A Senate committee unanimously approves a bill that enhances the penalties for those convicted of knowingly lacing drugs with fentanyl but marketing it as another substance. Lilly Harvey testified in support. She lost her 28-year-old daughter to a drug overdose and says last year Louisiana experienced a 53-increase in overdose deaths.
“And if we do not have something that makes people think twice before they give this poison to other people then we are going to continue to see a rise,” said Harvey.
Harrisonburg Senator Glen Womack’s legislation would add another five years to a prison sentence for an individual who knowingly misrepresented or knowingly marketed a mixture or substance containing fentanyl. Harvey says fentanyl use is increasing among junior high students.
“I just spoke with a lady who carries Narcan as a teacher and she’s already revived four students this year alone,” said Harvey.
East Baton Rouge Senator Bodi White is in full support of this bill as he’s seen how fentanyl has impacted his community.
“Kids are just found in the parking lots in Central with a needle in their arm and they overdose on fentanyl,” said White.
The bill heads to the full Senate for more discussion.
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