5/17/04-Legislation before the Ohio General Assembly would make any detectable amount of an illegal drug or its metabolites in a drivers’ system a crime.
The bill, sponsored by Senate Transportation Chairman Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, calls for a zero-tolerance level, prohibiting the operation of a vehicle if any amount of a controlled substance or a metabolite of a controlled substance is present in the operator’s blood or urine, subject to certain exemptions.
Metabolites can remain present for days or weeks.
Under SB215, officers and prosecutors could demand drug screenings for anyone pulled over for a moving violation. Drivers found to be under the influence could face a felony charge.
Exceptions to the bill would be included for people described as unwittingly under the influence of drugs and for those on prescription drugs.
The bill also bars drugged driving on boats, jet skis and trolley cars.
It is in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
For bill status, call (614) 466-8842. In Ohio, call 1-800-282-0253.