COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Senate has thrown its unanimous support behind legislation that would prevent homeowners’ associations (HOAs), landlords, and park operators from banning the display of the Thin Blue Line flag.
Senate Bill 202, sponsored by State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster), was crafted in response to a local dispute involving the grieving father of a fallen officer. The legislation is officially named The Chief Steven DiSario Act, in honor of the Kirkersville Police Chief who was killed in the line of duty on May 12, 2017.
Inspired by a Father’s Fight
The bill was prompted by the experience of Tom DiSario, Chief DiSario’s father. Following his son’s death during an active shooter response at a nursing home, Tom was gifted a Thin Blue Line flag at the funeral.
According to Senator Schaffer, DiSario displayed the flag on his property for four years until his homeowner’s association demanded its removal, labeling the flag a “political statement.”
“This is a grieving father who was just trying to honor and remember his son,” Schaffer said. “It is a shame that he was forced to take it down, and I was proud to sponsor legislation which protects its display.”
Key Provisions of SB 202
The bill aims to provide the Thin Blue Line flag with the same protections often afforded to the American and Ohio state flags. If signed into law, the bill would:
- Prohibit HOAs and Condo Associations from banning the display of the flag by residents.
- Prevent Landlords from including restrictions on the flag within rental agreements.
- Restrict Park Operators from enforcing bans on the flag within their grounds.
Legislative Path Forward
While the flag has become a point of national debate—with supporters viewing it as a symbol of police solidarity and critics viewing it as politically divisive—the Ohio Senate’s 33-0 vote signals a strong bipartisan appetite for protecting the symbol as a form of memorial.
The legislation now moves to the Ohio House of Representatives for further committee review and a potential floor vote. If passed there, it will head to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
