Ohio House Bill 674 seeks to increase penalties for providing alcohol to minors

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio state Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth) has introduced legislation that looks to increase the penalties for proving alcohol to minors for an act that results in a fatality.

House Bill 674 would move the current penalty, a first-degree misdemeanor, to a fourth-degree felony. Such a crime would carry a penalty of six to 18 months in prison, up to $5,000 in fines, and up to five years of probation. 

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"We are seeing more instances of adults purchasing alcohol for underage persons during prom and graduation season with sometimes fatal results," Ray said in a statement.

HB 674 awaits its first hearing and has been assigned to the House Criminal Justice Committee.

To view today's press conference visit ohiochannel.org.

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