Representative backs plan to combat deadly crisis with tougher penalties

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz today voted to protect Michigan families from the devastating opioid epidemic by supporting a bipartisan plan that takes strong action against fentanyl dealers.

Schmaltz, R-Jackson, voted in favor of legislation to establish tougher penalties for those who manufacture and distribute fentanyl, heroin, carfentanil, and similar drugs.

“My heart breaks for every family that has lost someone to fentanyl,” Schmaltz said. “These are sons and daughters, siblings, friends, people with their whole lives ahead of them — and in an instant, they’re gone. We must do everything we can to stop these tragedies and help keep our communities safe.”

Under House Bills 4255-4256, criminals convicted of trafficking fentanyl would face 30 years to life in prison for more than 1,000 grams; 15 to 40 years in prison for 450 to 1,000 grams; 10 to 25 years in prison for 50 to 450 grams; and 5 to 20 years in prison for less than 50 grams.

Additionally, anyone over the age of 18 convicted of delivering any amount of fentanyl to a minor would receive a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison, up to 40 years. Further, those who sell or offer to sell a product containing heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil without disclosing its presence would face an additional 10-year felony sentence, which must be served before and in addition to any other prison time.

Schmaltz said 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.

“If someone distributes fentanyl and it takes a life, they need to be held accountable for that,” Schmaltz said. “Families are losing loved ones to drugs they didn’t even know were laced with fentanyl. That kind of reckless, heartless behavior can’t be allowed to go unanswered. We need tougher penalties to send a clear message that there are real consequences for putting lives at risk.”

Just last month, the Livingston County Health Department reported a sudden spike in overdoses over a single weekend — including four non-fatal and two fatal cases. In 2023, Oakland County recorded 243 opioid overdose deaths and Livingston County recorded 20.

In 2023, nearly 3,000 opioid overdose deaths were recorded in Michigan. Jackson County recorded 42 opioid overdose deaths and nearly 450 emergency health care visits connected to opioid overdoses that same year. In Washtenaw County, 72 opioid deaths and 910 emergency health care visits were recorded in 2023.

The bills now advance to the Senate for further consideration.