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State Representative Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield) today applauded the passage of House Bill 300, legislation that would strengthen the penalties on drivers who are convicted of OVI-related aggravated vehicular homicide.

Under current law in Ohio, a person convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide is required to serve a term of imprisonment, and the court must also impose a class one suspension of the person’s driver’s license. This suspension lasts for 15 years, but can begin at the time of the imprisonment.

House Bill 300 alters this law by mandating that the suspension of the driver’s license begins at the time the person is released from prison. Without this change, those convicted of the crime can fulfill the suspension of their driver’s license while serving time in prison, during which he or she cannot drive.

“No punishment or suspension can restore lives lost or damage done by reckless operation of a vehicle,” Rep. Koehler said. “Driving is a privilege, not a right. House Bill 300 strengthens the punishment for those who have lost their license due to their own negligence.”

The legislation also clarifies the criteria for seeking to modify or terminate license suspensions of greater than 15 years.

After its passage in the Ohio House, House Bill 300 will head to the Ohio Senate.