Bill to define fentanyl in health law passes State Senate

Legislation sponsored by State Senator James Skoufis (D, Woodbury) related to the definition of fentanyl in the public health law has passed the state Senate.

“I’ve heard one too many times from my constituents about the opioid deaths of their loved ones,” said Skoufis. “Right here in my Senate district, synthetic-fentanyl and opioid related deaths continue to plague families and tear at the fabric of our communities; this is why we must be steadfast in our approach to combating this epidemic. This bill addresses deficiencies in state law and gives prosecutors stronger ability to take action against those who threaten the health of our communities by dealing atrocious fentanyl-like drugs. I’m confident that closing this loophole will prevent dealers from being able to get away with this and I urge the Assembly to pass this before the end of session.”