May. 25, 2022
HARRISBURG – Having already attracted bipartisan support during the cosponsorship process, legislation authored by state Rep. Jim Struzzi (Indiana) that would address Pennsylvania’s drug overdose epidemic now has the unanimous support of a House committee.
“I’m extremely appreciative of my House Judiciary Committee colleagues for advancing
House Bill 1393,” Struzzi said. “The committee’s decision to hold a hearing on the legislation in January proved to be a good one because it not only emphasized the need for my bill but surely provided answers to questions asked by many of its detractors. I’m hoping we can move it quickly to the Senate.”
With fentanyl serving as one of the leading causes of overdose deaths, Struzzi’s House Bill 1393 would legalize fentanyl test strips for personal use in the Commonwealth. Under current law, test strips to detect fentanyl are defined as “drug paraphernalia” which are prohibited and carry serious penalties.
“Make no mistake, test strips in the hands of anyone dealing in fentanyl will still be illegal,” emphasized Struzzi. “My legislation would allow the possession of test strips for personal use only to avoid deadly overdoses. By allowing those who are in the grip of addiction to use test strips to assure their own safety, we are preventing overdoses.
Struzzi’s bill was amended in committee to expand the definition of “testing products” to account for similar situations in the future involving dangerous, controlled substances.
“I commend committee Chairman Rep. Rob Kauffman of Franklin County for his forward-thinking amendment that recognizes the drug community’s unfortunately ever-changing landscape,” Struzzi added. “House Bill 1393 is potentially lifesaving legislation that can help people with recovery and a return to a productive life. Simply put, my legislation would prevent unintentional overdoses caused by drug dealers whose goal is to snuff out a life and profit from it.”
Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Struzzi’s Indiana office at 724-465-0220.
Representative Jim Struzzi
62nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5937 (cell)
Slittle@pahousegop.com
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