Penalties for individuals who subject law enforcement officers to fentanyl are slated to increase in Florida following the recent signing of new legislation.
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed two bills, namely Senate Bill 718 and Senate Bill 66. The former establishes a second-degree felony for adults who recklessly expose first responders to fentanyl, leading to an overdose or causing severe bodily harm.
SB 718 not only provides broader protection for individuals who seek assistance during an overdose but also extends the same protection to those who seek help for someone else. The bill also designates June 6th as Revive Awareness Day, with the Florida Department of Health being tasked to raise awareness about the risks associated with opioid exposure.
During a news conference in Sanford on Monday, DeSantis emphasized the significant influx of fentanyl from Mexico over the southern border. He highlighted the profound impact this has had on communities across the United States.
Governor DeSantis emphasized that the issue of fentanyl is not limited to the southern border. This dangerous substance infiltrates communities across the entire nation. He pointed out that the United States has been experiencing alarmingly high numbers of opioid overdose deaths, largely due to the influx of fentanyl from the southern border.
According to DeSantis, Florida has taken action to assist with the southern border situation. This includes deploying state troopers, law enforcement personnel, and the State Guard to Texas in order to address the issue of undocumented migrants entering the country.
“We are pleased to take on this responsibility because we believe it is not only a problem exclusive to Texas, but also a broader issue affecting the entire United States. The Federal government has failed in fulfilling its duties and has, in fact, contributed to the current chaotic situation,” DeSantis expressed.
According to DeSantis, fentanyl is frequently mixed with other recreational drugs, leading to an increase in overdoses and essentially poisoning individuals.
According to DeSantis, there is a concerning possibility that individuals may unknowingly purchase a pill, mistaking it for something else, only to discover that it has been laced with fentanyl. In this scenario, the consumption of just one pill could have fatal consequences.
According to DeSantis, the Biden administration bears the responsibility for the crisis, and the newly proposed legislation aims to mitigate this issue by ensuring the safety of first responders in their respective roles.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the concerning increase in encounters with fentanyl by law enforcement officers due to the Biden administration’s failure to secure the southern border. In response, he expressed his commitment to ensuring the safety of officers and combating the ongoing opioid epidemic. Governor DeSantis stated, “I am signing legislation today to protect our officers on the job and to intensify our efforts against this devastating crisis.”
DeSantis has taken a significant step in improving the state’s Coordinated Opioid Response network by expanding it from 12 counties to 29. This expansion demonstrates his commitment to tackling the opioid crisis and providing support to those affected by it. With a wider reach, the network will be better equipped to address the challenges posed by opioid addiction and offer assistance to individuals in need. This expansion marks a positive development in the fight against opioids in Florida.
“Opioid addiction has devastated the lives of countless individuals in Florida and across the United States,” expressed Dr. Joseph Ladapo, the State Surgeon General. He further emphasized, “With the steadfast support of Governor DeSantis and our dedicated legislators, we are steadfastly working towards addressing this heart-wrenching human tragedy. The expansion of CORE will not only provide vital support and treatment to a greater number of Floridians, but it will also serve as an exemplary model for other states nationwide.”
