So much has been criminalized in recent decades that it's truly refreshing to have the opportunity to act in a way that won't only decriminalize, but also save lives.

Such is the case with the policy changes offered by Rep. Kim Moser in HB 353. Not only does the bill decriminalize having strips for the purpose of testing drugs to make sure they don't contain the extremely potent and deadly fentanyl, but it also requires an education-and-awareness campaign about the potent opioid.

As Kentucky's nonpartisan free market think tank, the Bluegrass Institute's priority is policy over politics. In fact, groups across the political spectrum have coalesced around HB 353 because they recognize its potential to save lives amidst the present fentanyl scourge. We believe the policy offered by Rep. Moser's bill is worthy of bipartisan support from the committee and the entire Senate. 

The Kentucky Smart on Crime coalition released this statement following today’s passage of HB 353 by the Senate Health Services Committe.