HB 141 Summary

• Creates new crime making it involuntary manslaughter when someone causes or contributes to another person's death by selling, distributing, dispensing, or administering controlled substances or analogs in violation of Chapter 2925 of the Revised Code.

• Designates this new offense as a strict liability crime, meaning the offender's state of mind regarding the death is irrelevant to prosecution.

• Establishes sentencing range of 1-20 years imprisonment, up to $10,000 fine, or community control sanctions, with mandatory prison terms for aggravating factors including prior drug trafficking convictions or repeat violations.

• Exempts manufacturers, wholesalers, licensed healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and pharmacy owners whose conduct complies with relevant professional regulations from prosecution under this provision.

• Identifies six aggravating factors courts must consider during sentencing: prior drug trafficking convictions, mixture of multiple substances, knowledge victim was in rehabilitation, deception about substance nature, criminal enterprise involvement, and failure to obtain medical assistance.