ARIZONA NEWS

Fentanyl test strip bill from Arizona lawmaker who lost son becomes law

May 19, 2021, 12:39 PM | Updated: 2:42 pm

(Getty Images Photo/Drew Angerer)...

(Getty Images Photo/Drew Angerer)

(Getty Images Photo/Drew Angerer)

PHOENIX – A year after Arizona Sen. Christine Marsh’s adult son died of a fentanyl overdose, the Democratic lawmaker’s bill legalizing products that detect the powerful opioid was signed into law.

Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed Senate Bill 1486 on Tuesday, exempting fentanyl test strips from the state’s definition of prohibited drug paraphernalia.

The strips previously fell under the category of equipment that identifies the strength and purity of drugs, which are banned under state law.

Fentanyl can be deadly in small doses and has been implicated in most of Arizona’s overdose deaths, according to a Wednesday press release from Ducey’s office.

“Illegal drug use can be extremely dangerous, and with the prevalence of fentanyl being laced into other drugs, it can be deadly,” Marsh, a teacher who was elected to office in November 2020, less than six months after her death, said in the release.

“We have to make sure families and young Arizonans have the resources needed to prevent a lethal fentanyl overdose, and this legislation will provide an additional tool.”

Landon Marsh died at age 25 after ingesting a pill he thought was Percocet but was tainted with fentanyl.

His mother’s bill passed the Senate unanimously in February and the House by a 48-11 margin last week. All of the no votes were cast by Republicans.

“We want everyone who is using drugs to seek professional treatment,” Ducey said in the release. “But until someone is ready to get help, we need to make sure they have the tools necessary to prevent a lethal overdose.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Ruben Gallego...

KTAR.com

Democrat Ruben Gallego projected to beat Kari Lake, become Arizona’s next US senator

Democrat Ruben Gallego was projected to defeat Republican Kari Lake and become Arizona's next U.S. senator on Monday night.

2 hours ago

The five Maricopa County Board of Supervisors seats were up for grabs during the 2024 election....

KTAR.com

1 Maricopa County supervisor race could be headed to a recount

The contest to fill Republican Bill Gates’ seat on the powerful Maricopa County Board of Supervisors could be heading to a recount.

2 hours ago

The eastbound lanes of I-10 are closed at Warner Road due to a car crash according, to the Arizona ...

Roxanne De La Rosa

I-10 eastbound lanes closed at Warner Road

The eastbound lanes of I-10 are closed at Warner Road due to a car crash according, to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

3 hours ago

Buckeye Police traffic officer completes 3-week course...

Aaron Schmidt

Buckeye officer completes motorcycle training as department reestablishes motor unit

Dante Herron, a Buckeye Police traffic officer, completed his certification to become part of the department's new motorcycle unit, authorities said.

4 hours ago

A pregnant woman's unborn baby died after being involved in a multiple vehicle crash Sunday afterno...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Crash leaves pregnant woman’s unborn baby dead in Phoenix

A pregnant woman's unborn baby died after being involved in a multiple vehicle crash Sunday afternoon, according to authorities.

5 hours ago

Arizona's 6th Congressional District 2024 election updates...

KTAR.com

Republican Juan Ciscomani neck and neck with Democrat Kirsten Engel in race for Arizona’s CD6

The race between Republican U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Democratic challenger Kirsten Engel in Arizona's 6th Congressional District remains too close to call.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

...

Morris Hall

West Hunsaker, through Morris Hall, supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

KTAR’s Community Spotlight this month focuses on Morris Hall and its commitment to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

...

Dr. Shanyn Lancaster, Family & Sports Medicine physician, Midwestern University Comprehensive Care Clinic – Central Phoenix

Exercise is truly your best medicine

“You never slow down, you never grow old”. – Tom Petty

Fentanyl test strip bill from Arizona lawmaker who lost son becomes law