Increase penalties for OVI and aggravated vehicular homicide
HB 37 amends Ohio law to increase penalties for operating a vehicle or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The bill specifically raises the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers under twenty-one years old and establishes specific thresholds for various controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, that constitute impairment. These changes directly affect individuals who operate vehicles or watercraft while impaired, subjecting them to stricter legal consequences if they exceed the new limits. By defining precise chemical concentrations for different substances, the legislation aims to clarify what constitutes a violation for law enforcement and the courts.
Bill status
passed both
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Jun 2024
House Passage
May 2024
Senate Passage
Dec 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Dec 19, 2024
Floor votes · Senate Dec 18, 2024 · House May 22, 2024
How they voted
30–0
Passed
Total votes 30
Dec 18, 2024
D
Democratic6
100% Yea
R
Republican24
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
9
Key actions
3
Committee
2
Amendments
1
Dec 19, 2024
Lower · Passed
Concurred in Senate amendments
lower
Dec 18, 2024
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Jun 11, 2024
Committee
Refer to Committee
upper
May 22, 2024
Lower · Passed
Passed
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Refer to Committee
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Introduced
Introduced
lower
2 primary · 74 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Kevin Miller
RRepublican
P
Mark Johnson
RRepublican
Co
Adam Bird
RRepublican
Co
Adam Holmes
RRepublican
Co
Andrea White
RRepublican
Co
Angie King
RRepublican
Co
Anita Somani
DDemocratic
Co
Bernie Willis
RRepublican
Co
Beth Lear
RRepublican
Co
Bill Dean
RRepublican
Co
Bill Reineke
RRepublican
Co
Bill Roemer
RRepublican
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