Bill > HB548

This bill requires peace officers and corrections officers to undergo alcohol and drug testing within three hours after an incident involving the use of force that results in serious physical harm or death. The bill defines "use of force" as force exerted by an officer in their official capacity that causes serious physical harm to property or persons, including firearm discharge or use of explosive devices. Under the new law, officers must submit to a chemical test to detect the presence of alcohol, controlled substances, or their metabolites in their whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, or urine. If the test reveals a prohibited concentration of substances, the officer's employer must report the results to the local prosecutor and potentially the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. The prosecutor will then consider whether to pursue criminal charges, and the officer's employer must take appropriate corrective or disciplinary action, which may include mandatory drug and alcohol counseling. The bill provides an exception for officers who have a valid prescription for the detected substance and who have taken it according to the prescribing health professional's instructions. Additionally, the bill amends existing labor laws to ensure that these testing and reporting requirements can override conflicting provisions in collective bargaining agreements.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb548