Ohio Lawmakers Propose Crossing Guard Protection Act

Proposed bill would increase penalties for drivers who fail to yield to crossing guards

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ohio state representatives Tom Young and Andrea White have introduced HB 690, the Crossing Guard Protection Act, which would establish harsher penalties for drivers who fail to yield to crossing guards or harass, interfere with, or intimidate them while on the job. The bill aims to improve safety for crossing guards and pedestrians, especially in school zones.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation comes in response to incidents like a crossing guard in Franklin City Schools being hit by a car, leaving her with lasting medical issues, as well as hundreds of reported "near misses" involving drivers failing to yield to crossing guards in Kettering. The bill seeks to address growing concerns about distracted and reckless driving endangering the safety of school children and crossing guards.

The details

HB 690 would make failure to obey a crossing guard a first-degree penalty, and double fines if the offense occurs in a school zone during enforced speed limits. The bill is intended to give police officers more tools to hold drivers accountable and ensure the safety of pedestrians, including both crossing guards and students.

  • In January 2026, a student was struck crossing Lincoln Park Boulevard in Kettering, sparking a community-wide safety initiative called Cross Safe, Kettering.
  • In 2025, crossing guards in Kettering reported 574 near misses with drivers failing to yield, speeding, and running red lights.

The players

Tom Young

Ohio state representative who co-introduced HB 690, the Crossing Guard Protection Act.

Andrea White

Ohio state representative who co-introduced HB 690, the Crossing Guard Protection Act, and represents the Kettering district where crossing guard safety issues have been reported.

Chip Protsman

Kettering Police Chief, who said the bill "gives officers another tool to ensure that drivers are held accountable" and "ensures the safety of pedestrians, both crossing guards and our children."

Becky Evans

A Franklin City Schools crossing guard who was hit by a car, leaving her with lasting medical issues, and who felt the driver faced inadequate consequences.

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What they’re saying

“Every parent expects that when their child steps into a crosswalk on the way to school, the adults tasked with protecting them have clear authority. It simply makes clear that protecting children in our school zones is not optional.”

— Tom Young, Ohio State Representative (The Ohio Channel)

“It gives officers another tool to ensure that drivers are held accountable for what they're doing, and it ensures the safety of pedestrians, both crossing guards and our children.”

— Chip Protsman, Kettering Police Chief (The Ohio Channel)

“She got a $48 fine for hitting me. It's been over a year and I am still dealing with medical issues, physical issues, and she went on with her life like it was no big deal.”

— Becky Evans, Franklin City Schools Crossing Guard (The Ohio Channel)

What’s next

The representatives were hopeful the entire general assembly on both sides of the aisle will support the bill, with hopes to pass it before the end of the year.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation aims to improve safety and accountability for crossing guards and pedestrians, especially children, by establishing clearer authority for crossing guards and harsher penalties for drivers who fail to yield or harass them. The bill is a response to growing concerns about distracted and reckless driving endangering school zones.