Ohio Lawmakers Push for Tougher Penalties After Crossing Guard Hit

Proposed bill would establish misdemeanor charges for drivers who fail to comply with crossing guards

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Ohio state legislators have introduced a bill, House Bill 690, that would establish stricter penalties for drivers who do not obey school crossing guards. The proposal comes after a case where a motorist was fined just $48 for hitting a crossing guard in southwest Ohio. The bill would make it a first-degree misdemeanor for drivers to fail to comply with a crossing guard and would also double fines for violations in school zones during reduced speed limit hours.

Why it matters

This legislation aims to increase accountability and awareness among drivers to ensure the safety of both students and the crossing guards who protect them. Crossing guards play a vital role in the community, but many have been struck by vehicles with drivers facing minimal or no penalties, raising concerns about public safety.

The details

House Bill 690, introduced by Ohio state Reps. Tom Young and Andrea White, would establish a first-degree misdemeanor for drivers who fail to comply with a school crossing guard. The measure would also apply the same penalty to anyone who harasses, intimidates or interferes with a guard performing their duties. The bill would explicitly authorize crossing guards to direct, stop and control traffic to ensure pedestrian safety at crosswalks. It would also double fines for violations committed in school zones during reduced speed limit hours.

  • In January 2025, crossing guard Becky Evans was struck by a car while helping students cross the street in Franklin City, Ohio.
  • House Bill 690 was introduced by Ohio state legislators in February 2026.

The players

Tom Young

Ohio state Representative (R-Washington Twp.) and co-sponsor of House Bill 690.

Andrea White

Ohio state Representative (R-Kettering) and co-sponsor of House Bill 690.

Becky Evans

Former volunteer crossing guard for Franklin City Schools in Warren County, Ohio, who was struck by a car in January 2025 while helping students cross the street.

Chip Protsman

Chief of the Kettering Police Department, who applauded House Bill 690 as an "important bill to protect our crossing guards."

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of like a slap in the face. I was only doing my job protecting my kids. We're just normal people trying to make sure our kids get across the street, and we deserve to be protected. These drivers that are flying through the school zones deserve to be penalized for that, and in a stiffer way.”

— Becky Evans, Former crossing guard (WCMH)

“This legislation strengthens protections for students and the school crossing guards who keep them safe every day. It makers clear that lawful directions at school crosswalks must be obeyed and that interfering with a crossing guard carries real consequences. This is a commonsense measure to protect both children and the adults serving our communities.”

— Tom Young, Ohio state Representative (WCMH)

“Crossing guards put their lives on the line for our kids every day. Drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, including slowing and stopping so they can safely cross. We need more education, awareness and accountability to ensure both our students and our crossing guards are safe.”

— Andrea White, Ohio state Representative (WCMH)

“These dedicated men and women go to work every day to ensure the safety of our children as they travel to and from school. They are a vital part of our community's commitment to keeping kids safe. The injuries suffered by crossing guards due to careless and distracted drivers are unacceptable, and it's clear that something must be done.”

— Chip Protsman, Kettering Police Chief (WCMH)

What’s next

House Bill 690 awaits assignment to a House committee for further consideration.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the need for increased accountability and protection for school crossing guards, who play a vital role in ensuring student safety but often face dangerous situations with minimal consequences for negligent drivers. The bill aims to establish stronger penalties and raise awareness to better safeguard both crossing guards and the children they serve.