The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to update laws concerning operating a vehicle or watercraft under the influence of marihuana, specifically replacing the term "marihuana" with "delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol" and establishing new concentration thresholds for impairment. The bill sets a threshold of at least twenty-five nanograms of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol per milliliter of urine or between two to five nanograms per milliliter of whole blood for inferring impairment. It also clarifies the admissibility of evidence in Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) cases, allowing chemical test results and expert testimony to be introduced, and streamlining the prosecution's ability to establish cases of driving under the influence.

Additionally, the bill introduces stricter penalties and requirements for offenders convicted of driving-related offenses involving alcohol or drugs. It mandates participation in certified drivers' intervention programs, establishes a tiered penalty system for repeat offenders, and outlines mandatory prison terms based on the nature of the offense. The bill also allows for alternative sentencing options, such as house arrest with electronic monitoring, and specifies that offenders are responsible for the costs of their treatment programs. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance accountability, promote rehabilitation, and ensure public safety on the roads while refining the legal framework surrounding drug and alcohol testing.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1547.11, 3701.143, 4511.19