May 20, 2019

Rep. Yaccarino Votes for Bill Cracking Down on the Sale of Fentanyl

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State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-North Haven) co-sponsored and voted in favor of H.B. 5524, An Act Increasing the Penalties for the Sale of Fentanyl, a proposal initially introduced by Republicans. Following a joint favorable report from the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, the proposal was called on the floor of the House of Representative where it passed unanimously on May 14^th.

“Year over year in the legislature, both Republicans and Democrats have worked together to pass legislation to combat the opioid crisis. Although there is still much work to be done to combat this grave public health crisis, I am proud of what we have achieved so far, and I will continue to work on this critical issue. If we are going to be successful at tackling the opioid crisis, we need to work on getting this poison off the street by focusing on the people that supply this drug,” Rep. Yaccarino said.

This legislation classifies fentanyl as a narcotic substance. The penalties for manufacturing and selling narcotics except as authorized by law, typically involve mandatory prison time along with substantial fines. This bill broadens the definition of a “narcotic substance” to include fentanyl and its derivatives.

Rep. Yaccarino also voted for H.B. 7190, An Act Extending Good Samaritan Protections for Persons or Entities that Include an Opioid Antagonist within a Cabinet Containing an Automatic External Defibrillator. The bill passed with broad bipartisan support on May 16^th and provides immunity from ordinary negligence to individuals or entities that make automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in the same cabinet as NARCAN or another opioid antagonist.

Rep. Yaccarino added, “We have an opioid crisis on our hands, and this legislation ensures that as we battle this growing issue, our emergency personnel and Good Samaritans who respond to overdoses have the resources at their disposal to effectively assist those suffering from addiction.”

H.B. 5524 and H.B. 7190 will be placed on the Senate calendar to be called for a vote in the near future.

Rep. Yaccarino can be reached by phone at 1(800) 842-1423 or by email at Dave.Yaccarino@housegop.ct.gov for questions and concerns regarding state government.