State Senator Bill Beagle
Beagle Initiative Would Protect Children, Pedestrians in School Zones

COLUMBUS–Senator Bill Beagle (R–Tipp City) today announced he has introduced Senate Bill 346, which will establish a penalty for failing to yield to pedestrians in school zone crosswalks.

“I learned from our local prosecutors that Ohio doesn’t currently have laws to specifically address pedestrians, including school children, who are hit by cars in school zones,” said Beagle. “This leaves prosecutors with few options in these cases and often the available punishments don’t properly fit the crime.”

The legislation will create a third degree misdemeanor for striking a child within a school zone. Additionally, if a driver hits a child within a school zone while on a suspended license, the driver will receive an additional six-month suspension.

“Keeping our children safe is a top priority for me, and this bill is a great opportunity for us to place another level of accountability for drivers and an additional layer of safety for our children as they walk to school,” added Beagle.

The bill will now be referred to a Senate committee for additional consideration.