Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Committee hears emotional testimony and law-enforcement support for tougher fentanyl penalties
Summary
Sponsors and prosecutors told the House Judiciary Committee that House Bills 4255 and 4256 would create a new controlled-substance classification for fentanyl and derivatives and add tougher penalties, including mandatory minimums and enhanced penalties for sales to minors; no committee vote was recorded.
Representative Leitner introduced House Bills 4255 and 4256, a package amending the criminal procedure code and the public health code to create a new controlled-substance classification for fentanyl and some derivatives and to increase penalties for distribution, including mandatory minimums and enhanced penalties for sales to minors.
"This package of bills creates a new category of controlled substances and creates a higher penalty for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, or any derivative ... and revises these penalties," read Jessica, legislative director for Representative Bolin, who provided sponsor materials to the committee.
David Gilbert, Calhoun County prosecutor, described local overdose statistics and urged stricter penalties. "Throughout Michigan, there were…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
