HB 529 Summary

• Adds a new prohibition to Ohio's "corrupting another with drugs" offense (Section 2925.02) making it illegal to knowingly furnish, administer, or induce a pregnant woman to use a controlled substance when the offender knows or is reckless regarding the woman's pregnancy status.

• Establishes graduated penalties for violations involving pregnant women based on drug schedule: Schedule I or II drugs result in a first-degree felony with mandatory prison term; Schedule III, IV, or V drugs result in a second-degree felony with mandatory prison term; marijuana and certain synthetic cannabinoids result in a third-degree felony.

• Exempts licensed healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and other authorized persons acting in accordance with existing pharmacy and medical practice laws from the new prohibition.

• Maintains existing penalties and procedures for corrupting another with drugs offenses involving juveniles, school vicinity violations, and major drug offenders.

• Requires mandatory driver's license suspension of 6 months to 5 years, mandatory fines based on felony degree, and immediate compliance with professional licensing provisions for offenders convicted under this section.