COLUMBUS, Ohio — A bipartisan group of Ohio lawmakers has introduced legislation to make hate crimes illegal in the state, increasing penalties for assaults and threats motivated by race, sex, political affiliation and other categories.

House Bill 306 comes amid rising threats against public officials, prompting additional security at the Statehouse over the past year. The FBI recently charged a New Albany man with sending white powder and a bullet to Attorney General Dave Yost, along with threats to other officials, including Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Treasurer Robert Sprague. A Dayton man was also arrested this summer for threatening U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan.

Swatting incidents — false reports of serious crimes made to draw a heavy police response — have targeted U.S. Rep. Shonte

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