Bill Would Reduce Penalty For Low-Level Drug Offenses, Increase Penalties For Dealers

(ONN) – The leader of the Ohio Senate wants to move on a bill designed to reduce low-level drug possessions to misdemeanors and increase penalties for drug dealers.

Senate President Larry Obhof, a Medina Republican, wants the bill made a priority as hearings continue this fall.

The legislation is part of a long-running attempt by lawmakers to reduce Ohio’s prison population.

The bipartisan bill would also allow people convicted of low-level drug possession charges to have their records sealed on completion of drug court requirements.

The legislation also creates harsher penalties for trafficking, deeming it aggravated trafficking, major trafficking or trafficking, depending on the drug amounts involved.