National Police Association Backs Federal Fentanyl Legislation

The proposed Fight Against Fentanyl Act targets the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, allowing state, local, and tribal departments to tap into established funding streams for the purchase of fentanyl test kits and overdose reversal drugs like naloxone. By explicitly listing these items as allowable expenses, the bill seeks to bypass the administrative barriers that often prevent smaller agencies from securing specialized grants.

According to Paula Fitzsimmons, the association's legislative director, these tools serve a dual purpose: they enable officers to make informed decisions regarding life-saving medical intervention and provide critical protection against accidental drug exposure during field operations. The bill, which currently sits before the House Judiciary Committee, includes support from co-sponsors Reps. Jeff Van Drew, Andrew Garbarino, and Michael Lawler. The NPA is now pushing for rapid passage in the House and the introduction of companion legislation in the Senate to address the persistent public health threat posed by fentanyl.