State Rep. Justin Pizzulli | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Justin Pizzulli | The Ohio House of Representatives
COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives has approved House Bill 230, known as the Saving Ohio Communities Act, as announced by State Rep. Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County). The bill, sponsored by State Reps. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron), aims to address the growing fentanyl crisis in Ohio and the nation.
Pizzulli emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, "We have a collective responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Ohioans." He also highlighted the bill's significance in combating the flow of fentanyl into communities, saying, “House Bill 230 will stop the flow of fentanyl from coming in and poisoning our communities.”
The Saving Ohio Communities Act includes several key provisions to tackle the drug and human trafficking issues in Ohio:
- Increases drug trafficking charges for various substances including cocaine, fentanyl-related compounds, heroin, and methamphetamine.
- Expands the definition of human trafficking.
- Imposes a 5-year mandatory minimum prison term for individuals convicted of or pleading guilty to a fentanyl-related death.
- Designates August as “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month” to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.
- Mandates public schools to educate students on the risks associated with fentanyl.
- Authorizes law enforcement to conduct oral fluid testing.
The bill will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
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