House advances 'Leo's Law' to limit fentanyl exposure risk for returning children
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Summary
The House approved HB 4421, a child-safety bill to ensure children returning home after drug-related incidents do so to fentanyl-free environments; the bill includes DHS sanitation steps and law-enforcement reporting. The measure passed after a friendly amendment clarifying residue cleanup procedures.
Representative Hilbert described HB 4421 as "Leo's Law," a constituent-request bill named after a child who died from fentanyl in Creek County. The sponsor said the bill seeks to prevent children from returning to homes with fentanyl residue and to require appropriate inspection and remediation measures when credible history or court records indicate risk.
Representative Provenzano offered a friendly amendment to ensure that returning homes be cleaned, noting that common disinfectants (she cited Clorox wipes) can remove most residue in routine cases; the amendment was adopted. Lawmakers asked how DHS would distinguish credible documented history from unsubstantiated claims; the sponsor said the final language and the Senate process would further refine standards and procedures.
The House advanced the bill on final passage with broad support; members thanked parents and advocates present in the gallery. The sponsor said continued work with DHS and the Senate author will refine fiscal impact and operations in committee.
Next steps: the bill goes to the Senate for consideration; sponsors expect additional drafting on evidence standards and fiscal impacts.