The Ohio Senate today unanimously passed Senate Bill 156, sponsored by State Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, that would prohibit the manufacture, sale or possession of synthetic urine.
Synthetic urine is an increasingly popular substance used by drug users to defeat drug tests, which are administered by employers, law enforcement or the court system. By cheating a test, workers, particularly those who operate large machinery, can put the safety of the public at risk because of their drug use.
“Synthetic urine harms the safety of all Ohioans,” Gavarone said. “Getting synthetic urine out of Ohio will make our roadways and workplaces safer, while also giving people an incentive to seek treatment for their substance abuse.” The bill also prohibits the use of a person’s urine collected before the test or the urine of another person in an attempt to defraud an alcohol, drug, or urine screening.
“I commend Senator Gavarone on her leadership in spearheading an initiative focused on public safety,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. “With the passage of SB 156, those who decide to use drugs will no longer be able to game the system without consequences.”
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 18 states have enacted legislation to ban the sale, possession or use of synthetic urine, including some neighboring states. Senate Bill 156 will now be sent to the Ohio House for further consideration.
