Prosecutor and families urge tougher penalties for fentanyl; committee hears HB 4255 and 4256

The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on House Bills 4255 and 4256, which would create a new controlled‑substance classification and increase penalties for fentanyl, carfentanil and related opioids.

A representative read sponsor testimony for Representative Bolin describing the package as amendments to the criminal procedure code and public health code that add a new schedule and increase maximum penalties, including mandatory minimums and enhanced penalties for sales to minors.

David Gilbert, Calhoun County Prosecutor, said his county (about 136,000 residents) ranks among the highest per capita for overdose deaths in Michigan and that synthetic opioids are the primary driver of those deaths. "Most of our drugs today—78% of the drugs that we deal with—have fentanyl in it," Gilbert said, and he described fentanyl and carfentanil as "the number one killers" in the current drug environment.

Community witnesses described personal losses. Michael Hurst, who works with Andy’s Angels and described developing affordable housing to aid recovery, said counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl are killing people who never used drugs before. Julie Reisner gave extensive testimony about her son Chris — his work with local narcotics enforcement and his death from fentanyl‑laced heroin — and urged the committee to hold dealers accountable.

Committee members asked about unintended consequences such as including non‑opioid substances that may be laced with fentanyl and how mandatory minimums could affect plea bargaining; Prosecutor Gilbert said counties handle plea negotiations differently and that fines must be proportionate to ability to pay under Michigan law.

The chair also read a support card from the Michigan Sheriffs Association. No committee vote on HB 4255 or HB 4256 was recorded during the hearing.