The legislation would strengthen the sentences with Fentanil

The tougher sanctions, the mandatory imprisonment time and the new school curriculum are some of the new ways in which Ohio MPs want to attack fentanil and human trafficking.

Representatives of sponsors Cindy Abrams, R-Harrison and Phil Plummer, R-Dayton, say that the new proposed legislation comes as a response to the increase of drug overdoses, especially fentanyl poisoning in Ohio and throughout the country.

“We are committed to continuing to work with our law enforcement and prosecutors on this legislation on life saving”, “ Abrams said. “It is crucial to travel quickly to protect our children and the older communities from the current drug trafficking and people.”

In November, the Ohio Health Department launched the annual drug overdose report unintentionally, which showed a 9% decrease in the death of the overdose in the entire state. In 2023, there were 4,452 deaths of unintended drug overdose, decreasing from 4,914 in 2022.

It is the second consecutive year of overdose deaths in the state decreased and exceeded the national average. The 9% decrease in the state exceeded the national decrease of 2% in 2023.

At that time, governor Mike Dewine also announced that the state will drive $ 100 million in dollars for federal taxpayers to communities around the state to continue to fight opioids and prevent deaths by overdose.

The new legislation, which recently had the first hearing before the Chamber Judicial Committee, would: increase the drug trafficking charges, compounds related to fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine; Extend the definition of human trafficking; setting up a minimum compulsory term of 5 years, if a person is convicted or pleaded guilty by a death related to Fentanil; Designate August as “The month of awareness of the poisoning with fentanel;” and ask public schools to develop an age -appropriate curriculum and train students about the dangers of fentanil.

“Drug trafficking and people are a tragic reality in our state – our house”, “ Plummer said. “We have the responsibility to partner with law enforcement, to respond to people responsible for their actions and to fight hard to keep our communities safe.”