Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two bills aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic in the state by increasing penalties for exposing police to fentanyl and raising awareness for life-saving measures for opioid overdoses. Senate Bill 718 makes it a second-degree felony for adults unlawfully possessing fentanyl to recklessly expose a first responder to the substance, leading to overdose or serious bodily injury. The legislation also expands protection for those who in good faith seek medical assistance for an alcohol or drug-related overdose. Senate Bill 66 designates June 6 as Revive Awareness Day in Florida, raising awareness of opioid overdose dangers and the availability of opioid counteractants.
The legislation is in response to the Biden administration’s inability to secure the southern border, leading to law enforcement encountering fentanyl at alarming rates, according to Governor DeSantis. Victoria’s Law, named after an 18-year-old who died of an accidental overdose in 2015, is part of this initiative. The Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network (CORE) has also been expanded to 17 additional counties in Florida, aiming to reduce the number of emergency medical service responses necessary for drug overdoses. This expansion is seen as a step forward in addressing opioid addiction in the state.
State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo emphasized the impact of opioid addiction on Floridians and Americans, indicating that the state is taking steps to address this issue with the support of Governor DeSantis and legislators. Ladapo praised the expansion of CORE as a model for other states to follow in providing support and treatment for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. The focus on increasing awareness and penalties for fentanyl exposure demonstrates the state’s commitment to combatting the opioid epidemic and protecting law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
By signing the bills at a news conference in Sanford, Governor DeSantis highlighted the importance of keeping officers safe on the job and further combatting the opioid epidemic. This legislative action comes as a response to the growing concerns about fentanyl exposure and its impact on first responders across the state. The efforts to raise awareness about opioid overdoses and the availability of counteractants are seen as critical steps in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals struggling with addiction in Florida.
The bills signed by Governor DeSantis represent a significant effort to address the opioid epidemic in Florida by increasing penalties for fentanyl exposure and raising awareness about opioid overdoses. By designating a specific day to focus on raising awareness about the dangers of opioid overdose and counteractants available to reverse its effects, the state is taking proactive measures to combat this public health crisis. The expansion of the Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network to additional counties shows a commitment to providing support and treatment for individuals affected by opioid addiction, with the aim of serving as a model for other states to follow in addressing this pressing issue.
