By Sharon Aron Baron
The Florida House has passed a bill that decriminalizes the use of fentanyl testing strips, which are a low-cost method of helping prevent drug overdoses and reduce harm.
The bill, known as SB 164 and HB 165, was introduced by Senator Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton), Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland), and Representative Dana Trabulsy (R. Port Saint Lucie) and has now passed the House Floor and is headed to the Governor’s desk.
The U.S. drug-overdose epidemic has continued to worsen, with deaths growing by nearly 15% in 2021, fueled by a 23% rise in deaths linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl. The passing of this bill highlights the need to encourage harm reduction measures to prevent future deaths.
“The law should have been changed last session, but now we have a chance to do the right thing this year and save lives,” said Senator Polsky. “It’s past time that our state joins the 22 other states that have adopted this law.”
Representative Hunschofsky added, “At a time when we are experiencing record deaths due to fentanyl-laced drugs, it is our responsibility to do all we can to prevent future deaths. By legalizing fentanyl test strips in the State of Florida, we are adding another tool in the harm reduction toolbox that we know will save lives.”
With the passing of this bill, Florida joins 22 other states in decriminalizing the use of fentanyl testing strips.
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