SB 164 (HB 165) by Senator Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton), Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland), and Representative Dana Trabulsy (R. Port Saint Lucie) today passed the House Floor and is headed to the Governor’s desk.
SB 164 and HB 165, will decriminalize the use of Fentanyl test strips in Florida. Fentanyl test strips are a low-cost method of helping prevent drug overdoses and reducing harm. The U.S. drug-overdose epidemic continues to worsen as the number of deaths grew by nearly 15% in 2021a grim total fueled by a 23% rise in the number of deaths linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl highlighting a need to encourage harm reduction measures.
Senator Polsky said, “The law should have been changed last session, but now we have a chance to do the right thing this year and save lives. It’s past time that our state joins the 22 other states that have adopted this law”
“At a time when we are experiencing record deaths due to fentanyl-laced drugs, it is our responsibility to do all we can to prevent future deaths. By legalizing fentanyl test strips in the State of Florida, we are adding another tool in the harm reduction toolbox that we know will save lives,” said Representative Hunschofsky.
Representative Trabulsy (R-St Lucie) stated, “Fentanyl deaths are on the rise, and it is almost impossible to tell if a drug has been laced without test strips. The implementation of this bill will provide an inexpensive and effective way to avoid unintentional overdoses.”
Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor shared his thoughts on this good legislation “As the chief legal officer in Broward County, I do not condone or encourage the use of illegal drugs however I do support good and sound legislation and policies that protect the lives of our citizens and that will be helpful in combating this public health crisis and fentanyl epidemic.”
