A.G. Gancarski
Gov. Rick Scott signed HB 477 on Wednesday, a bill that would subject opioid dealers whose toxic product killed the end user to murder charges.
HB 477 targets fentanyl and similar drugs by adding them to the Schedule 1 classification, along with heroin, MDMA, LSD, and cannabis.
The potential death penalty for traffickers already existed for cocaine, opium, and methadone
This measure, which follows up on a state of emergency declared earlier this year, is designed to combat the opioid overdose crisis, one that is taking lives throughout Florida, and taxing police and rescue budgets throughout the state.
“This legislation provides tools for law enforcement and first responders to save lives. We are committed to helping our communities fight opioid abuse and that’s why I declared a Public Health Emergency to ensure that our first responders have immediate access to lifesaving drugs to respond to overdoses,” Scott said.
The Governor lauded Attorney General Pam Bondi, Senator Greg Steube and Representative Jim Boyd for “hard work on this legislation and dedication to the health and safety of our families.”
Bondi said the legislation was “top priority this session—because it gives law enforcement and prosecutors the tools we need to combat the trafficking of fentanyl and save lives.”
“For too many years, the opioid epidemic has devastated families across the state and this legislation is a major step in our battle against this deadly epidemic,” Sen. Steube added.
“I was proud to sponsor this bill to combat the death and destruction that fentanyl abuse has on communities throughout the state, and I’m grateful to Gov.Scott for signing it into law today. With this legislation and the declaration of a Public Health Emergency, we are taking great strides in our fight to end opioid abuse,” Rep. Boyd asserted.
Law enforcement leaders, via a press release from the Florida Sheriffs’ Association, likewise lauded the legislation as part of a holistic approach to the epidemic wrecking population swaths in their jurisdictions.
“Law enforcement alone cannot stop the loss of lives due to substance abuse,” said FSA President and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. “We must continue to be equipped with the necessary resources and laws to reduce the supply and demand of illegal drugs. Signing this bill is one additional tool to help us combat this epidemic.”
“We must also increase our efforts to create robust drug prevention and substance abuse treatment options for those in need,” said FSA Legislative Chair Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. “Our goal is to address these issues and make them our priority so we can protect the community as a whole. This bill puts in perspective the issues at hand that must be controlled and criminalized.”
