As the Fentanyl epidemic continues to affect residents across Illinois, State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) is co-sponsoring legislation to combat the deadly Fentanyl epidemic that has plagued communities across the state and nation in recent years.
According to State Rep. Jeff Keicher, “I don’t want to have any spouse, sibling, child, or cousin to have to encounter their loved one dying from Fentanyl. This legislation is critical to the protection of our people on the front end before we have death or before we have a tragedy. Life circumstance often puts people in a position where they think this is the avenue and this is a solution. But many times they’re seeking that high or to maintain their ability to not go through withdrawal.”
The legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Keicher, HB3203, provides that a pharmacist or retailer may sell fentanyl test strips over-the-counter to the public to test for the presence of fentanyl, a fentanyl analog, or a drug adulterant within a controlled substance. The legislation passed unanimously out of committee when presented and will now move forward for further consideration by the Illinois House of Representatives.
Rep. Keicher added, “Making Fentanyl strips readily available for purchase will ensure that our loved ones, our community members, and those that are seeking relief are able to be here and hopefully one day find their relief through the proper mechanisms.”
The bill is part of a larger public safety initiative supported by Rep. Keicher to address the top issues, like Fentanyl, effecting the health, wellbeing, and safety of communities across the state. HB3203 has also received bipartisan support as it moves through the legislative process.
Rep. Keicher serves the 70th District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Kane, and McHenry Counties.