Texas (WBAP/KLIF) – Currently in Texas, fentanyl test strips are considered drug paraphernalia which could mean fines or arrests for those found to be in possession of them. Drug treatment advocates and others are trying to change that.
A Dallas father whose 18-year old daughter died of a fentanyl overdose is pushing for the legalization of fentanyl test strips. Adolph Alvarez told our media partner WFAA-TV that he believes the strips could have saved daughter’s life.
Currently in Texas, fentanyl test strips are considered drug paraphernalia which could mean fines or arrests for those found to be in possession of them.
Drug treatment experts and others have been trying to get the classification changed in the name of saving lives.
Heather Ormand, CEO of Nexus Recovery Center in Dallas says, “Just about every street drug is lace with potentially deadly fentanyl these days. The strips can saves lives if people are able to test substances.”
State Senator Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas) is behind several bi-partisan efforts in the state legislature to decriminalize the strips.
Senator Johnson’s previous attempts on the issue failed over concern that legalizing the test strips would encourage more drug use. Meantime, Governor Abbott recently expressed a change of opinion on the matter saying, “There is a better understanding that lives are at risk.”
As more lawmakers on both sides of the isle warm to the idea of decriminalizing the life-saving test strips, there is hope that legislation will get passed this session.
(Copyright 2023 WBAP/KLIF 24/7 News. This report contains material from WFAA-TV.)
