7/16/09-The Senate approved a bill that would allow paramedics to draw the blood of drivers suspected of being under the influence.
Sponsored by Sen. Tim Grendell, R-Chesterland, SB58 would not mandate that emergency workers draw the blood of anyone suspected of driving under the influence. But it would make blood samples admissible in court if they were taken.
Ohio law now limits blood tests of people suspected of using alcohol or drugs while driving to be administered by doctors, nurses, qualified technicians, chemists and phlebotomists. Drivers can refuse to take a breath test at the scene, and instead be transported to a medical facility to get a blood test.
Anyone who refuses a sobriety test faces loss of driving privileges for a period of at least 90 days.
The bill would make it a crime to collect blood, urine, tissue or other bodily fluids from someone without their consent.
The bill now awaits consideration in the House Criminal Justice Committee.
For bill status, call 614-466-4900. In Ohio, call 800-282-0253.