Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two bills aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic in the state. The first bill, Senate Bill 718, increases penalties for adults who recklessly expose first responders to fentanyl, making it a second-degree felony. The legislation also offers protection for individuals who seek medical assistance in good faith for an alcohol or drug-related overdose. The second bill, Senate Bill 66, designates June 6 as Revive Awareness Day in Florida and directs the Department of Health to raise awareness about opioid overdoses and the availability of opioid counteractants.
The signing of the bills took place during a news conference at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Professional Development Center in Sanford, Florida. Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of keeping law enforcement officers safe on the job, especially as they increasingly encounter fentanyl due to issues at the southern border. The bills aim to combat the opioid epidemic and prevent overdoses among individuals struggling with addiction. DeSantis also announced the expansion of the Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network (CORE) to 17 additional counties in Florida to provide support and treatment for those affected by opioid addiction.
Senate Bill 718 is particularly significant in addressing the dangers of fentanyl exposure to first responders. By making it a felony to recklessly expose police to fentanyl, the bill seeks to decrease the risk of overdose or serious bodily harm for law enforcement officers. Additionally, the legislation offers protection to individuals who seek medical assistance for overdose situations, encouraging timely intervention and potentially saving lives. These measures are part of a comprehensive effort to combat the opioid crisis in Florida and raise awareness about the risks associated with opioid use.
Senate Bill 66, also known as Victoria’s Law, pays tribute to an 18-year-old girl who tragically died of a lethal overdose in 2015. The bill designates a day in Florida to raise awareness about opioid overdoses and promote the safe use of opioid counteractants. This initiative aims to educate the public about the signs of overdose and the availability of life-saving medications that can reverse the effects of opioids. By designating a specific day for this purpose, the state hopes to increase awareness and encourage more individuals to seek help for themselves or others in crisis.
Governor DeSantis highlighted the impact of opioid addiction on communities in Florida and across the country. Through the expansion of the Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network, the state has seen a reduction in emergency medical service responses for drug overdoses. State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo praised the efforts of Governor DeSantis and state legislators in addressing the opioid crisis and providing support for individuals struggling with addiction. The expanded network will serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges and aims to provide comprehensive care for those affected by opioid addiction.
