MADISON… After unanimously passing both the Senate and Assembly, legislation authored by Senator André Jacque (New Franken) to increase penalties for those trafficking the deadly narcotic carfentanil was signed into law today by Governor Tony Evers as Act 100. Representative Jim Piwowarczyk (Hubertus) was the lead Assembly author.
One of the most dangerous drugs now appearing on the streets is carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl. The drug was originally developed for use as a veterinary tranquilizer for very large animals such as elephants. Increasingly, however, carfentanil is being mixed with other illicit drugs, often without the knowledge of the person ingesting them. Even trace exposure to the substance can cause severe or fatal health effects.
Act 100 increases criminal penalties for those who traffic carfentanil, with enhanced penalties based on the total weight of drug mixtures containing the substance. The legislation was requested by prosecutors and narcotics officers, led by Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre. Last year, the Manitowoc County Drug Unit working with the Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than eight kilograms of carfentanil pills – reportedly the second largest seizure of its kind in the nation.
“Not only does carfentanil present a significant danger for those who knowingly or unknowingly take the drug, but law enforcement and first responders must also confront serious health risks from even accidental trace exposure,” said Jacque.
Also signed into law today by the governor is Act 96, a bipartisan initiative requiring county human and social service agencies to notify the United States Department of Defense (DoD) “as soon as practicable” when launching a child abuse investigation involving the child of an active-duty military service member who may be in need of protection or services.
“To support potential child abuse victims, it is essential to get information to the appropriate authorities as quickly as possible, to guarantee their safety and to give them access to the protection, care and support they need,” said Jacque.
The bill was introduced at the request of the DoD, with Representative Robert Brooks (Saukville) serving as the lead Assembly author. The bill unanimously passed both legislative chambers.
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
