BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts House has approved a bill designed to crack down on a powerful narcotic often added to heroin.
Lawmakers passed the legislation targeting fentanyl Wednesday as part of an effort to fight the state’s opioid abuse epidemic.
The bill would create the new crime of trafficking in fentanyl for amounts greater than 10 grams. Under existing law, drug traffickers can only be charged with manufacturing, dispensing, or possessing fentanyl — a drug more potent than morphine or heroin.
Those convicted of the crime would face a punishment of up to 20 years in state prison.
Law enforcement officials say fentanyl is often added to heroin and contributes to the state’s overdose deaths.
Health officials say an estimated 1,256 people died from opioid-related overdoses in 2014.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
“Combatting the opioid crisis in Massachusetts and supporting those struggling with addiction requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “Criminalizing the fentanyl trafficking is an important part of that equation as we continue our efforts related to treatment and prevention. I thank Chairman Fernandes and Attorney General Healey for their foresight and prompt action on this urgent and distressing matter.”
“This bill is another step towards getting the deadly drug fentanyl off the streets and out of the hands of those struggling with addiction,” said Attorney General Maura Healey. “The heroin and prescription drug crisis is claiming lives and devastating families and communities across our state. We applaud the House for passing this legislation and thank House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Chairman John Fernandes for their leadership on this issue. We urge the Senate to also pass this measure swiftly so that we can give law enforcement the tools to prosecute those who traffic these lethal drugs.”
This bill complements unprecedented investments in funding for addiction services and the landmark substance addiction law passed in 2014 which went into effect a week ago. That legislation seeks to set patients on a path to sustainable recovery by both increasing access to care and improving the standard of care. Under the new law, all insurance plans in the Commonwealth will cover acute treatment services, clinical stabilization and medical detox for up to 14 days.
