Hope you’re having a good Presidents’ Day.
A couple of weeks ago I let you know that I joined 91 of my colleagues in passing a strong fentanyl trafficking bill, which declared fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, a Schedule 1 drug and increases the penalties on dealers who sell it.
But fentanyl is not the only synthetic “designer drug” on the street. Illegal drug traffickers are constantly creating new opioid-based drugs, in part to avoid prosecution because technically the “new” drug is not on our state’s list of regulated drugs. Currently, when a new unregulated synthetic opioid shows up on the market it takes at least a month to put it on the list.
To combat this, I’ve reintroduced a bill, H. 3208, which will vastly expedite the regulation of these “designer drugs” by the S.C. Dept. of Health and Environmental Control.
My bill would allow the SCDHEC Director to immediately list the drug as regulated, allowing law enforcement to immediately crack down on its sale.
Another bill I have refiled is H. 3016, which is in response to break-ins or looting that occurred during hurricane evacuation orders. The legislation makes entering into anyone’s dwelling, during a declared State of Emergency, an upgraded charge of felony burglary in the first degree.
It was a privilege to meet with University of South Carolina President Michael Amiridis on Tuesday, which was USC Day at the State House.
On Wednesday, it was a pleasure to meet with the staff of the Black River United Way. From left to right: Koe-Yanna Pushia, Director of Volunteer Engagement; Mallory Panuelo, Program Manager; Yolanda McCray, President/CEO; and Tamera Greene, Vice President of Community Impact.
I appreciate their invaluable service to the residents of Georgetown and Williamsburg counties.
This week the full House Ways and Means Committee begins deliberations on the state budget bill. On the committee, I’ll work to ensure a fiscally conservative budget, with low taxes.
I hope you have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt