OH HCR55

Ohio General Assembly declares opposition to a federal mandate under 23 U.S.C. 159 requiring states to suspend or revoke driver's licenses for any drug offense conviction under the federal Controlled Substances Act or state drug laws.

Federal law withholds 8 percent of a state's highway-related transportation funds unless the state enacts such a license suspension law or the Governor submits written certification that both the state and legislature oppose the mandate.

Ohio General Assembly contends that mandating license suspension for drug offenses unrelated to vehicle operation unnecessarily strains state financial resources, increases paperwork and bureaucracy, and infringes on states' traditional prerogative to determine driving privileges.

Resolution urges Governor John R. Kasich to submit written certification to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation expressing opposition to the federal mandate and confirming the General Assembly's adoption of this resolution.

House Clerk shall transmit authenticated copies of the resolution to the Governor, Ohio's congressional delegation, and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.