Rep. Deeter Announces Two Bills Passed by the House

State Representative Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk) today announced that two bills she’s championed, House Bill 654 and House Bill 664, were passed out of the Ohio House.

House Bill 654 works to increase criminal penalties to ensure accountability, protect human dignity, and provide justice for victims’ families.  The bill is named in honor of Amanda Dean, a 36-year-old mother of four, who was tragically murdered by her boyfriend in 2017. Investigators with BCI determined that Dean was killed inside a residence where the couple lived, and that the killer later cleaned the crime scene and disposed of evidence. Dean’s body has not been found.

“House Bill 654 strengthens Ohio law by establishing enhanced penalties for offenders who dismember, mutilate, or intentionally disfigure a human corpse, particularly when those acts are committed to conceal a crime, obstruct justice, or impair a criminal investigation,” said Deeter. “This bill is about dignity, accountability, and justice. Amanda Dean's Law sends a clear message that Ohio will not tolerate conduct that dishonors the deceased or compounds the suffering of surviving family members.”

Additionally, House Bill 664 works to give licensed veterinarians the ability to permit veterinary technicians to administer vaccines, expanding access to care for pets. The bill would create a process under which a licensed veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician (RVT) to treat animals on behalf of the veterinarian for either or both vaccines and antiparasitic medication. 

“This legislation allows veterinarians to better utilize the education, training, and clinical skills of registered veterinary technicians while maintaining appropriate oversight, delegation, and accountability,” said Deeter.

Both pieces of legislation now advance to the Ohio Senate.