HB 83 Summary

• Removes criminal penalties for possession and use of drug paraphernalia and drug abuse instruments (syringes, needles, and related equipment) by amending sections 2925.12, 2925.14, and repealing section 2925.141.

• Establishes "qualified individual" protections providing immunity from minor drug possession charges, drug paraphernalia charges, and related offenses for persons seeking medical assistance during overdoses or who experience overdoses themselves, if they obtain addiction screening and treatment referral within 30 days.

• Expands pre-trial diversion program eligibility to include misdemeanor and fourth-degree felony drug possession offenses under section 2925.11, and misdemeanor violations of sections 2925.12 and 2925.14.

• Prohibits criminal penalties for employees and volunteers of bloodborne disease prevention programs, and for program participants near facilities, regarding drug paraphernalia possession and related conduct under specified circumstances.

• Modifies sentencing provisions to align with decriminalized drug paraphernalia statutes, including updating community control sanctions, post-release control requirements, and driver's license suspension provisions related to drug offenses.