Tranel Supports H.O.P.E Legislation to Combat Heroin Epidemic

Madison –Today, Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) voted in favor of legislation to combat the heroin epidemic in Wisconsin.   The bills passed provide additional tools in the fight against a rapidly growing and deadly problem in our state.
 
“Southwest Wisconsin has experienced the tragic consequences of the heroin epidemic firsthand,” said Tranel.  “Unfortunately, heroin abuse and heroin-related crimes are on the rise.”
 
The legislative package of bills is called, “H.O.P.E.” or Heroin Opiate Prevention and Education.  Rep. Tranel co-sponsored all four pieces of legislation:
 
AB 446, Naloxone for Overdoses. The bill allows those who are properly trained to administer naloxone, the drug used to counter the effects of an opiate overdose.  This will allow an overdose to be more quickly counteracted, potentially saving lives.  (Passed 96 to 0)
 
AB 447, 911 Good Samaritan. The bill grants limited immunity for a person who calls for help for someone who has overdosed from a controlled substance. (Passed 96 to 0)
 
AB 448, Drug Disposal Program.  The bill promotes the safe disposal of unused prescription and over-the-counter medicines by allowing for local governments to have community drug disposal programs. (Passed 96 to 0)
 
AB 445, ID for Prescription. The bill requires individuals to show proper identification when picking up certain types of narcotic/opiate prescription medications and keeps track of this record.  (Passed 96 to 0)
 
 
“These important bills give communities additional tools to deal with the heroin epidemic we are facing,” said Tranel.  “I will continue to work diligently on this issue with local law enforcement, community leaders, legislative colleagues and Governor Walker.  Today we took a positive step forward in combating this problem.”
 
The Wisconsin Department of Justice has documented the increase in the number of heroin cases by county over the last three years on its website.  The state recently kicked off a heroin awareness campaign called, “The Fly Effect.”
 
On January 27th, Rep. Tranel will be holding a law enforcement round table with, H.O.P.E legislation author, Rep.  John Nygren (R-Marinette).  The two legislators will be meeting with Grant County Sheriff Nathan Dreckman and Southwest Wisconsin law enforcement officials to discuss rural heroin abuse and other drug related challenges facing the region.