Rep. Teska Votes in Support of Bills to Strengthen Ohio’s Election System, Combat Fentanyl Crisis in Ohio

Nov 20
2 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 19, 2025

(Columbus, Ohio) – State Representative Michelle Teska (R-Clearcreek Township) today highlights her support of two pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 293 – legislation that would require all mailed absentee ballots to be delivered to the board of elections by poll closing on Election Day, and House Bill 88 – legislation to directly combat drug trafficking in Ohio.

Senate Bill 293 would align Ohio’s election laws with the 34 other states that require mailed ballots to be received before or on election day. Meanwhile, 16 states – including California, Illinois, New York, Oregon, and Washington – still allow absentee ballots to arrive after election day, a practice that prolongs the vote counting process and increases the potential for delays and errors.

“Ensuring every Ohioan’s vote counts is fundamental to our democracy. SB 293 is about protecting the integrity of our elections while also making it easier and more accessible for eligible voters to participate,” Representative Teska said. “This bill reflects the hard work and collaboration needed to keep our electoral system secure, accessible, and trustworthy.”

“SB 293 strikes a balance between protecting the sanctity of the vote and ensuring that Ohioans have the access they need to participate in the democratic process,” Representative Teska said. “It’s a forward-looking approach that strengthens our system and builds confidence in our elections.”

Senate Bill 293 now heads back to the Governor for his signature.

House Bill 88, comes as a result of the staggering increase in drug overdoses, specifically fentanyl poisoning, in Ohio and throughout the United States. According to the Ohio Department of Health, in 2023, illicit fentanyl or fentanyl analogs were involved in 78% of unintentional drug overdose deaths in Ohio, often in combination with other drugs.

“Fentanyl has become a deadly epidemic in our communities, and it’s time for us to take stronger action to protect our residents, our families, and our children,” Representative Teska said. “This bill is not just about stricter penalties for drug traffickers and criminals—it’s about preventing the harm that’s being done, educating the next generation about the dangers of fentanyl, and creating a safer, more informed society.”

“Fentanyl is devastating families, particularly young people, and it’s spreading rapidly through every community in our state,” Teska said. “We must equip our schools, universities, and law enforcement with the tools they need to prevent future tragedies. This bill will help us take the necessary steps toward ending this crisis.”

Key provisions of the bill are as follows:

· Increases penalties for drug trafficking fentanyl-related compounds;

· Increases penalties for repeat drug traffickers;

· Establishes a 5-year mandatory minimum prison term if an individual is convicted of or pleads guilty to a fentanyl-related death;

· Designates August as “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month”; and

· Requires public schools to develop age-appropriate curriculum and instruct students on the dangers of fentanyl.

House Bill 88 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

-30-

For more information, please reach out to Rep55@ohiohouse.gov