(The Center Square) – Tougher penalties, mandatory prison time and new school curriculum are some of the new ways Ohio lawmakers want to attack fentanyl and human trafficking in the state.
Sponsors Reps. Cindy Abrams, R-Harrison, and Phil Plummer, R-Dayton, say the new proposed legislation comes as a response to increases in drug overdoses, specifically fentanyl poisoning, in Ohio and throughout the country.
“We are committed to continuing to work with our law enforcement and prosecutors on this life-saving legislation,” Abrams said. “It is crucial that we move swiftly to protect our children and greater communities from the current drug and human trafficking epidemics.”
In November, the Ohio Department of Health released its annual unintentional Drug Overdose Report that showed a 9% decline in verified overdose deaths across the state. In 2023, there were 4,452 unintentional drug overdose deaths, down from 4,914 in 2022.
It’s the second consecutive year overdose deaths in the state have dropped and have bettered the national average. The state’s 9% decrease topped the national 2% decrease in 2023.
At the time, Gov. Mike DeWine also announced the state will funnel $100 million in federal taxpayer dollars to communities around the state to continue to fight opioid use and prevent overdose deaths.
The new legislation, which recently had its first hearing in front of the House Judiciary Committee, would:
Increase drug trafficking charges for cocaine, fentanyl-related compounds, heroin and methamphetamine;Expand the definition of human trafficking;Establish a 5-year mandatory minimum prison term if an individual is convicted of or pleads guilty to a fentanyl-related death; Designate August as “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month;” andRequire public schools to develop age-appropriate curriculum and instruct students on the dangers of fentanyl.
“Drug and human trafficking are a tragic reality in our state — our home,” Plummer said. “We have a responsibility to partner with our law enforcement, hold individuals accountable for their actions, and fight hard to keep our communities safe.”
