heroin

News

Fentanyl possession would become Class C felony under Senate bill

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY — A Senate Bill given a favorable report in committee on Wednesday would dramatically increase penalties for trafficking and possession of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50–100 times stronger than heroin and morphine. The bill would make fentanyl a class I controlled substance and change the penalty for … Continued

February 16, 2017

General Fund uncertainty may hinder more criminal justice appropriations

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—The Alabama Medicaid Agency isn’t the only part of the State government with funding issues, and uncertainty over the future of Medicaid is spilling over into other agencies’ funding as well. The Alabama Legislature will begin its regular legislative session in just a few weeks. As lawmakers prepare, the session … Continued

January 26, 2017

Alabama Will Participate in Learning Lab to Combat Opioid Epidemic

Staff Report Alabama Political Reporter On Monday, September 12, 2016 Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) announced that Alabama has been selected to participate in a National Governors Association learning lab to help combat the growing opioid epidemic. Gov. Bentley said, “As a physician, and as a governor, I understand the importance of fighting prescription drug … Continued

September 14, 2016

Opioid Crisis Requires Serious Response

By Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) I recently saw a local news story about a young 18 year old boy from Southwest Alabama who struggled with prescription drug abuse. He talked about how it started out small with just a few pain pills but his addiction spiraled out of control until he was seriously ill. Thankfully … Continued

May 23, 2016

Sessions Says that Lack Of Border Enforcement is Big Part Of the Heroin Epidemic

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Heroin addiction is a growing national epidemic. US Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) contends that the lack of border enforcement at the U.S. border is contributing to the heroin problem. Senator Sessions questioned the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli, on the issue on Wednesday, … Continued

January 29, 2016

Lifesaving Bill Passes Health Committee

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter The Alabama Legislature routinely decides where billions of dollars are spent and on what it is spent on. The legislature decides who pays taxes and how much. They decide what is and what is not illegal and what will get you sent to prison. With the notable exception … Continued

May 21, 2015