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DeWine's First Non-Budget Veto Nixes Reduced Penalties For Violating Health Orders

Gov. Mike DeWine
Jo Ingles
Gov. Mike DeWine

Gov. Mike DeWine cast his first non-budget veto, striking down a bill that would lower the fines for violating orders issued by him, his health director or local health departments. And this veto was expected.

DeWine had said he would vetothe bill, which would have increased penalties for people who are convicted of dealing drugs near treatment centers. His veto came because of an addition that would reduce fines for violating public health orders during an emergency…like the coronavirus epidemic. Currently, a violator could face 30 days behind bars and a $750 dollar fine but this bill would have scrapped the jail time and reduced the fine to $150. 

There were enough Republican and Democratic votes for the bill to override a vetoin the House, but not in the Senate.

Copyright 2020 The Statehouse News Bureau

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.