I’ve visited with families across our great state, and I’ve listened about how the opioid crisis has personally affected them. In 2017, the opioid crisis claimed over 45,000 American lives—more than 100 people a day. We can’t afford to stand by as more friends and family fall victim to this epidemic.

That’s why I introduced a bill this month to fight the opioid epidemic by increasing the penalties for the distribution and tracking of fentanyl, a dangerous substance that’s especially deadly. One gram of fentanyl - approximately the same amount in a Sweet ‘N Low packet -is enough to kill 500 people.

And it’s affecting our state. Recent data suggest that drug overdose deaths in Arkansas rose by over 15%, although law enforcement agencies believe the number is much higher.

Fentanyl is 100 times more powerful than morphine and has played an outsized role in this ongoing opioid epidemic.

My bill will reduce the amount of fentanyl and its variations required for a mandatory minimum sentence while providing resources to the United States Post Office to scan shipments coming from overseas.

We can’t let another Arkansas family be hurt by this crisis, and this bill is a step in the right direction. I’d like to extend a personal hand of gratitude to Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) for his support on this issue. Senator Cotton introduced a bill in the Senate with Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) earlier this year to combat the disastrous effects of fentanyl as well, and I appreciate and commend them for their leadership.

It’s going to take community-wide efforts to fight the epidemic, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate to get this legislation to become law.

It is a privilege to share these updates with you. Thank you for taking time to keep up with the work I'm doing on your behalf. If I can be any assistance to you or your family, please reach out to my office at (501) 324-5941 or go to my website at hill.house.gov. 

Sincerely,

 
Representative French Hill