Legislation Regarding License Suspensions for OVI-Related Aggravated Vehicular Homicide Clears Ohio Senate
State Representatives Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and Nan Baker (R-Westlake) today applauded the Ohio Senate’s passage of House Bill 300, legislation that would strengthen the penalties on drivers who are convicted of OVI-related aggravated vehicular homicide. House Bill 300, sponsored by Reps. Manning and Baker, passed out of the Ohio House last year.
Under current law in Ohio, a person convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide is required to serve a term of imprisonment, and the court must also impose a class one suspension of the person’s driver’s license. This suspension lasts for 15 years, but can begin at the time of the imprisonment.
House Bill 300 alters this law by mandating that the suspension of the driver’s license begins at the time the person is released from prison. Without this change, those convicted of the crime can fulfill the suspension of their driver’s license while serving time in prison, during which he or she cannot drive.
“House Bill 300 makes a small but important change to the law regarding operating a vehicle while under the influence,” said Rep. Manning. “Those who break the law, and unfortunately kill an innocent person while doing so, should feel the weight of their punishment by being kept off the road when they return from their imprisonment.”
The legislation also clarifies the criteria for seeking to modify or terminate license suspensions of greater than 15 years. Additionally, amendments made by the Ohio Senate provide a judge with the discretion to grant driving privileges for court proceedings and to transport a child to a care provider.
“House Bill 300 is common sense legislation that protects the innocent by keeping those that cause the death of another as a result of driving while intoxicated from getting their license back earlier than 15 years after they're released from prison,” said Rep. Baker. “Thank you to our brave guests that gave testimony on behalf of their lost family members killed by a drunk driver.”
The Ohio House must now concur on the changes made by the Senate.
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