PICKAWAY COUNTY, OH — After four years of tireless advocacy, a Pickaway County family is seeing their efforts come to fruition as Liv’s Law officially goes into effect on April 9, 2025. The law, named in honor of Ashville’s Olivia Sue Wright, increases penalties for aggravated vehicular homicide involving repeat drunk driving offenders.
The bill, House Bill 37, was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine earlier this year and specifically targets individuals with prior OVI-related convictions—including vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, or involuntary manslaughter—allowing courts to impose harsher sentences. Additionally, it raises the maximum fine for aggravated vehicular homicide cases involving OVI to $25,000.
“This has been a humbling journey,” said Teresa Hershey Wright, Olivia’s mother. “After years of advocating for change, it’s incredibly meaningful to see this law take effect in our daughter’s honor. Our hope is that Liv’s Law will save lives.”
A Legacy of Change
Olivia Wright, a 22-year-old student at Ohio University-Chillicothe, was studying early childhood development with a focus on special needs education when her life was tragically cut short in a drunk driving crash on October 20, 2020. A Teays Valley High School graduate, Olivia’s parents have since worked to strengthen Ohio’s laws against repeat OVI offenders.
“This law is for Liv and for all the lives that could be saved by holding repeat offenders accountable,” Teresa added. “We know our daughter would want this change to prevent other families from suffering the same pain we have endured.”
Stronger Penalties for Repeat Offenders
While Liv’s Law does not affect first-time offenders, it gives courts greater authority to impose stricter sentences on repeat OVI offenders who cause the death of another person. The law is designed to ensure that those who repeatedly endanger others face more severe consequences.
As Liv’s Law takes effect on April 9, Olivia Wright’s legacy will live on—not just in the hearts of her family and friends, but in the lives it may help save.
