Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Michigan House approves fentanyl sentencing package after hours of debate
Summary
The Michigan House passed House Bills 4255 and 4256 on April 23, 2025, creating a new controlled-substance category and tougher penalties for fentanyl-related offenses. The bills passed on party-line divided votes — HB4255, 66–40; HB4256, 65–41 — after floor debate that split lawmakers over punishment vs. treatment approaches.
Lansing — The Michigan House of Representatives on April 23, 2025, passed a two-bill package aimed at increasing penalties for fentanyl trafficking and related offenses. House Bill 4255, which creates a new category of controlled substances and raises penalties for fentanyl, carfentanil and related derivatives, passed 66–40. House Bill 4256, which amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to implement sentencing changes and enhancements in the package, passed 65–41. Majority leaders moved and the House ordered immediate effect for both measures.
Supporters told the chamber the bills target suppliers rather than people with substance use disorders and are intended to remove deadly drugs from…
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

