OH HB197

Prohibits retailers and terminal distributors of dangerous drugs from selling dextromethorphan over-the-counter to persons under 18 years of age without a prescription.

Requires sellers to obtain bona fide evidence of majority and identity (driver's license, state ID, military ID, or government-issued photo ID) from purchasers unless they reasonably appear to be 25 years of age or older.

Provides defense to criminal prosecution if seller demanded, was shown, and reasonably relied upon valid proof of age from the purchaser.

Exempts retail clerks from liability for violations if they fail to check age, except when the clerk is a willful participant in an ongoing conspiracy to violate the law.

Requires retailers to use age-verification systems in cash registers to prompt clerks to request proof of age before dextromethorphan products may be purchased; violation constitutes a minor misdemeanor.