West Montgomery Times

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved Senate Bill 1120, a significant piece of legislation in the fight against fentanyl, sponsored by Senators Tracy Pennycuick, Devlin Robinson, and Wayne Langerholc. The bill aims to ensure that common-sense procedures are followed during the bail determination process for repeat violent offenders, drug dealers trafficking fentanyl, and those who assault law enforcement officers or evade arrest on foot.

Senator Tracy Pennycuick highlighted the importance of the bill, stating, “Senate Bill 1120 is designed to help protect our neighborhoods by ensuring that dangerous individuals with a history of violent crimes or caught dealing fentanyl will be kept off our streets."

Senator Devlin Robinson emphasized the need for accountability, saying, “Dangerous criminals should not freely roam our streets without assurance they will be held accountable for their actions.”

Senator Wayne Langerholc underlined the significance of the legislation in ensuring community safety, stating, “This week, we took steps to ensure violent criminals are held accountable, placed further safeguards to protect our communities, and stood with law enforcement.”

Fentanyl, a highly potent drug, has been a growing concern due to its potency. According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency, fentanyl is one hundred times more potent than morphine and approximately fifty times more potent than heroin. Even a small amount of fentanyl can be lethal.

The bill will now move to the full Senate for consideration, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat the spread of fentanyl and protect communities from the harm it causes.