Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Proposed Bill Sends Ex-Convicts Back To Jail If They Fail Random Drug Test

Shutterstock

An Ohio lawmaker wants the state to take tougher action when an ex-convict on parole fails a random drug test. The proposal is meant to act as an intervention for addicts.

Under HB457, a person on parole or under community control would automatically go back to jail if they test positive for heroin, fentanyl or carfentanil.

The bill would also allow the option for treatment rather than jail time.

Republican Representative Niraj Antani, the bill’s sponsor, wants to create more access to treatment facilities and says jails should not be used as detox centers.

“But until that time jail is simply the best place for someone to detox and to be safely placed if they are heroin and fentanyl until we can figure out something else for them,” said Antani.

He adds that this can cut the person off from drugs before the possibility of a deadly overdose.

Copyright 2018 The Statehouse News Bureau

Andy Chow is a general assignment state government reporter who focuses on environmental, energy, agriculture, and education-related issues. He started his journalism career as an associate producer with ABC 6/FOX 28 in Columbus before becoming a producer with WBNS 10TV.