Ohioans can no longer place tracking devices such as an air tag on property or install tracking apps without the tracked person’s consent under a new law.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 100 into law on Thursday.
“Ohioans deserve to have their fundamental rights to privacy protected, and our laws must reflect the changing environment created by emerging technology,” said Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, one of the sponsors of the bill when it was passed on Dec. 11.
The new law has an exception for parents or legal guardians tracking their children under 18.
The bill makes illegal use of a tracking device a first degree misdemeanor generally and a fourth degree felony in certain cases, such as a previous stalking conviction or in cases where a person has a restraining order.
Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville, also sponsored the bill.
The law, which will take effect in March, was amended in the House to include fines for selling tobacco products to minors and authorizing saliva tests for driving under the influence.