This bill proposes significant amendments to the Revised Code aimed at enhancing penalties for drug trafficking and addressing the dangers of fentanyl. It introduces new definitions and classifications for various controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl-related compounds, and establishes a tiered felony classification system based on the amount of drugs involved and their proximity to vulnerable populations, such as schools and addiction services providers. Notably, trafficking in fentanyl-related compounds is reclassified to a first-degree felony for certain amounts, with mandatory prison terms for repeat offenders and those classified as major drug offenders. The bill also emphasizes educational initiatives, mandating schools and higher education institutions to implement programs focused on fentanyl awareness and abuse prevention.

In addition to drug-related provisions, the bill includes measures to combat human trafficking by criminalizing various forms of involvement in trafficking operations and classifying violations as felonies of the first degree. It designates August as "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month" and requires educational institutions to provide instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention. The legislation also streamlines existing laws by deleting outdated references and clarifying definitions related to community addiction services, ensuring that fines collected from drug offenses are allocated to eligible providers. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding drug trafficking and human trafficking while promoting public safety and awareness regarding substance abuse.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2923.31, 2925.01, 2925.03, 2925.11, 2929.14, 2941.1422, 3313.60, 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24, 3705.08