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Bill

SB 434

Enact the Verified Opioid and Intoxicant Consumer Ed (VOICE) Act

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michele Reynolds

The VOICE Act establishes a verified consumer education program about opioids and intoxicants related to driving, integrated with driver licensing and transportation functions.

Referred to committee
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Bill Summary · SB 434

Overview

  • Bill: SB 434 (Session: 136, Ohio)
  • Title: Enact the Verified Opioid and Intoxicant Consumer Ed (VOICE) Act
  • Current status: Introduced in 2026; assigned to House Transportation Committee and Senate Finance Committee; Emergency/appropriations provisions noted; effective date November 25, 2025 (emergency act language indicates appropriations take effect then; certain amendments effective March 30, 2026)
  • Primary subjects: Public safety, transportation, driver licensing, motor vehicles
  • Primary sponsors: Senate - Andrew O. Brenner, Jerry C. Cirino, Terry Johnson, Al Landis, Thomas F. Patton, Bill Reineke, Michele Reynolds, Kristina D. Roegner, Tim Schaffer, Jane M. Timken; House - Munira Abdullahi, Sean P. Brennan, Darnell T. Brewer, Thaddeus J. Claggett, Jack K. Daniels, Kellie Deeter, etc.; Co-sponsor: Michele Reynolds
  • Key aim: Create a consumer education framework focused on opioids and intoxicants related to driving and transportation safety (VOICE Act)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a mandatory or standardized approach to educating Ohio drivers and users about the dangers and legal implications of opioid and intoxicant use in relation to driving and operating vehicles.
  • Likely aims to enhance public safety by providing verified information to consumers and potential license applicants or drivers about the risks of opioids and intoxicants, and the impact on driving ability.
  • The act is positioned within the broader transportation and driver licensing policy context.

Key Provisions and Changes (as indicated by bill text and related sections)

  • Education and Outreach
    • Creation or designation of a verified opioid and intoxicant consumer education program or material set to be provided to drivers, license applicants, or vehicle operators.
    • Emphasis on “consumer ed” suggests consumer-facing materials that explain risks, consequences, and safe-driving practices related to opioid and intoxicant use.
  • Integration with Driver Licensing and Transportation Functions
    • Provisions connect education requirements to driver licensing processes or motor vehicle administration activities.
    • Potential modifications to driver education, licensing renewals, or interim driver safety requirements to incorporate VOICE Act content.
  • Verification and Accountability
    • “Verified” in the title implies there would be standards or certification processes for the education materials (e.g., accuracy, source verification, periodic updates).
    • Possible mandate for agencies to publish or maintain a list of approved educational resources and track compliance.
  • Emergency and Appropriations
    • The bill notes an emergency act status with appropriations effective November 25, 2025.
    • Certain amendments to existing transportation-related statutes would take effect March 30, 2026.
  • Scope and Agencies Affected
    • State agencies involved in public safety, transportation, driver licensing, and potentially public health would implement provisions.
    • May involve collaboration with the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and related officials.
  • Related Cross-References
    • The bill references amendments to numerous sections across different General Assembly acts (HB 96 of the 136th GA, HB 2 of the 135th GA) to harmonize transportation budgets, main operating budgets, and to make corrections related to those budgets. This suggests alignment with broader budget and administrative changes.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Ohio drivers and license applicants
    • Potential requirement to receive or complete verified opioid and intoxicant education as part of licensing, renewal, or driving education processes.
  • Ohio residents and motorists
    • Indirectly affected through increased availability of verified educational resources and awareness of opioids and intoxicants in relation to driving safety.
  • State agencies and contractors
    • Agencies administering driver licensing, motor vehicle administration, and public safety programs would implement and enforce education provisions.
    • Entities involved in producing, certifying, or distributing VOICE Act materials.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Dates
    • Emergency act provisions: November 25, 2025 (appropriations and certain emergency measures).
    • Other amendments: March 30, 2026 (specific R.C. amendments referenced in the bill).
  • Legislative Process Status
    • Introduced in the House and Senate in 2026.
    • Referred to House Transportation Committee and Senate Finance Committee for review.
    • Pending committee action and potential floor votes in both chambers.
  • Enrollment and Enactment
    • The version described is "As Enrolled," with final enrolled language to be enacted into law if passed and signed by the Governor.
    • Official acts become effective upon publication by the Secretary of State or as specified in the act.

Potential Implications

  • Public Safety: A standardized, verified educational framework could improve driver understanding of the risks associated with opioids and intoxicants, potentially reducing impaired driving incidents.
  • Administrative Burden: Agencies would need to develop, certify, and distribute materials, and track compliance; may necessitate new reporting or data collection.
  • Budget Impact: Emergency appropriations indicate a dedicated funding stream to implement the VOICE Act, alongside broader transportation budgets.
  • Compliance and Oversight: Establishing verification standards may require oversight bodies to ensure materials remain current and scientifically accurate.

If you’d like, I can expand this with proposed timelines, potential fiscal impacts, or compare to similar opioid/intoxicant education initiatives in other states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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