JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives has taken a decisive step in the fight against drug trafficking with the passage of HB 2576. This legislation, sponsored by State Representative David Casteel, aims to address the escalating crisis surrounding potent opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil.
HB 2576 updates the classification of drug trafficking offenses involving fentanyl and carfentanil to better align with the risks associated with these potent substances. Currently, the severity of the offense is determined by the amount of fentanyl involved, with specific thresholds for classifying felonies. The bill proposes revised quantities for first and second-degree trafficking offenses:
First-degree trafficking becomes a class B felony for amounts between three and 14 milligrams of fentanyl, escalating to a class A felony for quantities exceeding 14 milligrams.
Second-degree trafficking shifts to a class C felony for amounts between three and 14 milligrams, and becomes a class B felony for quantities exceeding 14 milligrams.
This critical measure seeks to curb the illicit distribution of opioids and protect communities across the state from the devastating consequences of opioid abuse and overdose.
“HB 2576 represents a significant step forward in our efforts to combat the opioid crisis gripping our communities,” Casteel, R-High Ridge, said. “This is clearly an epidemic that we need to address. We’ve seen an alarming surge in fatalities associated with these substances, especially among our younger population. By strengthening penalties for trafficking in dangerous opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil, we are sending a clear message that Missouri is committed to protecting our citizens and holding accountable those who seek to profit from the devastation of addiction.”
House Speaker Dean Plocher praised the bipartisan collaboration that led to the passage of HB 2576. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the opioid epidemic, saying “Biden’s open border policy has resulted in our state being flooded with deadly narcotics. By working together to strengthen our laws against opioid trafficking, we are taking meaningful action to save lives and build safer communities, while working toward a solution that will stop the ever-growing threat of fentanyl coming into our communities.”
HB 2576 now moves to the Missouri Senate for consideration. With bipartisan support and a clear mandate to combat the opioid crisis, advocates are optimistic about the bill’s prospects for success in the legislative process.
Representative David Casteel, a Republican, represents part of Jefferson County (District 97) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2022. For more information, please contact Rep. Casteel’s office at 573-751-3751 or by email at David.Casteel@House.Mo.Gov.