Earlier this week, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal testified supporting Senate Bill 25-044, Synthetic Opiates Criminal Penalties, in the Colorado State Senate Judiciary Committee.
The bill sponsors, Senator Rod Pelton and Representative Ryan Armagost authored SB 25-044 due to the imminent need to address the fentanyl epidemic in Colorado.
During his testimony, Sheriff Roybal shared how the bill would hold criminal drug dealers accountable and, ultimately, save the lives of those vulnerable and suffering from addiction.
“This legislation targets dangerous cartels and drug dealers, reduces qualifying amounts, increases penalties and charges, and expands the definitions regarding the compounds and blends we currently see on the streets,” said Sheriff Roybal. “SB 25-044 will save lives.”
In 2019, state lawmakers championed legislation (HB 19-1263) effectively legalizing fentanyl under the amount of 4 grams or less in Colorado, even though as little as two milligrams of fentanyl is known to be lethal.
HB 19- 1263 has proven to be a deadly mistake for Coloradans.
At least 1,089 people died from fentanyl poisoning in 2023, up 18.4% from 920 the year before, according to data released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The fentanyl surge started five years ago (in 2019) and has continued to rise, with the number of fentanyl-related deaths increasing more than 900% from the 102 recorded in 2018 (CDPHE).
“Addiction riddles our communities, homes, schools, and jails,” Sheriff Roybal stated during his testimony.
Colorado has been grappling with a significant drug and alcohol addiction crisis, which has had far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the state.
Sadly, SB 25-044 was killed in committee, with Senators Gonzales, Weissman, Ball, and Daughtery in opposition and Senators Carson, Frizell, and Roberts in support (4-3).
SB 25-044 would have made possessing a qualifying controlled substance a level 4 drug felony (rather than the current misdemeanor charge).
Additionally, SB 25-044 would have classified the manufacturing or distribution of any amount of a qualifying controlled substance as a level 1 drug felony.
Ultimately, SB 25-044 would help law enforcement and prosecutors once again hold drug dealers who target children, coming-of-age-adolescents, and those suffering from addiction accountable to a punishment more reasonably fit for their crime.
Contact information for the Colorado State Senate Judiciary Committee members who opposed SB 25-044 can be found below:
Senator Julie Gonzales
303-866-4862
julie.gonzales.senate@coleg.gov
Senator Mike Weissman
303-866-4879
mike.weissman.senate@coleg.gov
Senator Matt Ball
303-866-4861
Senator Lindsey Daugherty
303-866-4840