Michigan House approves fentanyl sentencing package after hours of debate

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 Michigan streets. Representative Preston, speaking in favor, said fentanyl “is equivalent to murder,” and described local losses in small communities to underscore the bills’ purpose. Representative Bolin said the bills would impose stronger penalties for dealers who target minors, noting, “If you're caught dealing fentanyl to a minor, you'll face at least seven years and up to 60 behind bars.” Representative Leitner described fentanyl as a “killer substance” and urged colleagues to give prosecutors tools to disrupt supply chains.

Opponents characterized the package as a return to punitive policies they say have failed and disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities. Representative Ranegans rose “in opposition” and warned, “This legislation does not meet vulnerable people where they are. It will hurt those who are addicted to opioids, treating them as criminals instead of as human beings who are suffering from disease.” Representative O'Neal and Minority Floor Leader Fitzgerald both urged investment in treatment and evidence-based programs instead of longer mandatory sentences, citing recidivism and racial disparities in Michigan’s prison population.

Lawmakers on both sides agreed fentanyl is a serious public-health threat, but they differed on remedies. Supporters emphasized deterrence and accountability for traffickers; opponents emphasized harm-reduction, treatment access and the risk of increasing incarceration without improved outcomes. During the debate members cited statewide overdose statistics and community impacts to argue their positions.

The House clerk announced final tallies on the floor: House Bill 4255 passed on a 66–40 vote; House Bill 4256 passed on a 65–41 vote. Majority Floor Leader Posthumus moved for immediate effect on both bills and immediate effect was ordered.

The bills will proceed following the House’s procedures for enactment; the House ordered immediate effect on both bills when they passed. The transcript indicates extensive floor debate preceded the votes, with multiple members making detailed policy and equity arguments on the House floor.