Lawmakers began pre-filing bills in Olympia this week in preparation for the 2025 legislative session, which begins in January. The first submitted measure targets fentanyl distributors.
Representative Jim Walsh says fentanyl-related crimes are devastating communities across Washington state. That’s why he’s authored House Bill 1000, the first bill of the 2025 session, to combat the fentanyl epidemic and hold distributors accountable:
“It’s creating crime, it’s creating public inebriation, it’s creating people living on the streets. We need to take a harder line about this.”
The Aberdeen Republican says the bill would give police and prosecutors more tools for fighting crime, stopping fentanyl dealers, and getting people into treatment:
“It makes it clear that the knowing delivery or distribution of drugs like fentanyl is a felony crime, and it would extend that clarity also to possession.”
Walsh believes stricter penalties, including making the knowing possession of fentanyl a felony, will be a deterrent against the drug.
Lawmakers will take up the issue when the 2025 session convenes January 13th.