NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, has proposed legislation to protect first responders from being exposed to fentanyl and its derivatives while on duty. House Bill 143 will expand the Class C felony offense of aggravated assault against a first responder to include knowingly exposing an on-duty first responder to fentanyl or one […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, has proposed legislation to protect first responders from being exposed to fentanyl and its derivatives while on duty.
House Bill 143 will expand the Class C felony offense of aggravated assault against a first responder to include knowingly exposing an on-duty first responder to fentanyl or one of its derivatives if it results in serious bodily injury or death.
“First responders are essential to the public safety of our communities and we owe them an incredible debt of gratitude,” Zachary said. “As record numbers of Americans have died from fentanyl overdoses in recent years, we must work to keep Tennesseans safe from these dangerous drugs. This legislation seeks to further protect first responders in the Volunteer State from fentanyl exposure while they are working selflessly to protect Tennesseans.”
Two milligrams of fentanyl can cause negative health effects like trouble breathing, dizziness and possible overdose. More than 2,700 Tennesseans in 2022 died from fentanyl overdoses and more than 74,000 Americans died from synthetic opioid overdoses in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
House Bill 143 creates a mandatory minimum fine of $15,000 and a mandatory minimum sentence of 90 days in jail if convicted of violating this statute.
State Rep. Jason Zachary represents House District 14, which includes part of Knox County. He serves on the Calendar and Rules Committee, Commerce Committee, Finance, Ways and Means Committee, Ethics Committee, Appropriations and Oversight Committee and the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee.