PICKAWAY COUNTY, OH — After four long years of advocacy and hard work, local Pickaway County parents are celebrating the successful passage of a bill that will increase the penalties for aggravated vehicular homicide in memory of their daughter, Olivia Sue Wright.
The bill, known as Liv’s Law, was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine and will take effect on April 8, 2025. The law aims to strengthen penalties for repeat offenders convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide in connection with operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI).
“This has been a humbling day for us,” said Teresa Hershey Wright, Olivia’s mother. “After four years of meetings and advocating for change, it’s so meaningful to see this law signed in honor of our daughter. Our hope is that Liv’s Law will save lives in her memory.”
The legislation, formally known as House Bill 37, targets individuals who have committed aggravated vehicular homicide while driving under the influence, particularly repeat offenders. Under the new law, those with prior convictions related to OVI offenses—such as vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, or involuntary manslaughter—could face harsher penalties. The bill also raises the maximum fines for aggravated vehicular homicide cases involving OVI to $25,000.
Olivia Wright, a 22-year-old student studying early childhood development with a focus on special needs education at Ohio University-Chillicothe, was tragically killed in a drunk driving accident on October 20, 2020. A graduate of Teays Valley High School, Olivia’s life was cut short by the very issue her parents have worked to address.
“This law is for Liv and for all the lives that could be saved by holding repeat offenders accountable,” added Teresa. “We know our daughter would want this change to prevent others from experiencing the pain we have gone through.”
Liv’s Law does not impact first-time offenders, but it provides the courts with greater authority to impose stricter sentences on repeat offenders who cause the death of another person while driving under the influence.
As the law takes effect in April, it is a lasting tribute to Olivia Wright, a young woman whose legacy will now help protect others from the devastating consequences of drunk driving.
