Livingston Today

State Representative Ann Bollin has introduced a legislative plan aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis in Michigan by imposing stricter penalties on those involved in the manufacture and distribution of the drug. Bollin, representing Brighton Township, emphasized the impact of opioids on her district, which includes parts of Oakland and Livingston counties.

In 2022, Oakland County recorded 232 opioid overdose deaths, while Livingston County reported 33. A recent spike in overdoses was noted by local health authorities from March 15-17, with four non-fatal and two fatal incidents.

"The fentanyl crisis is destroying families and tearing apart our communities," said Bollin. "We’ve lost far too many lives, and we cannot allow these criminals to continue peddling poison without facing real consequences. My plan will hold dealers accountable and protect our kids from this growing epidemic."

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard also advocated for increased penalties for fentanyl trafficking during testimony before another House committee coinciding with a hearing on Bollin's proposal by the House Judiciary Committee.

The proposed legislation, House Bills 4255-4256, introduces mandatory minimum sentences for offenses involving fentanyl, heroin, carfentanil, and their derivatives. Penalties range from five years to life imprisonment depending on the quantity involved. Additionally, adults over 18 who deliver any amount of fentanyl to minors would face a minimum seven-year sentence. Selling or offering products containing these substances without disclosure would result in an additional ten-year felony sentence.

Bollin stressed that these measures are crucial to ensure traffickers receive appropriate punishment rather than lenient sentences. "No parent should have to bury their child because a dealer laced a pill with fentanyl," she stated. "This crisis is taking young lives, and we must act now."

The bills remain under review by the House Judiciary Committee.