MADISON… Legislation authored by Senator André Jacque (New Franken) to increase penalties for those who traffick the deadly narcotic carfentanil passed the State Assembly Tuesday and will now go to the desk of Governor Tony Evers for consideration.
One of the most dangerous drugs now on the streets is carfentanil, a synthetic opioid similar to fentanyl that is intended for exclusive use as a veterinary tranquilizer for large animals such as elephants, is now frequently being mixed with other illicit drugs, often without the knowledge of the person ingesting it. Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, and even someone exposed to trace amounts of the substance can experience disastrous health effects.
Senate Bill 692, authored in partnership with Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk (Hubertus), would increase the penalties for those who traffick carfentanil, with enhancers based on the total weight of any mixture containing the drug. The legislation was requested by prosecutors and narcotics officers, led by Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre. Last year. Manitowoc County had the second largest seizure of carfentanil pills in the nation by the DEA working with the Metro Drug Unit, intercepting more than 8 kilos of carfentanil pills.
“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.
SB 692 unanimously passed the State Senate last week.
Also passing the Assembly today is a bipartisan proposal authored by Senator Jacque to create a tax credit for the parents of stillborn children, Assembly Bill 373. Representative Lindee Brill (Sheboygan Falls) is the Assembly author.
Every year, over 300 Wisconsin mothers suffer the trauma of a stillbirth. Parents of stillborn children experience many of the same expenses as newborn parents, such as delivery costs. They also have additional expenses such as funeral costs, counseling, and lost time at work, while not necessarily having access to the same maternity leave benefits of other mothers. This legislation would grant those mothers a one-time $2,000 tax credit.
“Although nothing can compensate for the loss of a child, establishing this tax credit will hopefully alleviate some of the financial burden stillbirth parents face, while giving meaningful, statutory recognition to the loss of their child,” said Jacque.
AB 373 unanimously passed the Assembly and will now move to the Senate for consideration. The companion Senate Bill 379 unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue last November.
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.
