COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 32 on Wednesday, a measure designed to provide civil immunity to security teams and individuals who act in self-defense or to protect others at nonprofit organizations, including churches, synagogues, and mosques. Sponsored by State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster), the bill ensures that off-duty officers and security team members who defend congregants or others will not be held liable unless their actions constitute willful misconduct.
Senator Schaffer introduced the bill after a constituent expressed concerns about the safety of congregations in the event of an attack. “This idea was brought to me by a constituent who wants to protect his congregation if, God forbid, someone tries to attack them,” Schaffer said. “Senate Bill 32 will protect organization members who defend themselves and others in a horrific moment. We don’t want to see a security team member, who is protecting his or her family and fellow members, lose their homes and assets if they need to defend the church congregation.”
The legislation builds upon a previous bill Schaffer championed, Senate Bill 175, during the 133rd General Assembly, which extended civil immunity protections to nonprofit organizations. Senate Bill 32 expands these protections to cover leased or hosted events at for-profit properties.
“This is a self-defense bill and does not specify any specific form of self-defense,” Schaffer explained. “But it will go a long way to protect the innocent organizations and their members who have no ill intent and are trying to do the right thing in a difficult moment.”
The bill has garnered support from various groups, including Ohio Jewish Communities, Christ’s Fellowship at Little Miami Church, Buckeye Firearms Association, and A1S4 Protection PAC.
Senate Bill 32 will now move to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration.
