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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's governor has signed a bill requiring hospital maternity units and newborn care nurseries to report the number of babies born addicted to drugs.
The measure was among 13 bills signed into law Thursday by Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik).
The legislation is aimed at reducing the state's prescription painkiller addiction epidemic. Supporters say tracking the number of drug-addicted babies will help the state monitor Ohio's progress fighting drug addiction.
Overdose drug deaths have been the leading cause of accidental death in Ohio since 2007, surpassing car crashes. Many of those deaths are from painkillers and heroin.
Another bill signed by Kasich creates special license plates for the Ohio Statehouse, disabled American veterans and prisoners of war. Several other measures designate portions of highways for people.
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