State Representative Ann Bollin has successfully led the Michigan House in passing legislation to combat fentanyl trafficking in the state. The move aims to protect Michigan families amid the ongoing opioid crisis. House Bills 4255-4256, spearheaded by Bollin (R-Brighton Township) and Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport), received widespread bipartisan support in the House.
Bollin emphasized the severe impact of fentanyl on Michigan communities, saying, “The devastation caused by fentanyl doesn’t discriminate — it’s tearing apart families in every part of our state.” She highlighted the necessity of the bills, stating, “We are not going to let traffickers continue to poison our kids and walk away with a slap on the wrist.”
The proposed legislation establishes new mandatory minimum sentences for individuals involved in manufacturing, delivering, or creating fentanyl, heroin, carfentanil, and related substances. These sentences range: 30 years to life in prison for more than 1,000 grams, 15 to 40 years for 450 to 1,000 grams, 10 to 25 years for 50 to 450 grams, and 5 to 20 years for less than 50 grams.
Additionally, the bills include severe penalties for individuals over 18 years old convicted of delivering any amount of fentanyl to a minor, with mandatory sentences ranging from seven to 40 years. Selling or offering a product containing heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil without disclosure would result in an additional 10-year felony sentence.
“These changes are necessary to ensure that fentanyl traffickers face real punishment rather than walking away with lenient sentences while families mourn the loss of their loved ones,” Bollin asserted. She added, “No one should lose a loved one because they took something they didn’t know was laced with fentanyl.”
The urgency of the issue was underscored by a recent report from the Livingston County Health Department noting a spike in fentanyl overdoses in a single weekend. The county recorded two fatal and four non-fatal cases, while in 2023, Oakland and Livingston Counties reported 243 and 20 opioid overdose deaths, respectively.
The bills, having passed the House, now proceed to the Senate for further deliberation.
