dissemination must meet several requirements. The person must intentionally disclose the information with the intent to harm or harass the officer, or with reckless disregard for the likelihood of death or bodily injury.

The disclosure also must cause significant economic injury or emotional distress. Alternatively, it must cause the officer to fear serious bodily injury or death involving the officer or a family or household member.

Additionally, the person must intend to cause a substantial disruption to the officer's life. The officer also must be identifiable from the disseminated information itself.

The bill includes exceptions for several activities involving law enforcement and public accountability.

These include reporting suspected criminal activity to law enforcement agencies and providing information connected to legitimate investigative, protective or intelligence activities.

The proposed legislation also exempts disclosures made in connection with reporting conduct reasonably believed to be unlawful.

Constitutionally protected activities involving speech, press, assembly, protest and petition would remain exempt. The provision also specifically protects providing personally identifying information to the press.

Anyone convicted of violating the proposed statute would face a third-degree felony charge.

The bill also states that broadband internet access providers, telecommunications companies, interconnected voice over internet protocol providers, mobile service providers and cable operators would not face liability when acting in their capacity as service providers.