Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) attended a press conference in Albany on Monday to support legislation that will help combat drug crimes as well as the raging fentanyl epidemic in New York state. Bendett is hopeful the incredible turnout seen at the press conference, the testimonies from local leaders and the meaningful stories heard from families affected by the opioid and fentanyl crisis will inspire true change through constructive, hard-hitting legislation.

“The fentanyl epidemic stretching across our state and country is spiraling out of control, and it’s our duty to the families and children in our communities to put a stop to it,” said Bendett. “As a father, nothing is more important than keeping my children safe—with fentanyl deaths on the rise, the vulnerability of our children and teens is being exploited, and the safety of my children and others is being put in jeopardy.”

Bendett is proud to be a co-sponsor of each of the four influential bills discussed during the press conference and is hopeful they will make a difference for families who have suffered and criminals who should rightly be punished.

• Bill A.8383 will give local district attorneys the ability to request bail for the sale and possession of large amounts of methamphetamine, LSD and other dangerous controlled substances, and in addition, allow them to request bail for the sale or possession of any amount of fentanyl or nitazine.
• Bill A.8384, otherwise known as “Chelsey’s Law,” will hold drug dealers responsible for perpetuating the illicit drug trade by giving district attorneys the necessary tools to appropriately punish drug dealers who cause the death of another, knowing those drugs were deadly.
• Bill A.8395 will specify that the possession or use of xylazine is illegal with an exception for its use by veterinary practices to inject cattle and other nonhuman species.
• Finally, Bill A.8397 will amend the Executive Law to include certain families of victims lost to a fatal overdose for financial reimbursement/compensation under the law.

“The discussion on Monday was the first of many my Assembly colleagues and I will lead in the new year to combat this deadly epidemic and spark change. The concerned voices of residents have been heard here in Albany, and the message they’ve delivered is clear: enough is enough,” concluded Bendett.