Ohio Lawmakers Propose Harsher Penalties for Drivers Who Endanger School Crossing Guards

New bill would increase fines and jail time for drivers who harass, threaten or interfere with school crossing guards.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Ohio state representatives have introduced a new bill, House Bill 690, that would significantly increase penalties and fines for drivers who ignore school crossing guards. The proposed law would make it a first-degree misdemeanor to harass, threaten, intimidate or interfere with school crossing guards, with a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Drivers could also face double the fines if the offense occurs in a school zone during reduced speed limit hours, and would receive points on their license that could lead to suspension.

Why it matters

This legislation is being introduced in response to a growing problem of drivers disregarding school crossing guards, which has led to numerous injuries and even deaths of crossing guards across the country. School crossing guards play a vital role in protecting children's safety, but many have faced increasing aggression and lack of compliance from distracted or impatient drivers, making the job more dangerous and difficult to staff.

The details

The new bill, introduced by Ohio state representatives Tom Young and Andrea White, aims to crack down on drivers who endanger school crossing guards. It would make interfering with a crossing guard a first-degree misdemeanor, with potential penalties of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Drivers could also face doubled fines if the offense occurs in a school zone during reduced speed limit hours, and would receive points on their license that could eventually lead to suspension.

  • On January 31, 2025, crossing guard Becky Evans was struck by a driver who blew through a school zone, while she was helping students cross the street.
  • House Bill 690 was introduced in the Ohio legislature in February 2026.

The players

Becky Evans

A volunteer school crossing guard who was struck by a driver while helping students cross the street in 2025, sustaining injuries.

Rep. Tom Young

An Ohio state representative who co-introduced House Bill 690 to increase penalties for drivers who endanger school crossing guards.

Rep. Andrea White

An Ohio state representative who co-introduced House Bill 690 to increase penalties for drivers who endanger school crossing guards.

Chip Prostman

The Kettering Police Department Chief, who stated that the proposed bill may help with the difficulty of recruiting school crossing guards due to the risks involved.

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What they’re saying

“I can't go out there. I just have to pray every day that my kids get across the street and somebody's going to sit there and help them.”

— Becky Evans, Crossing Guard (cincinnati.com)

“School crossing guards put their lives on the line every day to protect our kids, and many who take up that bright vest and do their best are retired.”

— Rep. Andrea White, Ohio State Representative (cincinnati.com)

“We know that even when we're paying people to do it, it's a problem finding people. I think that this bill may help.”

— Chip Prostman, Kettering Police Department Chief (cincinnati.com)

What’s next

The Ohio state legislature will consider and vote on House Bill 690 in the coming months.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the growing dangers that school crossing guards face from distracted and aggressive drivers, and the need to better protect these essential public safety workers who help keep children safe on their commutes to and from school.