State Rep. Jason Stephens | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Jason Stephens | The Ohio House of Representatives
The Ohio House of Representatives has taken a significant step in combating the fentanyl crisis by passing House Bill 230, aimed at addressing drug and human trafficking in Ohio. Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “We must do everything we can to combat the drugs and cartels pouring across our southern border and keep our communities safe. House Bill 230 will do just that.”
The bill was introduced in response to the alarming rise in drug overdoses, particularly from fentanyl poisoning, in Ohio and across the United States. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3,624 Ohioans and 57,380 Americans have lost their lives to fentanyl poisoning since the bill was first introduced on June 27, 2023.
Key provisions of House Bill 230 include increasing drug trafficking charges for various substances, expanding the definition of human trafficking, implementing a 5-year mandatory minimum prison term for fentanyl-related deaths, designating August as “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month,” mandating fentanyl education in public schools, and permitting law enforcement to conduct oral fluid testing.
The bill has now advanced to the Ohio Senate for further evaluation and potential approval.
Alerts Sign-up