(3-26-26) Ohio HB 249, titled the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act passed in the Ohio House yesterday 63-30.

Primary co-sponsor State Rep. Angie King (R-Celina), in a social media posting, was disappointed that House Democrats that had showed earlier support got the bill had decided to vote against the bill.

The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate.

Related:

2025–King, Williams Introduce Indecent Exposure Act

2025–King Provides Testimony on Indecent Exposure Act

2023–Rep. Angie King (R-Celina) Co-Sponsors House Bill To Ban Drag Shows

From Grok AI

Ohio HB 249, titled the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act, is a bill in the 136th General Assembly (2025-2026 session) that amends sections 2907.09 (public indecency), 2907.39 (obscene or harmful performances to minors), and 4301.25 (liquor permit regulations) of the Ohio Revised Code.

Key Provisions

The bill makes these main changes:

• Public Indecency Update (ORC 2907.09): It replaces the undefined term “private parts” with the defined term “private area” (cross-referenced to ORC 2907.01, which covers genitals, pubic area, buttocks, and female breasts). The offense occurs when a person recklessly exposes a private area (or engages in/apparently engages in sexual conduct or masturbation) in circumstances likely to affront others nearby who are not household members. It explicitly exempts breastfeeding women (only the breast exposure is protected).

• Unlawful Adult Cabaret Performance: It creates or strengthens restrictions on “adult cabaret performances” (including those involving strippers, exotic dancers, or performers exhibiting a gender identity different from their biological sex via clothing, makeup, prosthetics, or other markers) if they are obscene or harmful to juveniles and occur in a location where a minor could be present (not requiring actual presence). Such performances would be limited to designated adult venues. It does not outright ban drag or similar performances but restricts obscene or sexually explicit ones outside adult-only settings.

• Penalties and Enforcement: Violations can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with escalating penalties for repeats. It ties into liquor permit rules, allowing potential suspension/revocation for violations at permitted establishments. Some versions or analyses mention potential sex offender registration for certain offenses involving minors.

• Official Name: Section 3 of the bill designates it as the “Indecent Exposure Modernization Act.”

Supporters (primarily Republican sponsors and groups like the Center for Christian Virtue) argue it modernizes outdated language, closes loopholes in indecent exposure law, and protects children from explicit or obscene performances in public/family spaces without banning adult entertainment outright. They emphasize shielding minors from content that appeals to prurient interest or lacks serious value for juveniles.

Current Status (as of March 26, 2026)

• Introduced: April 29, 2025 (primary sponsors: Reps. Angela King and Josh Williams; dozens of Republican cosponsors).

• Passed the Ohio House: March 25, 2026, by a 63-30 vote (largely party-line, with one Republican voting no).

• Now heads to the Ohio Senate.

Controversy and Opposition

Critics, including the ACLU of Ohio, drag performers, and LGBTQ+ advocates, argue the bill is overly broad and vague. They contend it could chill protected speech by:

• Targeting drag shows, Pride events, or gender-nonconforming expression under the expanded “adult cabaret” definition.

• Potentially affecting transgender or gender-nonconforming people in everyday settings (e.g., changing in facilities matching their gender identity).

• Using “harmful to juveniles” standards (which reference prurient interest, patently offensive content, etc.) in a way that risks selective enforcement.

Opponents view it as a de facto drag ban in public or family-friendly venues and raise First Amendment concerns. Supporters, including bill sponsors, counter that it only restricts obscene conduct (not all drag) and aligns with existing obscenity/harmful-to-minors laws.

The bill builds on prior efforts in Ohio and similar legislation in other states regarding public performances and indecent exposure.

For the full text, status, or analysis, check the official Ohio Legislature site (legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb249) or LegiScan. Legislative analyses and testimony from both sides are available through committee records. Laws can evolve as the bill moves through the Senate, so check for amendments.