Ohio House Passes Bill Aimed at Increasing Awareness of Fentanyl Abuse in Ohio

State Reps. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) announced the passage of House Bill 381, which unanimously cleared the House floor Wednesday. This legislation creates a specialty license plate that supports the mission of the Jack Quehl Foundation.

The Jack Quehl Foundation is named for Jack Quehl, a graduate of Moeller High School in Cincinnati, who tragically lost his life at age 24 to fentanyl poisoning. Since the passing of their son, Jack’s parents - Tom and Stephanie - have made it their mission to educate others on the dangers of fentanyl and other illicit drug use through the foundation’s work.

“The DoItForJack foundation is doing very important work to educate others on the deadly consequences of fentanyl. It is my honor to partner with them to raise awareness,” said Abrams.

To date, the Jack Quehl Foundation has presented directly to more than 12,000 students across junior high schools, high schools, colleges, and universities, as well as to parents and corporate audiences throughout Ohio and beyond. The foundation distributed thousands of shirts, hats, bracelets, and stickers, which have traveled to every state, more than 50 countries, and every continent to raise awareness.

"Fentanyl continues to devastate families and communities, and we must respond with urgency and compassion. I was proud to join my colleague Representative Abrams in crafting the language to authorize the DoItForJack license plate—an effort that raises awareness, supports prevention, and helps save lives," said Ghanbari. "By expanding access to critical resources and promoting harm-reduction and recovery, we honor those we’ve lost and strengthen our commitment to protecting every member of our community."

As outlined in committee testimony, fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for 18–45-year-olds in the United States. In 2023, illicit fentanyl or fentanyl analogs were involved in 78% of unintentional drug overdose deaths in Ohio, often in combination with other drugs, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

The “DoItForJack” license plate will be available through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles for an additional $20 contribution, which will support the foundation’s efforts to provide education and raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl abuse.

House Bill 381 now advances to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.