By Susan Tebben
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine officially vetoed a bill Friday that included an amendment reducing the penalties for violating COVID-19 health orders.
DeWine said he agreed with the original intent of Senate Bill 55, to enhance drug trafficking laws around state rehabilitation centers, but couldn’t sign the bill with the amendments to take away the chance of prison time and lower the fine for those defying coronavirus-related health orders from the Ohio Department of Health.
The bill was sponsored by State Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green). She later voted in favor of the amended bill as did State Rep. Haraz Ghabari (R-Perrysburg)
While the bulk of the bill raises the severity of the crime for those convicted of trafficking in drugs within 1,000 feet of a rehabilitation center from a fourth-degree felony to a third-degree felony, the amendment takes away any prison time related to a violation of health orders specifically related to a pandemic.
“In the midst of this pandemic, now is not the time to change tactics and impede local health officials’ ability to protect all Ohioans,” DeWine wrote in a statement explaining the veto.
The House and Senate have enough Republicans to override the veto, but it is not clear whether they are in agreement about doing so.
