Arizona governor signs bill to help prevent fentanyl overdoses

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signs a bill that will help prevent fentanyl overdoses by excluding products from the list of illegal drug paraphernalia.

The office of Gov. Ducey said this new bill would allow those who use drugs or suffer from addiction to identifying drugs that have been laced with fentanyl. 

“Drug use claims far too many lives each year,” said Governor Ducey. “We want everyone who is using drugs to seek professional treatment. But until someone is ready to get help, we need to make sure they have the tools necessary to prevent a lethal overdose. Senator Christine Marsh lost her son to an overdose last year, and she took the lead on today’s legislation to protect those who are taking drugs from fentanyl overdoses. My heart goes out to her for her strength and commitment to protecting other Arizona families. Thank you, Senator Marsh.” 

Gov. Ducey said deaths from fentanyl continue to rise, adding the drug implicated in the most overdose deaths in Arizona.