2023 HEALTH CARE EDITION
Legislative efforts
District Attorney Kim Ogg announced in an April 19 news release the cre- ation of a major narcotics unit within her o ce, which will work with law enforcement to ensure fentanyl traf- ckers receive “the most serious pun- ishments,” including murder charges when appropriate. “My sta meets nearly every day with the victims and families of this fentanyl epidemic, and these meet- ings are heartbreaking,” Ogg said in the news release. “I am con - dent we can save lives by targeting the pro teers of death for the most severe punishment the law allows and diverting addicts into treatment instead of prison.” While ongoing e orts to reduce fentanyl overdoses can’t bring back Kim Gillihan’s son, she said she hopes his story can be used to help educate other families. She urges parents to talk with their kids about fentanyl. Hannah Norton contributed to this report.
HOUSE BILL 6
SENATE BILL 645
SEN. JOAN HUFFMAN, R HOUSTON Would make it a rst-degree felony to manufacture or distribute fentanyl that leads to someone’s death. This would include a prison sentence of at least 10 years and $100,000-$250,000 in nes. Pending in House as of press time.
REP. CRAIG GOLDMAN, R FORT WORTH
Would classify fentanyl overdoses as poisonings on death certi cates and require medical examiners to list “homicide” as the manner of death. Sent to Abbott’s desk as of press time.
As tackling the fentanyl crisis was one of Gov. Greg Abbott’s top priorities this session, dozens of bills were led related to the issue.
SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE COMMUNITY IMPACT
HB 362
SB 629
SB 2372
The Texas Senate passed its own version of this measure in Senate Bill 645 on March 15. Filed by Sen. Joan Hu man, RHouston, the bill would make it a rst-degree felony to man- ufacture or distribute fentanyl that leads to someone’s death. It was left pending in the House as of press time. At the county level, Harris County SEN. DONNA CAMPBELL, R NEW BRAUNFELS Would require local school health advisory councils to educate students on the dangers of opioids, including fentanyl. Pending in House as of press time.
between life and death,” Oliverson said during the March 13 hearing. HB 6, led by Rep. Craig Goldman, RFort Worth, would classify fentanyl overdoses as poisonings on death certi cates, allowing prosecutors to charge drug dealers with murder. It passed both chambers and was sent to Abbott’s desk as of May 24. SEN. JOSÉ MENÉNDEZ, D SAN ANTONIO Would require Texas teachers and other public school sta to be trained in administering Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug. Passed both chambers as of press time.
The strips are used to check if other drugs contain fentanyl, but they are currently considered drug paraphernalia under Texas law. The bill passed the House on April 11 and was left in the Senate as of press time. “The ability to know that whatever you think it is, is actually laced with fentanyl is in most cases the di erence REP. TOM OLIVERSON, R CYPRESS Would decriminalize fentanyl test strips, which are used to safely check if other drugs contain the opioid. Test strips are currently considered drug paraphernalia. Pending in Senate as of press time.
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
Medicare Made Easy
At One Medical Seniors, we believe in building strong relationships with our patients and the local community to help keep everyone healthy and connected. Join us for these no-cost events and invite a friend to come learn about the basics of Medicare. Have your Medicare eligibility and healthcare questions answered by the experts!
JUNE 12, 10am Spring Branch 10124 Hammerly Blvd, Houston, TX 77080
JUNE 8, 12pm Cy-Fair 12266 Farm to Market 1960 Rd West, Houston, TX 77065
JUNE 15, 12pm Spring Branch 10124 Hammerly Blvd, Houston, TX 77080
JUNE 26, 10am Spring Branch 10124 Hammerly Blvd, Houston, TX 77080
JUNE 22, 12pm Forest West 5323 Antoine Dr, Houston, TX 77091
JUNE 29, 12pm Braeburn 6613 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX 77096
We hope to see you there! To learn more about our events, call 713.352.3037 , scan the QR Code , or visit oms-tx.eventbrite.com
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CY FAIR EDITION • JUNE 2023
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