Fentanyl test strips remain illegal despite objections in drug bill debate

The Home voted in opposition to the decriminalization of fentanyl take a look at strips in Florida on Friday, angering some lawmakers within the closing hours of the 2022 Legislative Session. 

The push to decriminalize got here as a part of a ping-pong negotiation over a sweeping managed substance invoice. It got here after six spring breakers overdosed Thursday evening on fentanyl-laced cocaine at a South Florida rental dwelling.

Initially a ache administration therapy for most cancers sufferers, fentanyl is the main wrongdoer of the continued opioid disaster. The drug, primarily manufactured in Mexico, is almost 100 instances stronger than morphine.

Brandon Democratic Rep. Andrew Realized urged Home colleagues to decriminalize the strips, alongside different Democratic lawmakers on the Home ground.

“This can be a product that doesn’t trigger hurt in any manner,” stated Realized, who proposed an amendment to decriminalize the strips. “The one factor it does is reduces hurt. The one factor it does is save Floridians by merely telling folks whether or not or not fentanyl exists.”

The same battle continued hours later within the Senate, with a number of Democratic lawmakers brazenly pissed off in regards to the challenge.

Miami Seaside Democratic Sen. Jason Pizzo famous the overdose deaths — a nationwide information story — on the Senate ground throughout debate. 

He urged Senators to face their floor in future negotiations. Extra folks die of overdoses, he famous, than gun violence.

“If you happen to nonetheless have relationships over there, please converse up going ahead,” Pizzo instructed colleagues, noting the decriminalization provision loved bipartisan assist within the Senate.

Sponsored by Longwood Republican Sen. Scott Plakon, the invoice (HB 95) initially referred to as for a slew of drug regulation modifications, together with provisions reducing prosecutorial requirements and modifying drug-free zones.

The invoice, although, now could be a shell of its former self. The Home additional eliminated language modifying drug-free zones round homes of worship, which applies 24/7 below present regulation. 

The Senate model of the invoice tweaked the regulation, making it solely relevant throughout spiritual companies. Broward County Democratic Sen. Gary Farmer and different Senators think about the zones ineffective and dangerous towards minorities.

“This can be a you-know-what sandwich,” stated Farmer, who voted in opposition to the invoice. They took the nice factor out. … You took out a precious software that’s going to assist folks not die and also you saved another unhealthy stuff in there.”

Regardless of reservations, the Senate handed the proposal alongside a 33-5 vote. St. Pete Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes broke get together ranks, voting in opposition to the invoice. It now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. 

The companion invoice sponsor, Sanford Republican Sen. Jason Brodeur, highlighted the invoice’s remaining provisions in his closing. 

Amongst different objects, it provides methamphetamine to Florida’s record of prosecutable managed substances. In 2020, officers recorded 1,273 methamphetamine overdose deaths in Florida.

The invoice will take impact Oct. 1 if signed into regulation. 

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