STATE SENATE REPUBLICANS ARE CALLING FOR PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO FIGHT CRIME, EMPOWER VICTIMS AND REDUCE FENTANYL DEATHS. 

SENATE G-O-P LAWMAKERS HAVE SEVERAL BILLS FILED ADDRESSING CRIME FROM A VARIETY OF ANGLES. THEY INCLUDE ENHANCED CHARGES FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY OF SOMEONE 60 OR OLDER AND EXPANDING THE AVAILABILITY OF FENTANYL TEST STRIPS. ANOTHER, SPONSORED BY SENATOR SALLY TURNER OF BEASON RAISES THE PENALTIES FOR SELLING DRUGS CONTAINING FENTANYL.

OTHER BILLS MAKE IT A FELONY TO THREATEN A DAYCARE FACILITY OR WORKER AND REQUIRE CORONERS TO LIST FENTANYL-RELATED DEATHS AS "FENTANYL POISONING" INSTEAD OF "FENTANYL OVERDOSE" SINCE MANY PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THEY ARE INGESTING THE DANGEROUS ADDITIVE. SENATOR STEVE MCCLURE OF SPRINGFIELD.