SB 202 Ohio Senate · 136th Legislature (2025-2026)

Enact the Chief Steven DiSario Act

Summary
To amend sections 4781.40, 5301.072, 5311.191, and 5321.131 of the Revised Code to prohibit manufactured home park operators, condominium associations, neighborhood associations, and landlords from restricting the display of the thin blue line flag and to name this act the Chief Steven DiSario Act.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2025
Committee Review
May 2026
Senate Passage
May 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced May 14, 2025 Last action May 20, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

As Introduced As Passed by the Senate · 5 edits · May 13, 2026
MODERATE
This bill was amended to explicitly prohibit landlords, manufactured home park operators, condominium associations, and neighborhood associations from restricting the display of the 'thin blue line' flag. The Senate version adds specific procedural requirements for tenants who wish to install flagpoles or brackets, such as contacting the property manager to discuss placement, costs, and lighting, while also clarifying that property managers are not liable for damages if they do not receive these notifications.
Scope change
The scope of prohibited restrictions was expanded to include the 'thin blue line' flag, whereas the original version only covered the US flag, POW/MIA flag, and state flag. The bill also now applies to condominiums and neighborhood associations in addition to manufactured home parks and rental properties.
REQUIREMENT

Added a new requirement for tenants to contact property managers with reasonable notice before installing flagpoles or brackets to discuss placement, costs, and lighting.

DEFINITION

Added a specific definition for the 'thin blue line flag' and 'thin blue line emblem' to clarify what symbols are protected under the law.

ENFORCEMENT

Added provisions stating that violations of the flag display rules are against public policy and unenforceable, and that tenants can recover damages or terminate agreements if operators violate the rules.

SCOPE

Expanded the list of entities covered by the bill to include condominium associations and neighborhood associations, not just manufactured home parks and landlords.

Explicitly included the 'thin blue line' flag as a protected symbol that cannot be restricted, in addition to the US, POW/MIA, and state flags.

Floor votes · Senate May 13, 2026

How they voted

310
Passed
Total votes 31
May 13, 2026
D Democratic8
8 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican23
23 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
2
May 20, 2026
Committee
Referred to committee
lower
May 19, 2026
Introduced
Introduced
lower
May 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
May 28, 2025
Committee
Referred to committee
upper
May 14, 2025
Introduced
Introduced
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Tim Schaffer
Tim Schaffer
RRepublican
OH
20