S-0475.1
SENATE BILL 5213
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Senators McCune, Christian, Cortes, and Warnick
Prefiled 01/09/25. Read first time 01/13/25. Referred to Committee on Law & Justice.
AN ACT Relating to the possession of fentanyl; amending RCW 69.50.4013 , 9.94A.518 , and 13.40.0357 ; creating a new section; prescribing penalties; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The Washington state legislature recognizes the escalating crisis of fentanyl use, a concern underscored by alarming data and impacts in communities across the state. According to recent department of health statistics, opioid overdoses have risen dramatically since 2018, with fentanyl now being the most prevalent cause of opioid-related fatalities. Preliminary data suggests there were 662 synthetic opioid overdose deaths during the first quarter of 2024 in Washington state, a near record high.
The intent of this act is to address the public health emergency posed by fentanyl by prioritizing public safety. By categorizing the possession of fentanyl as a felony, the legislature aims to deter its illegal distribution and use. This approach seeks to reduce the availability of fentanyl on the streets and curb the associated harms, including addiction, overdose, and death.