Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took significant steps on Monday to combat the opioid epidemic in the state by signing two bills aimed at increasing penalties for exposing police to fentanyl and raising awareness for life-saving measures during opioid overdoses.
During a news conference at the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Professional Development Center in Sanford, Florida, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 718 and Senate Bill 66. He emphasized the need for these measures due to the rise in encounters with fentanyl by law enforcement officers, attributing it to the Biden administration's handling of the southern border.
Senate Bill 718 establishes harsh penalties for adults who unlawfully possess fentanyl and recklessly expose first responders to the substance, resulting in overdose or serious bodily harm. The bill also provides legal protection for individuals seeking medical assistance in cases of suspected alcohol or drug-related overdoses.
Senate Bill 66 designates June 6 as Revive Awareness Day in Florida, with a focus on educating the public about opioid overdose risks and the availability of opioid counteractants to reverse overdose effects quickly. The law, known as Victoria's Law, honors the memory of Victoria Siegel, who tragically died from a heroin and anti-depression medication overdose in 2015.
Additionally, Governor DeSantis announced the expansion of the Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network (CORE) to 17 more counties in Florida. This initiative has already shown success in reducing emergency medical service responses to drug overdoses in the state.
State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo commended the efforts to address opioid addiction, highlighting the importance of the expanded CORE program in supporting and treating more individuals affected by this crisis. He praised Governor DeSantis and state legislators for their commitment to combating the opioid epidemic and expressed hope that Florida's initiatives could serve as a model for other states.
