This week, the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 230, legislation to directly combat drug and human trafficking in Ohio.
House Bill 230 comes as a result of the staggering increase in drug overdoses, specifically fentanyl poisoning, in Ohio and throughout the United States. Since the bill’s initial introduction on June 27, 2023, roughly 3,624 Ohioans and 57,380 Americans have died of fentanyl poisoning, according to statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Increases drug trafficking charges for cocaine, fentanyl-related compounds, heroin and methamphetamine;
- Expands the definition of human trafficking;
- Establishes a 5-year mandatory minimum prison term if an individual is convicted of or pleads guilty to a fentanyl-related death;
- Designates August as “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month”;
- Requires public schools to instruct students on the dangers of fentanyl; and
- Allows law enforcement to conduct oral fluid testing.
Bird is a proud co-sponsor of the legislation that awaits further consideration in the Senate.
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