Ohio HB 492: Mandatory ID at Traffic Stops
Ohio lawmakers are considering House Bill 492 to create a new "refusal to disclose" law, making it a fourth-degree misdemeanor for drivers to refuse to show identification during a traffic stop. This proposed legislation is meant to address a situation where Ohio courts have repeatedly ruled that simply refusing to show a license does not automatically constitute the crime of obstructing official business. While supporters, including the Fraternal Order of Police, argue the bill is necessary to close this confusing legal gap, critics have raised concerns about the potential for racial profiling and abuse of the law. Read more about the proposed legislation on Cleveland.com.