BURSTOhio Gov. Mike DeWine (R ) prohibited state residents from tracking another person without their consent by signing a new bill into law on Thursday.
Senate Bill 100 is set to take effect in March and makes it illegal for people from using GPS trackers, apps, air tags or other measures to follow people’s locations.
The only exception allows parents to track children under the age of 18.
“Ohioans deserve to have their fundamental rights to privacy protected, and our laws must reflect the changing environment created by emerging technology,” Ohio Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D) said in a statement after the bill passed in the General Assembly.
Antonio introduced the legislation in the state alongside state Sen. Nathan Manning (R ).
Those found in violation of the law will face first degree misdemeanor charges that could rise to fourth degree felony offenses in heightened situations.